As the weather gets cooler, there’s nothing more satisfying than cuddling up to a good book with a nice, warm cup of coffee or hot chocolate in hand. With millions of good books out there, it might be hard to decide what to add to your reading list. Here is a list of six books that you will love, depending on your mood for the day:
1) “How the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
For those days when you want a good mystery
This book, which will keep you on your toes from start to finish, tells the story of Kya, a young girl who lives in the Outer Banks. At the age of 6, she is abandoned by her mom and she needs to learn to survive, creating a bond with nature and her surroundings. As the years pass, two young men come into town and are mesmerized by her beauty. However, they are both murdered and Kya is the main suspect. If this plot interests you, I highly suggest you check out this book — you won’t be able to put it down.
2) “Tell Me Three Things” by Julie Buxbaum
For when you’re feeling romantic
If you are in your feelings, this novel that follows the ups and downs of high school romance will be the best pick for you. This sweet novel tells the story of Jessie, a girl who moves from Chicago to Los Angeles and is forced to attend a prestigious prep school in Los Angeles after her father marries a woman he met online. There, Jessie begins an online friendship with an anonymous person, who helps her navigate life in this news school. This friendship soon turns to romance, as Jessie starts to develop feelings for this person. The only problem? She has no clue who they are.
3) “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coehlo
For when you’re searching for the meaning of life
Do you have those days when you are just questioning life? Trust me, I’ve been there, too. As college students, it can be hard to know what we want. This book was actually recommended to me during a time when I was dealing with a lot of pressure and anxiety and let me tell you — it changed my life. The story, which follows Santiago’s journey to the Egyptian pyramids, teaches you that you are capable of doing everything you set your mind to, despite the challenges that life might throw your way. Fear is the only thing that’s stopping you from achieving your goals and following your dreams.
4) “Normal People” by Sally Rooney
For when you just want to have a good cry
I first heard of this novel after I saw that it was being adapted into a Hulu series and so I bought it before watching the show. I was in a puddle of tears within the first few chapters. Not only is the love story between Connell and Marianne so genuine, but the description of life in rural Ireland is so good that it will make you feel like you’re right there with them, experiencing every heartbreak that they go through. If you’re in the mood for a good cry, I highly suggest you read this novel, it will have you in tears, in the best way possible.
5) “Dune” by Frank Herbert
For when you just need an escape from reality
For when you just need an escape from reality Considered one of the best sci-fi novels of all time, Dune has one of the most unique plots I’ve ever read. Set in the year 10,191, this novel tells the story of a boy who lives in Arrakis, a planet that, like many others, has been colonized by humans. I don’t want to give out too many spoilers, but let me just warn you, this book will take you on a journey that is beyond anything you could imagine — your mind will be blown away by all of the different alternate universes and technological advances. I highly suggest you read this book if you love sci-fi novels and need an escape from the stress of everyday life.
Keep reading, collegietes!