Summer is just around the corner and after a long, cold Chicago winter, it’s time to relax with a good book that you don’t have to write a five-page analysis on. Wip out that Kindle or walk to Barnes & Noble before you head home this summer to pick up one of these books that are sure to help you wind down.
For the Plane
Whether you’re a native coast-er flying home from school or taking a vacation across the pond, it can be difficult to pick the right in-flight book. Here are 2 fast reads that are sure to help pass the time
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon
Christopher John Francis Boone lives off of patterns and rules. When his neighbor’s dog is killed, his carefully constructive universe is threatened. This logically thinking savant will take on the role of Sherlock Holmes and attempt to solve the mystery.
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Catch up with the story of Beatrice, played by Shailene Woodley in the box-office hit based off this book, and her adventures through a dystopian Chicago. Roth is a fellow Wildcat so let’s show her some love. (Already read Divergent? You’re in luck, there are two other books in this series: Insurgent and Allegiant)
For the Beach/Pool-side
Now I know not all of us are going to be reaching for that philosophical read as we lounge by the beach or pool. If you’re looking for some fun, sometimes cheesy, I-would-never-be-caught-reading-this-at-Northwestern reads this summer, throw one of these books in your beach bag.
The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks
Ready for another one of Sparks’ tear jerkers? We’ve all either read or seen the Notebook and A Walk to Remember, and who could forget Miley’s role in The Last Song. Sparks takes us back to the format of his first novel, The Notebook. Read the remarkable story of two couples that have little in common, but whose lives converge in an unsuspecting way.
Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
Get to know Auden and Eli, two lonely teenagers that just happen to be in the same beach town. Auden burdened by her parents inability to co-exist without fighting and Eli carrying the guilt he feels for the death of a friend, they both need each other and a carefree summer to learn how to connect with people again.
Before They Hit the Big Screen
Want to be “that kid” that read the book before the movie came out so you can compare the film to its printed counterpart? Check out these books that are coming to theater in 2014.
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
This non-fiction tale is of Strayed herself and her remarkable hike across the Pacific Coast Trail in California. In the wake of a recent divorce, the death of her mother and an overall sense of losing control, Strayed drops everything to begin this incredible hike.
Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
This dark mystery novel is about a girl named Libby Day. When she was 7 years old, her mother and sister were murdered and it was her trial testimony that sent her own brother to jail for life. At 25 she takes another look at what really happened that night.
Pulitzer Prize Winners
Not one to indulge in some fluffy reading? Not a problem, these books are written by Pulitzer Prize winning authors, so you know they’re bound to be good.
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon
This is the story of two cousins. Joe is an artist that has just escaped a Nazi-invaded Prague, and his cousin Sammy is looking for a partner to help him create comic books. Together they draw on their fears to create heroes and villains, inspired by a beautiful woman that has ties to both men. Through them we get a story about American romance and possibility
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junto Díaz
Oscar Wao is a romantic at heart and dreams of being the next J.R.R. Tolkein. Unfortunately, the Wao’s have been cursed by the fukú for generations leading them to imprisonment, torture and ill-starred love. Oscar is just the latest of its victims–until he decides to be the last.