Ahhhh sweet summertime. A time to revel in the warm weather, catch up with hometown friends, spend some much-needed (or not) bonding time with the fam, put a slab of something delicious on the grill every night, go for long walks, sleep in on occasions. And, most importantly, summer is a time to catch up on your reading list.

Now for me, "reading for pleasure" is not a thing during the school year. Most of my homework is reading novels and articles, #englishmajorlife. Therefore, the minute I get to sit down and read a book that I picked out and that I want to read and that I can read at any time I want to, I seize that coveted opportunity. Hence, my summertime "book-et" list.

So, if you're like me and need good books to read during the summer, or even if you've never picked up a book in your life "for fun," consider these 5 books to put on your own summer "book-et" list. They're personal favorites, life-changers, page-turners, made-up stories and true stories, and oh-so-good combinations of words that I believe everyone should read at some point in their lifetime.

Have at it, fellow bookworms!

1.Water for Elephants (Sara Gruen)

Okay, I'm not one for spoilers but SPOILER ALERT best ending to a book. Ever. Period. End of story. Pun definitely intended. If you saw the movie without reading the book, shame on you. As with pretty much every story, the book is way better than the movie. (Sorry, Robert Pattinson. You're pretty, but it just didn't do it for me.) It's an easy read, a page-turner for sure. And I believe we all need one of those once in a while. So get prepared to run away with the circus.

2. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen)

Yeah, I know. So basic. But seriously guys, it's a classic. One of the best, most cherished stories of all time (according to me). You're able to see a part of yourself in every character. One minute you're sweet Jane, and the next you're full-throttle into the snarky wonderfulness that is Lizzy Bennet. And if Mr. Darcy is not the epitome of the mysterious tall, dark, and handsome love interest, then nobody is. Sorry, not sorry. Read every word carefully and with incredible purpose; it's good till the last ounce. And when you're done, watch every film adaptation ever made because you won't be able to get enough of it. You'll want to keep reliving it over and over. Jane Austen is perfection. And you'll most likely encounter her in an English class or discussion at some point in your life so get reading and watching and loving!

3. Mindset (Carol Dweck)

Because life isn't all fun and games and fantasy, our reading lists shouldn't be either. My dad gave me this book in high school, and I quickly set it to the side because there was no love story, no literary marvel, no juicy page-turning curiosity to be found. I tried and failed to read this book several times before I finally made myself do it. And believe me, I am so glad I did. Mindset discusses the two attitudes that humans adopt when it comes to learning and doing: fixed and growth. Dweck is a master at demonstrating the effects of these mindsets, and you instantly begin to understand how your mind works as well as why and how you do the things you do. It's dry, don't get me wrong. And the examples get a little bit exhaustive. However, the information is invaluable to your education, your career, your relationships, everything. It changes how you think and you'll want to live your life differently. What can be better and more worthwhile than that?

4. Unbroken (Laura Hillenbrand)

I am about as nonfiction as they come. This book, however, has the insight of a true story and the intrigue of fiction. Unlike my brother, I don't find the war stories and the onslaught of facts particularly engaging. But after you get through the first couple parts of Hillenbrand's masterpiece, you have a hard time believing Louis Zamperini's journey possesses any semblance of reality. That's how amazing this story is and how amazing Hillenbrand's storytelling capabilities are. Take it from someone who has never read historical nonfiction willingly in her life. Read this book. Because if you're anything like me, you'll want to read it again. Immediately.

5. A Thousand Splendid Suns (Khaled Hosseini)

No words will ever do Khaled Hosseini's, who also authored The Kite Runner, novel justice. Therefore, there's not much to say about it. Other than that it is both the most heartbreaking and heartwarming story I have ever and probably will ever, encounter. If you read nothing else on this list, read this one. It's my "you're stranded on a desert island, pick one book" book. I always say it's in my Top 5 Books of All Time list, but I also think it's the only book I've ever said is on that list. Be prepared to find yourself laughing, crying, cringing, sobbing, smiling, bawling...