Five Books to Read This Summer
Start writing a post
Nature Animals

5 Books to Read This Summer

If you're a bookworm like me, take a look at this list of some of my favorite reads.

226
5 Books to Read This Summer

Summer is nearly upon us. Que the bikinis, the late-night sunsets and the general relaxation of an entire generation. Though most people enjoy getting out in the sun, particularly in sunny Colorado, some of us like to take it easy and read a good book on the couch, in a hammock, or in the back of a truck. Following I've listed some of my personal favorites, from classics to new discoveries, there's a little something for everyone.

The Catcher in the Rye

It's a classic for a reason.

https://www.google.com/search?q=the+catcher+in+the+rye&tbm=isch&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiYn7GSqvvhAhVXu54KHb-iBnUQ_AUICygC&biw=1280&bih=881&dpr=1#imgrc=LZdHfoHBNYLfqM:

J.D. Salinger's classic The Catcher in The Rye is a tale of independence, coming of age, and heartache mixed together in one young man's journey. I personally loved this book because Salinger has an uncanny knack for pegging adolescent hubris and pessimism. We read the story of Holden Caulfield and, though we may balk at his immature view on the world, we realize that we were there once too. Perhaps some of us still are. I think we find a vital reflection of our younger selves in classics like Rye and we remember to hold our youth just a bit softer. They need our understanding as much as our guidance. Life is complicated, at best.

The Queen of the Tearling

For you fantasy lovers out there!

https://www.google.com/search?q=queen+of+the+tearling&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwih-sXYq_vhAhWMr54KHWXlCKYQ_AUIDygC&biw=1280&bih=832#imgrc=Mvy4Jm_Aucld0M:

If you want to get as far away from real life as possible, a world like the Tearling might be the one for you. In this trilogy of books, we follow Kelsea, a spirited (if not stubborn) young queen in her quest to protect her kingdom. Though the story is heavy with fantasy tropes, it also has an incredibly complex and interesting narrative. We learn lessons along the way, possibly the most poignant being the acceptance of one's true self: good and bad. I found the Tearling's world to be both dark and irrevocably fascinating. I believe it's currently undergoing conversion to film so if you like the book, watch out for it to come out in theaters!

The God-Shaped BrainĀ 

For you spiritual physiologists!

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1280&bih=832&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=bhjKXLqZCc7C0wLymadA&q=the+god+shaped+brain&oq=the+god+shaped+brain&gs_l=img.3..0j0i24l6.431989.434259..434395...0.0..0.118.1911.15j5......0....1..gws-wiz-img.......0i67j0i10j0i8i30._FvCe6v3jNE#imgrc=d56KPQL3ZBiaTM:

This was one of my favorite non-fiction reads. It combines the complex field of neuroscience with Biblical concepts, two items which don't seem to mingle well. I was surprised to see just how vital our understanding of God is in our lives. The physiology of our brains is largely impacted by our relationship (or lack thereof) with a Savior and Jennings does a magnificent job of not only making a point but keeping the finer points of neuroscience interesting. If you want a book that could literally change your brain, this might be the one for you!

Pride and Prejudice

Don't roll your eyes, you knew it was coming.

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1GCEU_enUS821US821&biw=1280&bih=881&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=ZBvKXK7JHtDc-gSJlLbgDw&q=pride+and+prejudice+book&oq=pride+and+prejudice+&gs_l=img.1.0.0i67l2j0l3j0i67l3j0l2.2377.2377..3266...0.0..0.100.100.0j1......0....1..gws-wiz-img.QJ8xxmINJCE#imgrc=NMx1emFWKesICM:

Probably one of the most famous books in the world, Pride and Prejudice has stood the test of time as a witty, nuanced look at love. Bonus: it's set in Victorian England, what could be better! Headed by a feisty and likable heroine, Pride and Prejudice has been a treasure since its first publishing in 1813. In it, we can see that the complexities of love are not marred by the passing of time, but intensified. If you can keep up with Austen's musical and nearly always poetic writing style, then you will learn a great deal about the finer things in life. If you're up for a timeless romance, check this one out!

Crazy Rich Asians

It. Looks. Awesome.

https://www.google.com/search?q=crazy+rich+asians+book&rlz=1C1GCEU_enUS821US821&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi7wrmDsPvhAhWLjp4KHVNGAowQ_AUIECgD&biw=1280&bih=881#imgrc=WGrcY6AWhdSgyM:

I'll admit that I acted a bit backwards on this one. I was browsing Amazon Prime one day and happened to see the movie of the same name. On a whim I decided to watch it. In short, it was great. I really did love it. I'm looking forward to reading the book as I greatly enjoyed the movie. You can see where I'm starting my reading list for the summer! Happy reading everyone!

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

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

48784
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

31015
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954832
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180117
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments