Yes, I get it. You’re a busy coed with hours of studying, multiple classes, and extracurricular commitments. You haven’t had time to read for pleasure since the eighth grade. Maybe you wistfully gaze at your bookshelf from time to time, tempted to skip just one class to catch up on the book you started over winter break, or maybe you’ve never been much of a bookworm. No matter what your situation, I firmly believe you can benefit by setting aside some time for yourself once in a while to unwind and lose yourself in the book of your choice. While there are unlimited possibilities, I’ve compiled a list of a few classic books that I believe are must-reads for college women.
1. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. This book, believed to be based on the life of the author herself, follows Esther Greenwood- a beautiful, successful, and educated young women living in New York City for the summer- as she navigates life with a mental illness. Her downward spiral is gradual and even relatable, detailing the way young women struggling with depression feel. This beautifully written novel is a must-read for anyone who wants to immerse herself in a stunningly authentic and articulate story.
2. Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote. This novella is a quick and an easy read that captures feelings of glamour and mystery in an overall lighthearted narrative. Anyone who has seen the movie will not be disappointed by this account of 19-year-old Holly Golightly’s whirlwind life in New York City in the 1940s, as told by one of her many admirers.
3. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. Translated from Russian, most copies of this book consist of about 800 pages. While the length may be daunting, the writing style is simple and flows easily, making this book a quicker read than most would expect. This is a perfect place to start if you’re hoping to delve into classic European literature, or simply looking for a story that flawlessly intertwines romance, drama, and tragedy.
4. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. This acclaimed novel has long been considered a classic- and with good reason. A thorough and compelling plot follows the lives of the residents of Wuthering Heights and Thrushcross Grange as told to a new inhabitant of the property. This book is the quintessence of classic literature- tales of love and betrayal written in a gothic style and overflowing with quoteworthy lines and beautiful imagery.
5. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. Now a popular show on Hulu, this remarkably well-written and thought-provoking novel is a necessity for the modern woman. Offred speaks of life in the dystopian society that once was the United States of America in which women are severely oppressed. Whether you’re a women’s studies major or merely a fan of dystopian literature, this book is for you.