Between adjusting back to in-person classes, possibly navigating the University of Pittsburgh for the first time, and trying to meet people in an ever-present COVID-19 world, we do not usually get to experience much free time. I know that homework, classes, social obligations and attempts to get involved at school can feel overwhelming. I know that navigating a new city can feel scary and sometimes all you want to do is just lay down and take a break.Â
Well, when you are able to take those moments for yourself, I recommend not scrolling on your phone and looking at random social media posts. Sometimes it can do more harm than good to obsessively look at your phone. I know after a long day of working hard all you want to do is check your texts, emails, Snapchat, Instagram notifications, etc. However, if you can think back to a time where you have been busy all day and then finally look at your phone to find 100 message notifications from various people needing different things from you, it absolutely doesn’t feel like free time.Â
I like to turn to coloring, journaling or reading on days where all you want is to just relax. Specifically, reading can help me escape into a new world where I feel less stressed about my life. If you’re like me and love diving into a good book that can separate you from the craziness of your schedule, let these recommendations guide you to books that you can truly feel are worth your fleeting free time.Â
I should disclose that I love books with substance and deep meanings behind them. I find that reading something that lets your mind wander in a way that expands your worldly view and compassion for others leads to progress in my skills as a friend, listener and learner.Â
I recently read Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. This book has a storyline that could get anyone despite their passion, or lack thereof, of books reinvigorated. The storyline is interesting and easy to follow, while also being substantial and thought-provoking. I should mention that I’m a Legal Studies major on the Pre-Law track, and this book still made me want to read even after a long day with law books. I think everyone would enjoy this book, and it also is a quick read. I often like to describe great books as books that “read themselves,” since you can’t put it down due to how easy and engaging it is to read.Â
My favorite books of all time go hand in hand with themes: The Realm of Possibility by David Levithan and The World According to Garp by John Irving. Now, if you’ve read either one of these books, you might be wondering why I grouped them together. Despite them being many favorites, they both have a common thing: lust, connection and their impacts on society. I read The Realm of Possibility four years ago and I still think about the lessons I took from it almost every day. I feel as though part of what I value and part of the reason I love writing as much as I do is because of that book. It’s a short read, around 100 pages, and it really makes you think about life in general and how many people come into our lives for one reason or another and their lasting impacts on us. The World According to Garp was a book I read more recently, but still is a book I often acknowledge as a reason I admire language as much as I do. The theme of lust is stronger in this book, and it makes you think about what people really want in their lives. The flow of language in the book makes it easy to read, and you feel as though you know and are the characters that John Irving writes about.Â
Now, I know those are only three examples of books that are worth your time, but trust me, I will recommend more eventually. These books are for the active reader, for the person who wants to start reading again or just in general, or for someone who wants to work on thinking about things in different perspectives. I highly recommend these books if you want to actively engage in something that will better your life. Seriously.Â
In between the business of your days, you should make time to read these books… and if you do, I hope they improve the quality of your thoughts and the beauty of your days!