11 Books Every College Student Should Read | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

11 Books Every College Student Should Read

These are the essentials to get you through your four years at a university.

425
11 Books Every College Student Should Read
uglydogbooks.com

In college, it's so easy to get in the habit of binge-watching netflix and completely forget about how much fun reading can be. If you're anything like me, you always intend to read, but fail to actually sit down and choose a book. Let this list guide and inspire you to choose a book that all college students should read by the time they graduate.

1. Unbowed by Wangari Maathai

Written by Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai, this book is an amazing read. In this memoir, Maathai recounts her life in Kenya, and how a girl who grew up with virtually nothing became a world-famous innovator and leader. Read if: You enjoy books with environmental themes, tales of girl power, or wish to learn about other cultures.

2. Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer

One of my all-time favorite books, Krakauer turns a non-fiction into an incredible adventure. Telling the story of Chris McCandless, Krakauer takes the reader on a journey through Alaska, as well as through life post-grad. Read if: You have incurable wanderlust, an interest in hiking and survival, or need to escape the mundane 'adult world' for a few moments.

3. I Am Malala by Christina Lamb and Malala Yousafzai

An incredible story of courage, perseverance, and real change. Malala Yousafzai was shot in the face by The Taliban, but continued to fight for education and empowerment. Read if: You are interested in the Middle East, educational issues, or strong women.

4. Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult

Jodi Picoult is an incredible author with a knack for telling stories from all perspectives. This book in particular deals with a hot topic: School shootings. Read if: You need a good cry, a book that will challenge all of your thoughts and ideas, or to gain a new perspective.

5. Humans of New York: Stories by Brandon Stanton

We've all seen Humans of New York on Facebook. The famous photographer who causes us to laugh, cry, rejoice, and grieve with virtual strangers has now come out with a book highlighting some of the most interesting stories he has come across. Read if: You need to regain faith in humanity, you feel disconnected from everyone around you, or you feel alone.

6. Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom

A memoir by Mitch Albom, the author reminds us to cherish the people important to our success. He reconnects with his favorite college professor when he discovers the professor is dying. Read if: You have taken someone for granted, you need a heartwarming story, or you could use some life advice.

7. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

This story is about a missionary family that moves from Georgia, USA, to the Belgian Congo. It is suspenseful, heartbreaking, and beautifully written. Read if: You enjoy historical dramas, books told from multiple points of view, or want to challenge your own faith and beliefs.

8. The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How To Make The Most Of Them Now by Meg Jay

Although the title is a mouthful, this book is definitely worth the read. Would it really be a list for college students if it didn't acknowledge how terrifying your twenties can be? This is a self-help book that give us tools to use our twenties wisely. Read if: You're worried about life after graduation, life in college, or life in general. This one is for all of you experiencing the quarter-life crisis.

9. The Awakening by Kate Chopin

Although definitely an older book, don't rule out The Awakening. Set in New Orleans, this book uses interesting characters to discuss feminism and social norms (yes, all the way back in 1899!) Read if: You tend to like 'the classics', themes of feminism, and quick reads.

10. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

Set in Pre-Colonial Nigeria, this book discusses the trials and clashes of colonialism and traditional ways. Although most of us cannot relate to the struggles of Nigerians being colonized, we can take lessons from this book on family, culture, and compromise and apply it to our own lives. Read if: You are feeling out of control, you are interested in historical fiction, or you would like to learn more about a different culture.

11. This Side Of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald

This novel follows a character as he graduates from Princeton and enters the real world. He has always lived a privileged life, and is shocked when the real world isn't quite like he imagined. This is unfortunately something most of us will experience in a few short years. Read if: You enjoyed The Great Gatsby, you are apprehensive about entering the real world, or you want to examine your own privilege.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

196195
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

18442
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460547
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28138
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments