College is a pivotal time in our lives. We grow more than ever as people, friends come and go, and we are preparing for the entire rest of our lives. These are the books I have loved so far in my college journey and have helped me discover myself.
1. "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
This is my all time favorite novel. A small group of intelligent, outsiders at a college in New England discover new, life changing things under the guidance of their professor in this thriller novel. However, when they take the teachings to the next level, they begin to lose their morals and slip into evil and become the people they never imagined they could be. This novel is a page turner. It takes a great look at how we can change as people and how far people are willing to go. Prepare to not set the book down because with each plot twist you'll be drawn deeper into the plot. We're all a little evil and this book will show you how far that can go.
2. "1984" by George Orwell
Pretty much everyone has heard of this classic futuristic, dystopian novel about two people who change each other's lives and struggle to maintain their individuality in a totalitarian society. Do you have the strength to stand up for yourself and your beliefs when all others oppose them? This book really helped me to discover where I stand morally and how I identify myself as a person.
3. "A Brave New World" by Adolphos Huxley
Wow, this one is a roller coaster ride, but similar to "1984." It is very sexual (as in people's sex drives, procreation, and intimacy are pretty much the entire plot of the novel), just a head up in case that's not your cup of tea. This novel also takes place in a futuristic society that seems utopic until the terrible reality is understood.
4. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
This book is like none of the others on the list thus far. Again it's a popular novel. However, this one takes place during the Jazz Age. It's all about an affair, a neighbor, and the past not being the present. It teaches an important lesson: know that the past can not be changed. Sometimes you just have to move on. We all have a green light in our pasts (you'll get it once you read it).
5. "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe
I struggled to get into this book at first, but it is written in a much different style than what I usually read. This book helped revolutionize how I viewed colonialism in Africa. It's a relatively short read, but worth it. I really didn't expect the ending.
6. "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood
In a futuristic, dystopic state, a young woman struggles to maintain her identity while the totalitarian government does everything possible to strip her of it. I didn't expect the ending at all and this character had me rooting for her the entire time.
