7 Books Every English Major Should Read This Holiday Season | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

7 Books Every English Major Should Read This Holiday Season

Finally, we get to read for fun again!

134
Girl reading with a warm drink

In This Article:

Being an English major sounds like a lot of fun to any avid reader. Trust me, it did for me. However, when you get into the thick of it, what you will find is that the major involves reading in overdrive and writing until your fingers feel like they're going to fall off.

However, for me anyway, my love of reading still has yet to go away. As we are approaching some time off, especially since it will be extended for many this year, now is a great time to dig into those books that are inevitably piling up on your bookshelf because you just can't stop buying books you don't have time to read or to finally get ahold of those books that didn't quite make the syllabus. Here are some of my favorites and TBRs.

1. "Beloved" by Toni Morrison

Beloved by Toni Morrison

Amazon.com

This was the book that made me realize I wanted to be an English major. If a piece of literature can do what this book does, I knew there was more to do with literature academically that would challenge and excite me.

2. "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

Little Women by Louis May Alcott

Amazon.com

I have chosen to write my senior thesis on this book, so Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy hold a special place in my heart. Coming back to this sweet and comforting piece of literature is fun, but there is also a lot to study and unpack in this story, so it's engaging for a deep reader to enjoy.

3. "Twilight" by Stephanie Meyer

Twilight by Stephanie Meye

Amazon.com

OK, hear me out on this one. While this saga may not be the best-written series of all time, rereading this book has taken me BACK to my most avid reading days. Additionally, studying this novel in class has taught me that there are elements of Gothic fiction and lots of symbolism throughout the text, making it actually a very interesting novel. Plus, a reread will prep you to read "Midnight Sun!"

4. "Custom of the Country" by Edith Wharton

The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton

Amazon.com

If you're not family with Edith Wharton, she's a lot of fun. In this novel, Wharton tells the tale of a Midwestern girl who tries to rise in New York society. This divorce novel is funny and full of twists and turns, so I will be rereading it here soon.

5. "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Amazon.com

Are you really a hopeless romantic English major if P&P isn't one of your favorite books of all time? Mr. Darcy is the dream man, even though he's awkward, and I am here for it. Plus, Austen is just so funny that the novel is full of laughs.

6. "Emma" by Jane Austen

Emma by Jane Austen

Amazon.com

Another Austen favorite of mine is all about making matches until Emma found a match for herself. I enjoy the feminist elements throughout the text, but I think I want to do a good reread to really see it, rather than quickly read it for class.

7. "Harry Potter and the Socercer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Amazon.com

While J.K. Rowling is the center of controversy right now for her not-so-kind opinions, the "Harry Potter" septology makes some interesting cultural remarks on the 1980s in England. Reading this book for class allowed me to see the series in a new light, so I think it's time for a massive reread with an English major's eye.

I'm sure my list will continue to grow, but for now, I think this is a great place to begin. So grab a book, a blanket, and a warm drink and finally let yourself enjoy reading again!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

The Unwritten Rules Of "Talking"

What is "talking?" How does one "talk?"

6149
girl holding phone
NYCPRGIRLS

Now that it seems “talking” is the new way to date, and will stay that way until another idiotic term is used to describe the people who can’t settle down and just date someone, I feel as if it’s time to go over the unwritten rules of “talking.”

Rule 1. Having feeling without feeling.

Keep Reading...Show less
The Stages of Having FOMO in College
iamthatgirl.com

Are you one of those people that gets super upset when you miss out on anything? Well, you may have FOMO, or fear of missing out. In college it’s not hard to experience FOMO every once in a while. You just love doing everything and anything, so hen you have to miss out on something it's the worst possible thing in your mind. Whether you’re sick, have to work, or have so much work to do you could cry – FOMO will hit you hard in college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774873
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

A Candid Letter to My Best Friends Ex

Because this is the real form of torture you deserve.

1819
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments