One of my favorite things to do in the summer is read. It’s such a calming activity and can really enrich your mind and your soul if you let it. As college students, or anyone around our age, we are constantly on the go during the semester–leaving no time for reading for pleasure. Some people hate reading and some people love it. No matter what kind of reader you are, you should pick up one of these popular books and try it out!

1. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Published in 2012, this romantic novel is getting a lot of attention before the movie comes out on June 3^rd, 2016. The novel follows the story of Will Traynor who becomes paralyzed after a motorcycling accident and his relationship with caretaker Louisa Clark.

2. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

If you're looking for a book you can't put down, this novel by Paula Hawkins is filled with suspense and perfect for any summer day. Similar to the feel of Gone Girl, The Girl on the Train is told from the point of view of three different women involved in a crime in London, England.

3. The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan

This book is a collection of essays and stories written by Marina Keegan that were gathered after she died, 5 days following her graduation from Yale University. Keegan's words are inspiring and she has become a writing icon for our generation, if you haven't read this yet you should. It's a quick read and well worth it.

4. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

A classic story about a young man visiting his old professor from college, Morrie, who is dying of a terminal illness. This true story will pull at your heart strings and give you lessons about life you'll never forget.

5. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

If you're in need of some serious inspiration, you should check out Jen Sincero's book about "How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life". While it may sound like a cliche self-help book, her funny stories and advice are valuable for living and creating the life you want to live.

6. Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walters

If you are a lover of books and history, this beautifully crafted novel written from multiple perspectives over the course of fifty years is a perfect beach read. By just looking at the Italian coastline on the cover itself, you can see the charm and beauty that the novel holds.

7. The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls

A memoir about a young girl's life growing up with adventurous nomad parents filled with hilarious and reckless stories.

8. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

This novel set in France during World War II captures the essence of the war through the eyes of two sisters who are faced with choices about survival and power. It's very well written and gives an interesting perspective of World War II with a beautiful story interwoven throughout.

9. The Vacationers by Emma Straub

This book is exactly what you would expect from a beach read. This simple and somewhat cliche novel about a family vacationing in Mallorca, Spain will keep you turning the pages to see what happens to them when underlying secrets come to the surface.

10. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Americanah follows the life of Ifemelu, a Nigerian immigrant living in America, as she faces hardships regarding race and identity while trying to make a successful life for herself.

11. The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George

George's novel about a man named Monsieur Perdu who sells and prescribes books for healing purposes is perfect for any book lover. Following along this literary journey will spark your love of books and your inner wanderlust.

12. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

Another novel set during World War II, this beautiful story of a young blind French girl and a German solider will keep you fascinated this summer.