After a long day of classes, tests, quizzes and the works, it's possible that the first thing you want to do is sit down and watch a series or two on Netflix. But maybe one marathon too many has you feeling a little unproductive! Books are a great way to get your brain thinking and spend a little free time. However, it can be SO difficult to choose a book, so I've done that for you. The following is the definitive list of 11 books that will force you to cut a chunk of time out of your busy schedule.
Bossypants by Tina Fey
This one's a no-brainer. I've read this book a total of probably 4 times at this point and it absolutely never gets old. The wonderfully hilarious and hilariously wonderful Tina Fey writes this autobiography. You'll learn some behind the scenes facts about the making of Saturday Night Live and how she got to be where she is today. It's an easy read and guarantee to make you burst out laughing, or at least smile, a time or two.
Stiff by Mary Roach
Ever wonder what actually happens to your body once it's been donated to science? This book tells the interesting tale of what truly happens to human cadavers after donation.
Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman
I feel as if I don't really have to explain how great this book was. Many people, no matter how in love with the Netflix series they are, aren't aware that this is a true story! This book is written by good ole Piper herself and gives us a behind the scene look at her year in women's prison. You'll learn more about the characters that you see come to life in the series and it'll leave you wishing she spent more time in prison so you could read more (and then taking that back because that's a terrible thing to wish upon someone).
How to Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran
This take on modern day feminism is a work of genius by the utterly fabulous and fabulously British Caitlin Moran. Her take on feminism will leave you more open minded than before while also teaching you some British slang you never knew existed.
Crank by Ellen Hopkins
The Crank book series was really popular a while back when it originally came out. However, it still deserves a place on this list. The fact that it's written in poem form (don't worry, it's not Shakespeare length sonnets) is a major turn off for some people; however, this actually makes it a really quick read. This book takes on the view of the author's daughter who struggled with drug addiction, teenage pregnancy, and just about everything in between. It's eye opening and jaw dropping, to say the least.
I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell by Tucker Max
There are few words that I can use to describe how much I love this book and its followers that complete the series. Tucker Max is truly an a**hole, but he's fully aware of this. This entire series is a collection of his hilarious tales of hook ups and mistakes, strung together by bad decisions. Tucker Max is an idol to many and hated by many more, but either way, he has truly written a funny book.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
This is an obvious one. Any John Green book will do the trick, but if you haven't read The Fault in Our Stars, read it. Don't forget to have tissues on hand too.
Fairy Tale Interrupted by RoseMarie Terenzio
This book was one of those “oh, it's only $5 and the cover is cool, might as well try it" books for me. However, it's a wonderfully written book that gives you an interesting behind the scenes look at John F Kennedy Jr.'s life through the eyes of his assistant, RoseMarie Terenzio. If you have any interest in the Kennedy family, you'll love this book. And if you don't have an interest in the Kennedy family, what're you doing with your life?
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling
If you've ever seen The Office or The Mindy Project, you know that Mindy Kaling can make any character hilarious, and her writing transfers over just as well. This autobiography is a classic “really awkward girl gets really famous" tale and will absolutely make you laugh. Plus, it's really short! So if you're not into long books, this is just the book for you. Warning: It'll probably leave you begging for more, so the length is both a blessing and a curse.
It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
This tale of teen depression and suicide is surprisingly funny, charming, and witty all at the same time. While taking on the real life problems of teenage depression, Ned Vizzini created a masterpiece, interpreting some of his own feelings into his writing. If you aren't going to read the book, at least watch the movie. It's a work of genius.
A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn
This book is perfect for the history buffs out there. It takes a real life look at the ups and downs of American history and shows that there is more to every chapter of American History than we let on. It'll leave you in awe and with a more open mind than before.
































