Back to School Books to Read
By Alex Burke
September 19th, 2024
Photo by Unsplash
One way to avoid cracking under pressure from classes and homework is to wind down with a good book. Reading for pleasure can soothe your mind and even reduce your heart rate and relax muscle tension, according to the University of Minnesota.
Picking up a book to enjoy can help college students take a break from their busy day-to-day stressors. If students are unsure about what to read or want to try a new genre, here are some popular books that will help ease into the semester.
Fiction: “These Violent Delights” by Micah Nemerever
“These Violent Delights” explores an intense, forbidden and passionate relationship between two misunderstood college students, Paul and Julian. Drawn to each other as intellectual equals, the two quickly become friends. When their friendship grows into love, they begin to feel threatened by the pressures of the outside world. Their romance quickly spirals into an all-consuming obsession. This novel will have you deeply invested until the very end and make you question the true power of human desire and the darkness it can lead one to commit.
Fantasy: “Ninth House” by Leigh Bardugo
Yale student Alex Stern finds herself immersed in the dark and twisted world of secret societies within the University. Gifted with the unique ability to see ghosts, Alex is selected to be a part of the Ninth House, which oversees the other eight magical societies on campus. When her mentor goes mysteriously missing, Alex must navigate this supernatural world and uncover the sinister secrets others have gone to great lengths to keep hidden.
Romance: “Honey & Spice” by Bolu Babalola
British University student Kiki Banjo hosts a popular student radio show that advises girls on the dangers of “situationships” and players. When Kiki is tasked with staging a fake romance with aspiring filmmaker Malakai in order to further both of their artistic careers, she must confront her previous ideas about love. “Honey & Spice” is a charming and heartfelt story about friendship, romance and identity.
Mystery: “When We Were Silent” by Fiona McPhillips
“When We Were Silent” is a powerful, compelling and dark mystery that will keep you guessing. Attending the prestigious and exclusive boarding school of Highfield Manor in Dublin, Louise Manson finds herself caught up in the mysteries and secrets within its walls. Faced with the mysterious death of a student, Louise grapples with the dark nature of her school. 30 years later, she must face this trauma once again when she is approached by a lawyer who intends to bring a lawsuit against Highfield, with Louise as a witness.
Self Help: “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear
If you’re looking for something to drag you out of your slump, “Atomic Habits” is a great read to pick up. James Clear, a leading expert in habit formation, outlines his methods for maintaining good habits that will help you achieve your goals.
If you’re looking for an escape and want to read something that is not centered around school, here are some other popular novels on other topics!
Memoir: “Everything I Know About Love” by Dolly Alderton
“Everything I Know About Love” encapsulates young adulthood but will resonate with women of any age. In this witty and heartfelt memoir, award-winning author and journalist Dolly Alderton recounts her formative life experiences. From dating, to navigating friendships, to becoming an adult, this novel is a truly authentic and relatable read.
Nonfiction: “The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women” by Kate Moore
For those who have a fascination with history, this novel covers the shocking story of one of the biggest scandals of the early 20th century. During the time when factories seemed to be everywhere in urban America, female workers in radium-dial factories suffered grisly side effects to the poisonous elements of radium. Factories tried to contain the news of these fatal chemicals, but were met with the tenacity and strength of many brave women. “The Radium Girls” highlights the courage of these women, who ultimately allowed for factory regulations to be improved and saved countless lives.
Student Pick: “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia E. Butler
Cameron King, a freshman journalism student, finds this science fiction novel interesting because,“It talks about this dystopian future of our world in 2024, but it was written in 1993”. Nominated for best novel in 1994 by the Nebula Awards, “Parable of the Sower” has withstood the test of time and continues to strike young audiences.
Even if these books aren’t for you, there’s so many genres, authors and series to explore. Whether you are an avid book reader or you occasionally glance at the books on your shelf, reading can be a fun activity to distract yourself from the everyday stresses of college life.
Picking up a book to enjoy can help college students take a break from their busy day-to-day stressors. If students are unsure about what to read or want to try a new genre, here are some popular books that will help ease into the semester.
Fiction: “These Violent Delights” by Micah Nemerever
“These Violent Delights” explores an intense, forbidden and passionate relationship between two misunderstood college students, Paul and Julian. Drawn to each other as intellectual equals, the two quickly become friends. When their friendship grows into love, they begin to feel threatened by the pressures of the outside world. Their romance quickly spirals into an all-consuming obsession. This novel will have you deeply invested until the very end and make you question the true power of human desire and the darkness it can lead one to commit.
Fantasy: “Ninth House” by Leigh Bardugo
Yale student Alex Stern finds herself immersed in the dark and twisted world of secret societies within the University. Gifted with the unique ability to see ghosts, Alex is selected to be a part of the Ninth House, which oversees the other eight magical societies on campus. When her mentor goes mysteriously missing, Alex must navigate this supernatural world and uncover the sinister secrets others have gone to great lengths to keep hidden.
Romance: “Honey & Spice” by Bolu Babalola
British University student Kiki Banjo hosts a popular student radio show that advises girls on the dangers of “situationships” and players. When Kiki is tasked with staging a fake romance with aspiring filmmaker Malakai in order to further both of their artistic careers, she must confront her previous ideas about love. “Honey & Spice” is a charming and heartfelt story about friendship, romance and identity.
Mystery: “When We Were Silent” by Fiona McPhillips
“When We Were Silent” is a powerful, compelling and dark mystery that will keep you guessing. Attending the prestigious and exclusive boarding school of Highfield Manor in Dublin, Louise Manson finds herself caught up in the mysteries and secrets within its walls. Faced with the mysterious death of a student, Louise grapples with the dark nature of her school. 30 years later, she must face this trauma once again when she is approached by a lawyer who intends to bring a lawsuit against Highfield, with Louise as a witness.
Self Help: “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear
If you’re looking for something to drag you out of your slump, “Atomic Habits” is a great read to pick up. James Clear, a leading expert in habit formation, outlines his methods for maintaining good habits that will help you achieve your goals.
If you’re looking for an escape and want to read something that is not centered around school, here are some other popular novels on other topics!
Memoir: “Everything I Know About Love” by Dolly Alderton
“Everything I Know About Love” encapsulates young adulthood but will resonate with women of any age. In this witty and heartfelt memoir, award-winning author and journalist Dolly Alderton recounts her formative life experiences. From dating, to navigating friendships, to becoming an adult, this novel is a truly authentic and relatable read.
Nonfiction: “The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women” by Kate Moore
For those who have a fascination with history, this novel covers the shocking story of one of the biggest scandals of the early 20th century. During the time when factories seemed to be everywhere in urban America, female workers in radium-dial factories suffered grisly side effects to the poisonous elements of radium. Factories tried to contain the news of these fatal chemicals, but were met with the tenacity and strength of many brave women. “The Radium Girls” highlights the courage of these women, who ultimately allowed for factory regulations to be improved and saved countless lives.
Student Pick: “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia E. Butler
Cameron King, a freshman journalism student, finds this science fiction novel interesting because,“It talks about this dystopian future of our world in 2024, but it was written in 1993”. Nominated for best novel in 1994 by the Nebula Awards, “Parable of the Sower” has withstood the test of time and continues to strike young audiences.
Even if these books aren’t for you, there’s so many genres, authors and series to explore. Whether you are an avid book reader or you occasionally glance at the books on your shelf, reading can be a fun activity to distract yourself from the everyday stresses of college life.