I absolutely love to read. Ever since I was a little kid I've loved nothing better than curling up with a good book. Lately, between college classes, rehearsals, and socializing, I feel like I don't have enough time to read. But luckily, now that spring break is here, I'm going to have some time to get my reading fix. If you love reading as much as I do, here are some books to add to your list.
1. A Non-Fiction Book
If you're like me, you often overlook the books in the nonfiction section of the store. After all, reading is supposed to take you outside of reality, right? I'm not denying that some nonfiction books sound a little too much like textbooks (the last thing I want to read over spring break), but some are extremely interesting and well written. On my list is Hidden Figures, the book that inspired the Oscar nominated film.
2. A Classic
While for some the classics might draw up images of tedious literature classes, in truth classic books are classics for a reason. They're easy to find (many are free through iBooks!) and really amazing reads. Try rereading (or reading for the first time) a book assigned from high school English class. You'll find it's a much nicer read when it's not being paired with assignments. If you're not sure what to try, pick up 1984. It's feeling especially modern right now thanks to Kelly Anne Conway's "alternative facts" statement.
3. A Mystery
Mysteries are always exciting and fun. Whenever I read them I keep a notebook handy and write down everything I think might be important to see if I can figure out the case before any of the other characters. It's like trying to solve a puzzle. Check out And Then There Were None (or any book by Agatha Christie) or, for something more modern, Gone Girl.
4. A Girl-Power Book
Girl-power books are great for everyone, not just women, and with the success of the Women's March and International Women's Day, they're especially relevant. Women are strong and powerful, and it's great to read books that celebrate that. If you liked The Hunger Games trilogy as a teenager, try The Handmaid's Tale. It's much more grownup, but also features a strong female character in an oppressive dystopian society. And, Hulu is adapting it into a television show premiering later this spring.
5. Your Best Friend's Favorite Book
Last spring I went through a phase where I asked all of my friends what their favorite books were. I made them all into a list (which I'm still trying to get through). It's so much fun! You get to know a person so much better when you read their favorite book, not to mention that they'll be thrilled that you took their suggestion. A new good book and a better friendship? Sounds like a win-win situation to me.