Was it just me, or did summer completely fly by? I had all of these plans for my two and half month break from school, but now there are only a couple of weeks left. Some people have already started their fall semesters! My goal was to read a boatload of books, but unfortunately, my busy life caught up to me. While these may be considered “summer reads,” who says you NEED to read them during the summer? Take a break from your stressful classes and hectic schedule, sit down under a nice tree in the shade, and pretend it’s summer by reading any of these five books:

1. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Just a couple of high school misfits who fell in love. Their path to happiness wasn’t so easy though, for many factors complicated this relationship.

2. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

A murder mystery soon to be shown in theaters! I found it impossible to put down.

3. It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini

This book is a movie as well! It demonstrates the reality of mental illness while incorporating romantic and platonic love.

4. Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

If you are studying abroad in your future (especially Florence), then you should definitely read this book. The overall message is to leave your comfort zone and escape the negativity from your past. Also, it’s a cute light read that involves a young Italian couple.

5. Summer Sisters by Judy Blume

I know, it says “summer” in the title, but you should still give this book a try! It is a story told in the future by the characters revealing the true complexity of their friendship from the past.