I am a reader. I know many of you who are reading this may not be readers, but the truth is if you are in college, you are a reader. My reward for reading forced material in school is that I get to read fun books in the summer. There are so many books out there that has left an imprint on me as a person. The truth about reading is that it can help you become a better student, and helps you think for yourself. Here are 11 books that I think every college student will not only enjoy, but they will not be able to put them down.

1. "The House of the Scorpion"

This book by Nancy Farmer is a classic young adult book. It follows Matt, a young clone of a powerful drug Lord El Patrón. This book has a futuristic place setting, but with a realistic feel. Matt is a loveable character that you will be cheering on throughout the book. Let's just say, I had trouble putting this book down and it is truly fantastic.

2. "The Lord of Opium"

This is the second book to "The House of the Scorpion." We follow Matt again as he figures out his place in a a fractured society. Filled with adventure, and complicated circumstances, this book is an easy one to get caught up in. There is so much that Farmer gives you to think about, but in a way that propels you into discussions of morals, ethics and life circumstances.

3. The "Harry Potter" Series

"Harry Potter" has been known to capture the hearts of both the young and old. My favorite books out of this series has to be the very last two. It is the most exciting time in the boy wizard's life as he tries to defeat the evil Lord Voldermort. For those of us that haven't jumped on the Harry Potter wagon yet: it is not too late! J.K. Rowling writes in a way that moves you along in the story and makes you want to read more.

4. "The Glass Castle"

This book is a true memoir of Jeanette Walls. This incredible story follows Jeanette Walls as she grows up in a household that is far from ordinary. This book is very interesting, and is a good book to read to reflect on life, love and what true happiness means.

5. "Half Broke Horses"

This book is the second book written by Jeanette Walls, but instead of writing about her life she writes about her grandmothers. This book is a great story that follows Jeanette's grandmother as she makes a name for herself by becoming a teacher despite being dirt poor. This book is one of triumph despite tough times, and follows a tough lady with a courageous heart.

6. "The Great Gatsby"

This book by F. Scott Fitzgerald follows un-extraordinary Nick Carraway as his life quickly changes from being neighbors with Gatsby. Gatsby is a self-made millionaire with a lot of secrets. Full of affairs, mistrust, lies and murder this book will keep you guessing until the very end.

7. "The Giver"

"The Giver" by Lois Lowry follows Jonas in a world that has left emotions, colors and love. Instead the community stays safe with routine and control. That is until Jonas learns about love, feelings and most importantly, what the community has left behind. Jonas must now decide how to save his and his little brother's life before it is too late.

8. "Speak"

This book by Laurie Halse Anderson follows Melinda, a teenage girl with a huge secret to hide from her friends, well, that is, if everyone did not hate her already. With the traditional teen angst and the pressures of high school, this book looks at how speaking or not speaking can either hinder or hurt you. In the end, which is better to stay silent or speak up? With a positive message "Speak" is an adored book that deals with real issues and how to resolve them.

9. "Compound"

This book by S. A Bodeen follows teenager Eli. Eli is no ordinary teenager, he is the child of multimillionaire Rex Yanakakis who has decided to take his family underground, making them believe the world had perished without them. Seven-years Eli has been living in the compound blaming himself for his twin brother's destruction- as he was left on the outside. Eli realizes something though something about the outside world. He begins to wonder if the world was really destroyed or if it was alive after all. Full of thrill and excitement this book is a hard one to put down.

10. "The Fallout"

The second book to the "Compound" is hardly a disappointment. Follow along as Eli and his family finally escape the Compound, but things are far from perfect. Full of family ties, drama and thrill this book is as exciting as the last and will keep you guessing until the very end.

11. "The City Of Ember"

The city of ember is a underground city that flourishes without the need of sunlight or the moon. But when the generator that burns the city alive starts to go out everyone becomes very nervous. The food is rationed and there seems to be no plan to escape. This book by Jeanne DuPrau gives us an exciting, nerve racking, time pressured book that is full of friendship, adventure, and the world outside.

Hope you enjoyed my summer reading list!