College can be exhausting, terrifying, and stressful yet terrific at the same time. It is one of the most memorable times of anyone’s life. However, balancing everything can be nerve-wracking. Doing your best to meet assignment deadlines while maintaining a social life is a daunting task. Such pressure often draws students to seek outside assistance. For example, many law students opt for Law dissertation help from experts to maintain a great work-life balance.
Among other activities, reading is a common hobby among college students. It helps them escape the burdens of academic and personal life. Not only that, but reading also helps widen their vocabulary, which is great for literature students. It also improves students’ cognitive skills and widens their perspective of the world around them. Finally, reading also improves pupils’ punctuation and grammar.
If you are like us and find comfort in reading books, this write-up is for you. While every bookworm has a pile of must-read books, we have created a list of some writing masterpieces for college students. These books are worth your attention and are also great reads. They will help you stay motivated and thrive towards achieving your personal and professional goals.
List of Books for College Students
Here is a list of 17 interesting books a college student must read for inspiration and entertainment:
1. This Side of Paradise – F. Scott Fitzgerald
The book revolves around the story of a very privileged Princeton student. He is completely disillusioned after he completes his degree. He comes to know that life outside is nothing like he had imagined. So, he sets out on a journey to find himself again and discover who he truly is. The story resonates with many college students, and they can relate to it.
2. Freedom – Jonathan Franzen
‘Freedom’ revolves around relationships. It is a love triangle between students when they first meet in college. Then comes the difficult situation of choosing between love and friendship. What is more important? As a college student, you may encounter such a situation and answer such questions. It is a great book to help you make some tough decisions in college.
3. 1984 – George Orwell
This very popular book by George Orwell is also a must-read for college students. The book tells the story of a world divided into three totalitarian states. It deals with some thought-provoking themes such as eliminating human values, fighting total control, and surviving in a world full of hate. Are you someone who would stand up and challenge such a system (even when Big Brother is watching)? Can you stay strong and not lose your individuality? 1984 is one of the best works of George Orwell, and every college student must read it at least once.
4. Norwegian Wood – Haruki Murakami
Based on college life, this book is about friendship and true love. The story revolves around how a college student changes his attitude and principles according to his situation. The book will teach you the importance of love and friendship. It also gives you an insight into the ugly truths of life and how you should be ready to accept them.
5. A Brave New World – Aldous Huxley
Aldous Huxley called this book ‘a negative utopia’. It is a famous dystopia where happiness is rampant at the expense of a lack of individuality. But, can someone stay happy without being their true self? Should one resist the system or accept things as they are? That’s the line of thought this book awakens in a reader’s mind.
6. One Hundred Years of Solitude – Gabriel Garcia Marquez
One Hundred Years of Solitude is considered Gabriel Garcia Marquez’ best work. This myth novel revolves around the evolution of humanity. It is a world where loneliness dominates, and fatal love overrules everything. The book teaches how important family and loved ones are, who give you unconditional support no matter what. It can get lonely sometimes in college. You have left your home behind and living a new life of independence. However, it comes with great responsibility as well. This book taps into some deep hard to ignore emotions.
7. The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby teaches young people a very important lesson: let go of your past. It also talks about assessing capabilities and making their best use. Furthermore, it teaches you to let go of the things that don’t bring you any comfort or happiness instead of chasing after them and ruining your present. A great read for college students who want to have a clear vision in life.
8. A Farewell to Arms – Ernest Hemmingway
A Farewell to Arms is among the best works of Ernest Hemmingway. It is believed Hemmingway rewrote this book at least 40 times to make it perfect. Therefore, every student should read it before graduating for his perseverance and perfection (in addition to his interesting ideas and lucid prose).
9. The Grapes of Wrath – John Steinbeck
If you are into moving stories, this book is a must-read for you. It is an incredible take on resilience, courage, friendship, and love. The story is based amidst the times of the Great Depression. It recounts the tale of a farmer and his family based in Oklahoma who is driven out of their homes and forced to travel to California.
10. To Kill A Mockingbird – Harper Lee
You must have read To Kill A Mockingbird if you are interested in literature or are studying English. Most of the students read it during their high school or have it on their reading list. If you haven’t read it yet, you are missing out on a great masterpiece. The book revolves around racial equality and is a great read.
11. The Art of Happiness – The Dalai Lama
The book consists of a series of interviews with the Dalai Lama. The content of these interviews is very inspiring for college students and everyone and teaches them the importance of happiness. This inspiring books is a great read for one of those days when you feel down and need something to uplift your mood.
12. Paradise Lost – John Milton
We all know how Adam and Eve were forced to give in to their temptations by Lucifer – an angel who fell from grace because of his arrogance. However, how many of us know much about Lucifer? Was he really that bad? John Milton takes us on a journey through his book to assignment help us see and understand both sides of the story. So, you might think twice before blaming Satan for your sins after reading this book. If you think it is too controversial, feel free to skip it from the list.
13. The Running Man – Stephen King
The Running Man is a story about an ordinary man living in a typical small town. He slowly sinks into the deep well of black hatred. It becomes impossible to stop him on one occasion. People die of hunger as living in America becomes impossible. He can only make some money by being a part of a sadist’s monstrous game. The story revolves around how far a person can go to get what they want.
14. A Clockwork Orange – Anthony Burgess
A Clockwork Orange is a masterpiece satire of the modern totalitarian society. This society turns young people into a generation of ‘clockwork oranges’. They are obedient to their leaders and will do anything to please them. The story is based on Alex, who is a street gang leader. He is cruel and clever but also charismatic. He considers violence the most important part of life until he becomes a victim. This book is a very interesting and enjoyable read.
Bonus point to the writer for inventing an entire street language. It might teach young students about creativity as well.
15. Hamlet – William Shakespeare
Hamlet is William Shakespeare’s most popular tragedy. If you want the answer to the million-dollar question, ‘to be or not to be?’, then this is a must-read for you. Hamlet gives us a valuable lesson of accepting responsibility for our actions, deeds, and decisions. In addition, it gives you some great lessons you can apply to your life to make it better.
16. Hiroshima – John Hersey
If you are into non-fiction, then Hiroshima by John Hersey is a must-read. He is a New York-based writer with elegant prose, clarity, and details. In this book, Hersey talks about the nuclear attacks in Japan during WWII. He humanises the entire event, reminding us why we should never use nukes again. It is a great read for students interested in learning about history while taking away important lessons.
17. Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking – Malcolm Gladwell
Are you someone who makes quick decisions without thinking too much about the repercussions? If yes, then this book will be a great read for you. It taps into the phenomenon of thinking without thinking. What makes us decide things in the blink of an eye, and are these decisions worth it? You will get answers to a lot of questions in this book.
These are some of our top picks for college students to read. If you haven’t read these books, then add them to your Goodreads to-be-read list and read them as soon as possible. You have already read them, we are sure you would have a different view of life than before. If your academic life doesn’t give you enough respite to read books, get UK dissertation help so that you can relax for a bit.