With the end of classes and the start of exams quickly approaching, it seems unfathomable to read something for any reason other than trying to pass a class. However, before you know it, winter break will be here and you’ll have a couple weeks to relax before next semester begins and you’re drowning in work once again. If you find yourself going stir crazy in your hometown, here are some interesting books to read for fun that I highly recommend.
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
This is one of those books that really sticks with you and that makes me cry no matter how many times I read it. The memoir was written by Dr. Paul Kalanithi as he battled stage IV lung cancer. This is a book that will make you reflect on your own life, decisions, and relationships, and is one of the saddest yet most inspiring and powerful books I have ever read.
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil DeGrasse Tyson
This is a must-read if you’re interested in space or physics! America’s favourite astrophysicist explains interesting aspects of space that you might have always wondered about, such as the formation of the universe and dark matter. It’s written in a way that’s easy to understand without a science background.
The Yoga Store Murder: The Shocking True Account of the Lululemon Athletica Killing by Dan Morse
Although this may not the most cheerful book on the list, this novel is a fascinating book if you’re interested in true crime. This book is well-written and examines the circumstances leading to a murder inside a sporting apparel store in an affluent suburb, without sensationalizing the crime.
Bridget Jones’ Diary by Helen Fielding
Bridget Jones’ Diary is a classic, light-hearted book that’s perfect to unwind with, and is better than the movie in my opinion. (I also recommend the sequel). It hilariously chronicles the struggles of work, dating, and friendships of a single woman living in London.
A Thousand Lives: The Untold Story of Jonestown by Julia Scheeres
You may have heard a lot of references to the Jonestown cult led by Jim Jones, which ended in the mass suicide of nearly 1,000 people, but not understand how this could happen and why people would become involved. This interesting read focuses on the lives of people who fell under the influence of Jones to explain his rise to power and how the Jonestown massacre occurred.