There's a reason why your high school English teacher forced you to read (or SparkNote) so many of the classics in school—their themes are the foundation of modern literature.

But if you're like me, it feels more like a chore to crack open a Shakespeare novel than a fun pastime during your three months in the sun. And even though you might be thinking you don't want to read another word until school starts again in the fall, reading is so important for countless reasons, regardless of the season.

Each summer I write a list for myself of at least five books with important lessons, while still being enjoyable reads, to complete before the next semester. If nothing else, you'll feel a greater sense of accomplishment when you're finished with a reading list than when you finish a Netflix binge. Here are some possible contenders for your summer reading challenge.

1. "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

This is a perfect book to add to your list because it is philosophical and easy to read. You won't find yourself looking up words in the dictionary as you read this book—the story itself will impress you, not the diction. You'll follow the life of Pi, a young boy who is stranded on a boat with a tiger, a hyena, a zebra, and a chimpanzee. Not only is the book packed with action and adventures, but its heavy symbolism and themes about relationships, family, morality, and society will challenge your thoughts during these relaxed three months. I liked this book until the ending- then I loved it (can't say anything more without spoiling it!)

2. "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls

If you've ever thought that your family was as dysfunctional as it could get, Jeannette can probably top it. Her parents were so caught up in their own irrational beliefs and false realities that they proved to be neglectful and unreliable parents as she grew up. All throughout her childhood, her father promised to build her and her siblings a glass castle, but she grew to realize that she would never see that become a reality, and had to take her life into her own hands. And since this memoir is based on a true story, it makes the themes of overcoming hardships and working hard for your dreams all the more salient.

3. "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote

Maybe I'm easily scared, but this book terrified me to my core in high school. The "true story" focuses on the murders of an entire family in Kansas, and primarily explores the unknown motivation for the actions of the two murderers. Investigators could identify no cause for such a brutal and meaningless crime, but much of this book explores possible reasons. This novel will give you a glimpse at the dark realities that followed the postwar America, and change your way of viewing the people around yourself.

4. "Lord of The Flies" by William Golding

Picture a group of young boys stranded on an uninhabited island with no adult supervision, and you have the setup for a great story. This book has its dark moments- violence, death, and revolution- largely because the author uses the group of boys as a small scale example of life in a divided society. He underscores the importance of having a truly good leader, thinking clearly and critically in times of crisis, compromising, and (most importantly) retaining your humanity and compassion throughout life's most challenging moments. You'll become invested in the characters and will be left wanting more at the end.

5. "The Odyssey" by Homer

I admit that this one may be a harder sell than the previous novels in this list. But don't let the age of this epic poem dissuade you from giving it a fair chance. Its theme of finally returning home is one that is still incredibly relatable today, and is one reason why it has stood the test of time. Plus, what could be more thrilling than a man-eating Cyclops, self-navigating ships, gods and goddesses, nymphs, and (of course) a spectacular and satisfying ending? Homer's beautiful and vivid language will transport you to a world limited only by your imagination, and will inevitably keep the pages turning.

Hopefully this list gave you some ideas for books to read this summer, or at least got you to think about making one. Even if you choose not to read these books, just remember that reading will make you more informed and interesting, while still being something you enjoy doing. Don't let your brain turn into mush this summer, and make an effort to crack open any book you find intriguing!