Book Suggestions From Your Favorite HC Chapter

Reading is one of my all-time favorite hobbies, and especially during the cold weather, all I want to do is curl up with a great book. Luckily, I’m not the only one. Below is a gathering of what to consider reading this season, curated by yours truly, our Her Campus Simmons E-Board.

     1. Modern Lovers, by Emma Straub  

 Recommended by: Kathryn Prouse, Senior Editor

 Genres: Fiction, Contemporary  

Engrossing, dramatic and hilarious, Modern Lovers tells the story of three college friends in adulthood still struggling to hang onto their youth. All now have children of their own, and soon have to cope with their offspring growing up together. Soon, revelations about the past and their friendship begin to unravel.

     2. Sharp Objects, by Gillian Flynn

 Recommended by: Catelyn Kimball, Events Director

 Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

Timely considering the recent critically-acclaimed adaptation on HBO, Sharp Objects is a psychological thriller and mystery that emits all the spooky vibes you crave during the fall season. The plot revolves around Chicago reporter Camille, who is sent back to her small hometown in Missouri to report on the recent case of a missing girl, and another girl’s murder the previous year. However, having a damaged relationship with her family and friends in her hometown, this is not the easiest task. Catelyn loved digging into the inner-workings of Camille’s mind, all while the mystery, and all of its twists and turns, unfolded in front of her.  

     3. Vicious, by V.E. Schwab

 Recommended by: Julia Hansen, Marketing Director

 Genres: Science fiction, fantasy

Vicious is dark twist on a classic superhero story, making it another perfect spooky choice for fall. College roommates work together to develop scientific experiments leaving humans with superpower abilities. However, when the experiments go wrong, the friendship goes awry, and years later the two are both set for revenge. This is a riveting novel that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

     4. The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas  

 Recommended by: Esha Shafiq, Diversity Chair

 Genres: Young Adult Fiction, Contemporary

Another recent film-to-screen adaption, this YA novel is the timely social commentary on our current societal state that we all need. After traumatically witnessing the police shooting of her unarmed childhood friend, 16-year-old Starr is left to deal with the aftermath. Victim to police brutality and raging false headlines, Starr must decide whether or not to challenge her endeavors.

     5. Claire (Ghosts in the Burbs, Vol One), by Liz Sower

 Recommended by: Kelly Biondo, Social Media Director

 Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Paranormal

Another spooky season favorite, and written by Simmons alum Liz Sower, Claire tells the story of haunted town Wellesley. The book is comprised of real interviews with Wellesley residents as they share their haunted experiences. Claire is an extension of Liz’s acclaimed podcast, Ghosts in the Burbs, so if you still can’t get enough ghost stories, be sure to check them both out.

     6. My Not So Perfect Life, by Sophie Kinsella

 Recommended by: Myself (Alyssa Williamson), Co-Chapter Correspondent aka President

 Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

As a senior getting closer to graduation (and true adulthood) every day, I could not relate more to this book. The story revolves around recent graduate Katie as she struggles through a quarterlife crisis while trying to navigate and adapt to life as a working girl in the city – she is far from the perfect life she’d been romanticizing for years, that of which she sees constantly in others. This read was not only personally timely, but also hilarious, and the exact reality check I desperately needed. At the same time, however, it gave me so much hope, excitement and inspiration for the future to come.

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