During school I have found that I barely have any time to read for myself. So when I finally get time to sit down with a good book, it’s the best feeling in the world. So I put together a list of books I think you should read as a young adult, especially when you have downtime during the chaos that is your college career.

"Thinandbeautiful.com" by Liane Shaw. A book about a girl’s struggle with her body, and, in the end, she goes to to try to be beautiful. I read this book years ago and it still sticks with me to this day. A great book about struggle and the standards of beauty for women.

"Twenty Boy Summer" by Sarah Ockler. A story of love and of loss. I’ve read this one more than once and love it. It’s a great story about young love, friendship and what it feels like to lose somebody.

"Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher. I know a lot of people read this book around my high school; it really is a good book. A very creative and interesting take on the effects of depression and suicide.

"You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life" by Jen Sincero. So I haven’t actually read this whole book, only excerpts, but I really hope to finish it. It is so good and funny! A great self help book. It feels like reading advice from a friend...not some weird stranger telling you what to do.

"Fangirl" by Rainbow Rowell. Being a weird little fangirl myself, this book was so great! Even if you don’t put yourself in that category, it’s still a good book. It really represents the constantly changing lives of high school and college students and delves in the relationships we have at those points in our lives.

"The DUFF" by Kody Keplinger. Otherwise known as the "Designated Ugly Fat Friend". I know this book was made into a movie, but the two could not be more different. The story explores family, friendship, relationships, sexuality and how the things other people say influence our lives.

"Instructions for a Broken Heart" by Kim Culbertson. This book is just like it sounds, but oh-so-much better. Right before a trip to Europe, the main character finds her boyfriend cheating and receives instructions from her best friend for each day of the trip. So funny, but also really deals with a broken heart.

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson. I’m realizing I like stories with instructions. But this novel is a great story of being young, love, travel, and exploration. It all starts with a letter including $1000 and instructions to buy a plane ticket.

"Looking for Alaska" by John Green. I know... I just had to include a John Green novel right? But it really is a great novel. About first, lasts, and everything in between. A great story about self exploration and how things really don’t make sense.

Now I could probably go on forever about the books I’d suggest to read. At this point in your life or any, but I’ll keep it at this for now. Happy reading!