If there’s one thing college bookworms know to be true, it’s that when you’re constantly trying to keep up with class readings, there’s hardly any time to read the books you actually want to. But, now that summer is almost here, you can finally take the time sit back, relax and crack open a good book. Here are seven must-read titles for collegiettes to pick up this summer.
1. Leave Your Mark by Aliza Licht
In her debut book, Aliza Licht, formerly known as @DKNYPRGIRL, gives a tell-all tour of how she went from miserable med student to public relations all-star for Donna Karan New York. From finding your passion and making it happen, to writing a kick-ass resume and networking like a pro, this book has everything a career-minded college woman needs. Before the first chapter even ends, you’ll already be feeling like Licht is your best friend, mentor, and spirit animal all in one.
2. I Am That Girl by Alexis Jones
College is hard and finding a passion you can pursue with purpose while remaining true to yourself can be the toughest part. This book is 240 pages of guidance, giggles and most importantly, girl power. A reminder that we’re all in this together and you are enough, I Am That Girl is full of everything we need to hear.
3. Lean In For Graduates to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg
Facebook’s Chief Operating Officer, Sheryl Sandberg’s book Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead, was a raging success, and is now available for the next generation of leading women. Sandberg shares insight on how to land your first job, get what you want in the workplace and stay true to your values and beliefs every step of the way. Want a little preview of what Sandberg has to say? Check out her TEDx Talk here.
4. Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes
While we’re all still angry with Shonda for killing off our favorite Grey’s Anatomy doctor, it appears she redeemed herself with this New York Times Best Seller. While sweatpants, wine and Netflix are hard to say no to, Rhimes shows us that accepting the invite and stepping out of our box may be even more important than we thought.
5. Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay
Love the color pink and gangster rap? Hey, that’s okay, no judgement here. A trailblazer for inclusion and intersectionality, Roxane Gay reclaims feminism for everybody with this compilation of witty, personal and ever engaging essays on how we can all embrace our “bad feminist.” Before buying, you can listen in on what Gay is saying about feminism here.
6. Werk 101: Get-Your-Life-Together Guide
As if the title doesn’t say it all? As the semester comes to an end, you may be ready to let loose, so set this one aside for August. Werk 101 will give you the motivation and tough love you need to get your shit together before fall semester, and make it your best one yet.
7. Euphoria by Lily King
Get lost in a twisted love triangle that’s hot in more ways than one, especially since it’s set in the tropics of New Guinea. Not to mention, this novel follows a bad-ass anthropologist just trying to do her thing while two men fawn helplessly for her attention. An exotic, romantic and unpredictable read, to say you’ll be left in “euphoria” is an understatement.
Obviously, you won’t spend every minute of summer with your nose in a book. There will be parties to go to, friends to see and hours of sleep to catch up on, but for those days when you’re laying by the pool or sitting at the airport, put down your phone and pick up one of these books…you won’t regret it!