Reading is a common (and highly enjoyable) hobby, but during the semester, when occupied by school, homework, and extra obligations, it’s hard to find the time or energy to put into reading for fun— reading for classes may leave you feeling like pushing off that to-be-read list until break. The last thing many of us want to do when getting home after a long, draining day of classes and social obligations is try and get into a hefty fantasy novel; it’s just not feasible in the thick of things. Here’s a list of quick reads that’ll keep you interested and prevent you from exhausting yourself with a long fantasy book or intense memoir, and help you keep working towards your reading goal! As always, if any of these sound like they might be difficult for you to get through, check the content warnings first.
- A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
This suspenseful young adult mystery by Holly Jackson will keep you on the edge of your seat; with unexpected twists, exciting writing, and crafted documents like police reports and interview logs scattered throughout, it’s impossible to put down. Pippa Fitz-Amobi is working to crack a cold case for her senior project, and when she starts uncovering secrets in her town, it starts to feel real- both because of the details she’s finding, and the threats she receives as she gets closer and closer to the reality of what happened. It’s the first in a series, but ends in a resolution, so you won’t feel the pressure to pick up the next two, and it’s a quick read that you’ll be able to check off your list. If you’re a mystery/thriller fan, give this one a try!
- Malibu Rising
Taylor Jenkins Reid is an author whose work is well known for a reason; Malibu Rising, a novel told in dual timeline about June Riva and her children, is another page turner that you won’t want to put down. June’s story is told over the course of several years, in the past, and the four Riva siblings’ stories are told over the course of one day: the day of their annual party, where secrets come out and everyone craves an invite. With family drama, the woes of celebrity life, and writing that immerses you fully into the story, this one is perfect after a long day; it’ll give you a break from thinking about school and work, and won’t feel tedious at all.
- Love and Gelato
This is a sweet young adult romance set in Italy, following Lina as she spends the summer with a father she’s only just found out about. With tourist destinations, new friendships, and a possible love interest, Lina warms up to Italy more than she expected, and experiences an adequate amount of drama and some incredible memories. It’s a very quick read, with summery vibes to help you through the winter blues (or, you could put this on your list for spring break, April, or May, when it’s actually warm again), and refreshingly easy to get through after a day of class, work, and club meetings.
- Last Chance Books
This young adult rom com by Kelsey Rodkey follows a girl named Madeline who’s trying desperately to save her family’s bookstore that’s in danger of going out of business. She’s had her life planned out: college, degree, and running the store, but when a chain relocates to the space across the street, Madeline has to draw in business however she can— and of course, there’s drama, a crush, and some hilarious moments tossed in to create the perfect low-stakes read for the busy months. If you consider yourself a bookworm (as Madeline does), this one is perfect!