As a current college student, I love reading novels that take place in the campus setting for relatability. Here are three books I recommend if you feel the same! TRIGGER WARNING: Please be aware that these books have mentions of sexual assault, addiction, and violence.
- The Secret History by Donna Tartt
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Set in a 1980s college town of Hampden, Vermont, Donna Tartt’s The Secret History is perfect for Arts and Humanities majors. Read through the eyes of narrator Richard Papen, as he reflects back to the web of intrigue and secrets revealed to him after joining a group of mysterious students. Detailing the timeline of events leading up to the murder of one of their friends, Bunny Corcoran, this book is great for lovers of the classics and the dark academia aesthetic. These six friends quote Greek proverbs at each other, stay up late studying, and survive solely off of coffee and alcohol – the basics of any college student. Mentored by their peculiar professor, they question the definitions of beauty and death as they spiral deep into the drama and tragedy that life has to offer.
I’d heard many good reviews about The Secret History, and decided to pick it up, not knowing it was going to be one of my favorite books to this day. Having never read anything like it before, I was surprised by Tartt’s purposeful writing style the most. She offers glimpses into the characters’ lives that we don’t normally read, little details that might seem insignificant but really add to the personality of the book. I have a love-hate relationship with the characters because while I deeply care for them and envy the freedoms they possess, I am also aware of how problematic they are. Some of them have unsettling qualities, but it makes them human. There is a lack of racial diversity within the novel, and it shows the privilege of wealthy, white students. Overall, I recommend this book to those who enjoy classic literature and a good reverse-murder mystery.
- Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi
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Honestly, the pretty pink cover of Emergency Contact urged me to buy it. No matter how often people spout “don’t judge a book by its cover,” I still appreciate alluring artwork. Geared towards readers starting off their college career, Mary H.K Choi’s debut novel stars Penny and Sam, an unlikely pair whose friendship blossoms through their strictly texting-only conversations. Dealing with demons such as Penny’s overbearing mother and Sam’s odd situation with his ex, the two find solace as each other’s “emergency contacts.” Paragraphs of dry humor, silly messages, and truthful encounters litter the pages. Despite the bitter moments that pop up throughout the novel, the sweet ones are worth the wait.
I read this book just before entering college when it came out in 2018. As I get older, I feel the urge to draw away from YA books, and instead, flip through ones that take place in college or beyond. This was a great transitional read from high school to college, and it helped to crack open the door of campus life. Penny’s roommate is completely opposite of her, yet they get along in their own ways. The struggles of being a Korean American are present – as she encounters microaggressions in her daily life – but she always takes the chance to stand up for herself. Sam is trying to figure out where he fits in, as he needs to choose to move on from his past relationship or remain in the past. These characters are realistic and not without their faults, but hopefully, you can come to love Penny and Sam just like me!
- Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
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In a slightly similar vein as The Secret History, if only for the darker vibes it gives off, Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo takes readers to the fantasy side of college-set novels. Taking place at Yale University, Bardugo creates elite, hidden societies on campus. Magic, the occult, and ghosts are common themes that the main character Galaxy “Alex” Stern must deal with, as she’s tasked with keeping an eye on the doings of the various societies. But why would Yale give a high school dropout and former drug user a full-ride scholarship? Readers can switch back and forth between past and present timelines as Alex uncovers secrets that were meant to remain unseen by her prying eyes.
Having read Bardugo’s other series before Ninth House came out, I was extremely excited to see that this novel featured a twenty-year-old main character with an edgy attitude. On top of the fantasy/contemporary setting, the expectations of Yale’s culture are worked in perfectly. Alex doesn’t shy away from reminding other characters of their wealth and privilege, as she grew up as a poor person of color. Follow along as she tries to heal from mistakes and trauma in her past. I’d recommend this book to anyone who enjoys twists and watching characters become stronger within themselves.
The Secret History, Emergency Contact, and Ninth House are some of my favorite books centered around college life. If these summaries piqued your interest, then I recommend giving them a shot!