“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies… The man who never reads lives only one.”
- George R.R. Martin, American Novelist
Well, you can’t really argue with Mr. Martin there, can you? Unfortunately, not too many people understand the significance of a good read. And now that almost every teenager is hooked into their mobile phones, I rarely see any college student reading a book on the train or at the park. However, if you like reading, I can suggest you some great books that you should definitely read before finishing college.
- The Idiot by Elif Batuman:
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The idiot is a story of a young college student, Selin, set in 1995. The story takes you to Selin’s journey of self-discovery as an artist. The story also tells you a thing or two about falling in love. Unlike the typical American college student stories, "The Idiot” gives you a fresh perspective on the world through the characters. Also, the humour in this book is unparalleled.
- Price: $9.20
- Pages: 432 pages
- The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama:
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As the title suggests, this book by the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet is a guide on how to cultivate happiness in life. In a stressful college life, where everyone is busy solving assignments and meeting deadlines, this book helps you reach a joyful state of mind in a context we can easily understand. The book even explores the different aspects of life and how to find inner peace.
- Price: $11.40
- Pages: 352 pages
- Portrait of a Lady by Henry James:
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First published in 1881, “Portrait of the Lady” is a tale of a spirited American woman, Isabel Archer, who is brought to Europe by her wealthy aunt to find an eligible suitor. The story takes a major turn when Isabel turns down two prospects and gets drawn to charming Gilbert Osmond, who personifies cruelty itself. The story of intense poignancy still resonates with modern audiences.
- Price: $5.80
- Pages: 768 pages
- One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez:
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New York Times mentioned this book in its review as “The first piece of literature since the Book of Genesis that should be required reading for the entire human race.” This brilliant novel explores the tale of the Buendia family while neatly weaving the irreconcilable conflict between the desire for solitude and the need for love. If you want to experience “magical realism,” this is a must-read.
- Price: $9.98
- Pages: 417 Pages
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee:
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“To Kill a Mockingbird" became an instant bestseller as well as a critical success when it was first published in 1960. This Pulitzer Price (1961) winning novel takes readers on a journey to the roots of human behaviour. Through the brilliant work of Lee, you experience innocence, kindness, love, humour, hatred, cruelty and pathos – all within this simple love story.
- Price: $7.19
- Pages: 336 Pages
- Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell:
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In this book, author revolutionizes the way we understand the world within. The book explores the way we think without thinking. It is about the choices that we make in a "Blink" of an eye and why they aren't as simple as they seem. Blink reveals that the great decision-makers aren' those who are well-informed but the ones who have mastered the art of analyzing a few factors from a massive number of variables.
- Price: $16.19
- Pages: 296 pages
- This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald:
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This semi-autobiographical novel by the author’s 23-year old self is a portrayal of lives and morality of post-World War I. The novel revolves around the life of charming Princeton University student, Amory Blaine, which is a reflection of Fitzgerald's youth. The story brilliantly captures the theme of love wrapped by greed and craving for status.
- Price: $7.39
- Pages: 150 pages
- Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White:
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Even though the book is meant for young readers, there are plenty of things to learn from it even if you are in college. This innocent novel by E. B. White effortlessly explores friendship, love, life and dreams that can be enjoyed by generations to come. The book also challenges us to re-evaluate the way we treat other living beings around us.
- Price: $6.40
- Pages: 192 Pages
- The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain:
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According to Goodreads.com, this book is one of the most prominent and influential travel book ever written about Europe and the Holy Land. This book explores Twain’s own adventure of self-discovery. It's a great read for all those who are studying abroad or are planning to do so.
- Price: $15.95
- Pages: 550 pages
- The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck:
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This Pulitzer prize-winning tale of the Great Depression has galvanized millions of readers over the years. First published in 1939, this epic by Steinbeck recounts the struggle of a farmer from Oklahoma and his family, who are driven from their home, on a journey to California amidst the Great Depression.
- Price: $15.43
- Pages: 464 pages
In conclusion,
There are billions of books out there that are meant for college students. So, don’t just stop at 10. Read as much as possible. The habit of reading will not only widen your perspective but will also allow you to improve your vocabulary, which may come in handy when you have several assignments to finish in one weekend.
Author bio: Olaila Lee is a professor at an Australian university. He received his PhD in Modern Literature from the University of New South Wales. Besides, he is associated with MyAssignmenthelp.com, where he offers assignment help to students on their requests.
