It’s that dreaded time of the year again. The part of the semester where an impossible amount of last-minute midterms, group projects, and papers are expected within the span of a week and leisure time becomes a thing of the past. One of the things I miss the most during finals week is having the freedom to read what I want outside of the confines of textbooks. Here are some books I recommend once the stress of finals has passed and you are trying to dump out all the information you crammed into your brain this semester.
Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
Intelligent, witty, and charming Elizabeth will honestly become one of your all-time favorite characters. Beyond Lizzie (who is honestly goals), the rest of the characters are sure to make you laugh throughout the novel, and the ending will definitely make you smile.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams
The first in a series of novels, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy pokes fun at human nature in the context of space travel. If you are like me, you will find yourself identifying a bit too closely to poor, clueless, human Arthur Dent as he is dragged through a series of increasingly ridiculous situations. This book is a quick, easy read that is sure to raise your spirits while you wait for grades to come out.
Men Explain Things to Me – Rebecca Solnit
This book is actually a collection of seven essays pertaining to the issues that come up in conversations between men and women. This book is an easy read but also very informative. If you would like to see a more in-depth review of this book, click here to see the review I wrote a few months ago!
The Road—Cormac McCarthy
This marks the area in the list where the reading choices get a bit darker. If you are looking for a more lighthearted story, The Road, is NOT for you! The Road follows the journey of a father and son as they navigate a post-apocalyptic world in search of safety. Just to warn you, the organization of this book makes it so that you are likely to read the entire book in one to two sittings, so definitely wait until after finals to begin this one!
A Thousand Splendid Suns – Khaled Hosseini
This is one my favorite books of all time, but it is sure to make you cry. The story follows the friendship of two women in Afghanistan during political upheaval, showing that hope and love exist in even the worst situations.
Collegiettes, we have almost made it to the end of the semester! Just a little while longer before we can begin the task of forgetting everything we absorbed this semester through a good book. Good luck with all your end of the semester insanity!