Ten Books College Students Should Read In Their Free Time

By Victoria Robertson on September 7, 2014

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Every college student knows what it’s like to be swamped with homework and there comes a point in our college careers when reading is no longer something we do for pleasure.

However, some books are just worth the read, and here are 10 instances in which this is the case.

1. “The Host” by Stephenie Meyer:

Best known for the Twilight saga, Meyer has become an author well known in the book industry, but also one that is continuously ridiculed.

However, it is hard to ridicule her after a novel as creative as this. While it strays from the werewolf/vampire dynamic pre-teens have fallen in love with, it sticks to the sci-fi genre in a love story too different for words.

If you ever have the time, whether you hate or love Meyer, this book is worth at least a glance.

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2. “Looking for Alaska” by John Green:

For those of you that like the dark, gothic-like form of books, this is for you. Main character Miles Halter (a junior in high school) is relatable and innocent in starting the novel.

However, as you progress, his character dramatically changes before your eyes. Foreshadowing seems to be the most frequent literary element, and the story changes tone several times, going from feel-good to dark and dreary within the turn of a page.

Not only is the story captivating enough to read in a day, the writing is advanced for a young adult novel–just ask about its awards.

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3. “The Fever” by Megan Abbott:

Taking on a scary movie-like series of events, this novel will have you captivated from beginning to end.

Deenie, Lise and Gabby are best friends who seem to be going through typical girl drama when all of a sudden a seizure hits Lise in the middle of class, and no one knows why.

Scary as that is, it gets worse when other girls in the school start falling to the same, unknown illness. With a worldwide obsession with the zombie apocalypse and other such horror fantasies, this novel is sure to fit in somewhere.

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4. “If I Stay” by Gayle Forman:

With this novel becoming one of the biggest movies of the year, it’s difficult to leave it off this list. I’m sure everyone has seen the many previews continually making us tear up, but if not, here is a brief summary.

Mia is in a car accident with her family in which she is the only survivor, but only barely. In an out-of-body experience, she watches her boyfriend beg her to stay with him while she longs to be with her family as well.

With as tough (tough being understated here) of a decision as this one, it’s hard not to feel emotional when reading this novel.

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5. “Mr. Mercedes” by Stephen King:

Who doesn’t love Stephen King? He has nearly single-handedly created some of the most distinctive characters and stories of the horror genre (such as “It” and “Carrie,” just to name a few).

With that, he is back, and this time tackling a lone, human serial killer. The novel reeks of suspense and the heroes of the story are probably some of the most dynamic he has created yet.

For those of you that enjoy TV series such as “CSI,” “Bones” or “Criminal Minds,” this book is a must read.

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6. “Elizabeth is Missing” by Emma Healey:

Psychology majors, this one is for you.

Maud is an elderly woman who is in the early stages of dementia. Seventy years previously, her sister, Sukey, went missing and was never found.

Now, with Maud’s memory quickly disappearing, she is beginning to suspect her best friend, Elizabeth, is missing. Despite her family (and Elizabeth’s family’s) repeated attempts to convince her this isn’t true, Maud has become a frequent visitor of the police department, desperate to find her friend.

This is by no means a light read, but it is definitely one that everyone should read. Heartbreaking as it is, it reveals much about the human mind worth knowing.

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7. “Twisted” by Laurie Halse Anderson:

One of the best female authors to write about a male’s life since S.E. Hinton’s “The Outsiders,” Anderson really captures the essence of the movement from adolescence to manhood.

The story follows teenager Tyler Miller on his quest for acceptance as well as for the most popular girl in high school. As cliché as it may sound, Anderson’s ability to blur the lines between right and wrong and display the necessity of acceptance makes this novel yet another that is worth reading.

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8. “Remember Me Like This” by Bret Anthony Johnston:

Justin Campbell disappeared four years ago, and his family has been endlessly searching for answers and coping, attempting to hold their disheveled family together.

But one day, Justin is found, and the family is thrown for a loop. While you may think everything gets better, Johnston makes sure to cover all the corners of what it really feels like to pull a family back together after such a traumatic experience.

This novel has been called suspenseful and right on point as far as emotions are concerned, making it a must read.

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9. “Being Henry David” by Cal Armistead:

Many English majors should remember coming in contact with Henry David Thoreau’s “Walden” at some point in their college careers, and it plays a large part in this novel.

Hank finds himself in New York City without any idea how he got there or memory of who he is, and the only thing on his person is a copy of “Walden.” So, he calls himself Henry David (or Hank) and builds a life for himself in the seclusion of Massachusetts.

While Thoreau isn’t exactly my cup of tea, as I’m sure his overly philosophical points of view aren’t to others as well, this novel incorporates him in an understandable way that the reader will appreciate when they are done. In all, “Being Henry David” is just one of those books you have to read at some point in your life.

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10. “13 Reasons Why” by Jay Asher:

Clay Jensen is a high school student leading a very average, normal life … up until his classmate, Hannah Baker, commits suicide.

Two weeks following the incident, Jensen receives a box with cassette tapes on his front porch, and discovers it is Hannah’s voice on the other end. He is one of thirteen people to receive the tapes, and comes to realize the tapes list the reasons Hannah took her life.

This mystery is compelling to say the least, and displays the truth of what consequences some actions can provoke. The story is brilliantly written and anyone who hasn’t definitely needs to pick this one up the next chance they get.

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While reading for fun seems to lose priority during the school year, these 10 books are well worth any little free time you may have; trust me.

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