In a few short days, many IU students will flee from campus for spring break.
Whether their plans are to go home to see their dog or road trip down to Florida and lay on a beach, a good book is exactly what everyone needs during the break.
I’ve asked my own bookshelf, as well as some fellow students, the question, "What are the best books to read during spring break?"
I plan on reading “This is Really Happening” by Erin Chack. This biography of one of Buzzfeed's editors discusses difficult topics such as cancer and mental illness. However, it gains college student interest since many students read and follow Buzzfeed.
Modern biographies don’t conform to the boring stereotype of old-school biographies. Stories of other people’s lives can make great beach reads.
I will also read “Emma,” a classic novel by Jane Austen. I never got to read it in high school, so I am bringing the book behind the movie “Clueless” to the beach.
Reading classic novels is a great way to round out your book collection. These books might have been written decades or even centuries ago, but many of the topics in classic novels are still relevant today.
In “Emma," the main character is a single woman playing matchmaker for all her friends. This situation is one that many students find themselves involved in today.
Speaking of students, I am not the only one headed for the beach with a book in my bag.
Freshman Kennedy Kewon is reading “1984” by George Orwell. Kewon is finding as much joy in classic novels as I am this spring.
Sophomore Michael Leonard said he will read “The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas when he goes to the beach. He said it is one of his favorites, and he likes to read his favorite books on vacation.
Other book suggestions I have for spring break reading are novels that all include some fun in the sun.
“We Were Liars” by E. Lockhart takes place on an island in the northeastern United States. The main character, Cadence, and her family all vacation on the same island every summer.
However, as Cadence grows up and her summers on the island come to an end, she is forced to solve the mystery of what happened the summer she was 15. She was in an accident at the end of the summer, and she can’t remember anything that happened.
“The Museum of Intangible Things” by Wendy Wunder is another novel to enjoy in the sunshine. The book follows Hannah and Zoe, two teen girls who go on an unexpected road trip. They learn lessons about life, boys and each other along the way.
The book has a bittersweet ending that I won’t spoil for potential readers, but you’ll be on the edge of your beach chair.
