I'll preface this list by saying this: I have been an avid reader all my life. Books have always been like a second family to me, they act as my escape from reality. That being said, I believe there are a few essential novels that every college student should read. These books range in difficulty, but are all worth the read regardless.
1. "The Perks of Being A Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky
This is the ultimate how-to book. How to survive high school. How to survive your first kiss. How to survive life. Although many of you have probably seen the movie by now, I strongly recommend reading this book. My first time reading this book was in seventh grade, and I will admit without shame that I have read it on at least 10 other occasions since then. Perks teaches you a new lesson every time you pick it up. It provides you with a better understanding of the world around you, along with amazing perspective on the very different but very real struggles everyone around you faces each day. I am confident that everyone who reads this book can find a character to relate to. You will learn more about yourself than you ever thought was possible from a novel.
2. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
While this book is often considered an academic novel, it is one of the most entertaining and enlightening books I have read (yes, I have read this one on more than one occasion too). Gatsby is the ultimate love story. Boy falls for girl. Boy puts girl on pedestal. Boy tries the rest of his life to win girl over. This novel captures the 1920's in a whirlwind of lust, passion, romance, and extraordinary luxury. It teaches the story of how love blinds you and that people are not always as perfect as you want to believe. Gatsby also incorporates several other notable realizations all within an extravagant world of lavishness. Reading this takes you to a whole new world within your own imagination.
3. "The Prince of Tides" by Pat Conroy
This is the first Pat Conroy novel I ever read, which is why I'm recommending it; however, I strongly suggest reading any of his novels, all of which are incredible. "The Prince of Tides" is a special book - it speaks volumes about the effects childhood has on the rest of your life. Family life, siblings, domestic relationships - this book has it all. It's filled with trauma and raw emotion, but includes an underlying silver lining of hope. The plot centers around a man who must help his suicidal sister by reliving their dramatic childhood. Definitely a book that will make you think critically.
4. "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls
Another novel that addresses the effects of childhood on your adult life; "The Glass Castle" depicts the struggles of a family who is constantly on the move, never fully supported by their parents, and constantly encountering roadblocks. It teaches that hope must always prevail, and demonstrates that sometimes you must do what's best for you rather than others. This book illustrates love, hate, hope, and fear all in one.
These novels are all truly one of a kind. Together, they have all had an impact on my life. They teach life lessons, help you feel hidden emotions, and remain in your memory for good. I promise that if you read these novels, you will continue to reference them for the rest of your life. Look no future for truths about love, family, honesty, fear, disappointment, and determination for every college student. They provide us with a sense that we are not alone and that we can all succeed.
