Considering college students have busy schedules, we often make promises to ourselves that we can't keep. For example, I said that I would give myself time to actually read for pleasure again, but as always, things don't go as planned. Alas, assigned reading material for courses takes its heavy toll!

This winter break, however, I plan to fulfill this promise of mine and make it through my reading list. A couple I've already read but plan to re-read for old time's sake. Here's the first part of the list:

1. "Walden" and "Civil Disobedience" by Henry David Thoreau

Published in 1894, "Walden" is an account of Thoreau's reflection of living simply in a natural environment. He built a small cabin on the shore of Walden Pond and lived there for two years, eliminating unnecessary luxuries from his life.

"Civil Disobedience", published in 1849, argues that people must not let the government limit their individual conscience. Thoreau criticizes slavery and the Mexican-American War in this work.

I've always read bits and pieces of Transcendentalist works including the above, so it will be nice to read both fully through. They provide an interesting outlook on many social issues. It would be nice to drop everything, cast out civilization, and live on my own in the great outdoors like Thoreau. Maybe his works will provide me with some more inspiration to reconnect with myself in a world that is extremely fast-paced, materialistic, and dependent on technology.

2. "Sense and Sensibility" by Jane Austen

Published in 1811, this book discusses the romantic and personal lives of sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood. Growing up, I was a big fan of Austen's most popular book, "Pride and Prejudice," and have only read a couple of pages of "Sense and Sensibility" and "Emma." This winter break, I hope to experience "Sense and Sensibility" in its entirety.

3. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

Published in 1960, this book has become a classic and core piece of American literature. It is a genuine and lighthearted story, but it touches some heavy topics such as racial inequality and rape. Characters such as Scout and Atticus Finch capture the readers' hearts. I've read about half of the book, loved it, but never completely finished reading it. Also, I connect with the story because it takes place in the deep American South, a place I've called home for the longest time.

4. "The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt" by Eleanor Roosevelt

Published in 1961, this autobiography is a lively and courageous account of life fully lived. Her life is full of experiences ranging from both her personal and professional spheres. Eleanor Roosevelt was not only wife of FDR and First Lady of the U.S. but also was very active in women's organizations, civil rights, etc. After her husband's death, she worked as a UN delegate, chairman of the Commission of Human Rights, columnist, diplomat, and Democratic Party activist. I think that Roosevelt's book provides great wisdom for readers as well as an honest history of her day and age. Reading about the struggles and triumphs of another gives me insight into my own life.

5. "Winnie-the-Pooh" by A.A. Milne

This is the first volume of stories about the bear and beloved character, Winnie-the-Pooh, along with his friends Piglet, Eeyore, Owl, Rabbit, Christopher Robin, and Kanga and Roo. I have a strong love for characters that Disney has adapted in its films and television shows, so it will be wonderful to read a tale in its original form.