Very few of my guy friends read anything unless they have to for a class, and their answers are always the same when I ask them about it: "There aren't any books that interest me," or, "I just don't have the time to read" (or that they think video games are better entertainment, which is a different rant for a different day).
There are endless amounts of books college men would enjoy reading, if they would just start one. So, I have made a list of 10 of my all-time favorites that I am confident any college man would enjoy. Close out of Netflix, stop mindlessly scrolling through social media, and understand that yet another game of FIFA, Madden, or NBA2K is not necessary. Instead, choose the option that will better your mind.
1. "The Art of Racing in the Rain."
The unique aspect of this novel is narrator is the all-knowing family dog, Enzo. He tells the story of his race car-driving owner's family over the course of several years. His introspection into human life is fascinating, and it leaves the reader with much to ponder. What man wouldn't enjoy a story told by man's best friend?
2. "On the Road."
This is truly a classic American novel, and the one that made the '50s and '60s Beat movement famous. The novel connects with what we envision our youth should be: full of freedom, partying, love, creativity, learning, and the quest to discover what life's all about.
3. "How to Win Friends and Influence People in the Digital Age."
I think that everyone should read this book, and the title should be convincing enough on its own. In today's world, effective communication is what makes or breaks a person's success. This book provides the knowledge to do so.
4. "World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War."
What would you do in a zombie apocalypse? It's a discussion topic the all guys have with each other. For the record, the book isn't related to the movie. Brooks details what he realistically thinks could happen if these events ever came about, and it's entertaining every step of the way.
5. "The Last Lecture."
Randy Pausch was a Carnegie Mellon professor who delivered his last lecture filled with life lessons shortly before dying of pancreatic cancer. His stories provide a great perspective on living life to the fullest.
6. "The Road."
This novel tells the story of a man and his son trekking across a post apocalyptic landscape.
7. "The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao."
The overweight, nerdy, socially awkward Oscar's life story is told by his older sister's off-and-on boyfriend. It's a fascinating narrative that depicts the lives of Dominican-Americans.
8. "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas."
It's an adventurous tale of drug-enduced psychosis that although extremely strange, is wildly entertaining.
9. "The Silver Linings Playbook."
Most people have probably seen the award-winning film; there are stark differences between the two, but it's still an incredible story to read.
10. "This is Where I Leave You."
Soon after catching his wife in bed with his boss, Judd Foxman must return to his hometown to sit Shiva for his deceased father. It's strange that such utterly hilarious dialogue can come from such a sad plot, and Tropper seamlessly does so. It's a story of a family's reckoning, and of a man simply trying to get his life back together. It's an entertaining look into the male psyche, and one that I'm confident that anyone would enjoy.
There are so many emotional and intellectual benefits of reading, and I will always think that people should take more time to do so. Author Chris Wright says it the absolute best:
"Once you find yourself there, truly appreciating a person that you’ve never met, in a fictional or non-fictional setting that exists only on the page in front of you, that little tumble of text can and will change your life, whether in hardly noticeable grins, or thought-provoking miles of introspective growth."
