Welcome to chapter 30 of the book column. Thirty books would take too long to highlight, so instead, I have the five best books to drag students through the dog days of the semester. Spring break is over, and summer seems like a far-off dream.
If students can bury their noses in a good book for even thirty minutes a day, it might make the six weeks ahead of them go by faster.
'Every Day (#1)' by David Levithan
This book makes the list because the movie version just came out on February 23. I always try to read the book before seeing the movie and continue to recommend this method for “Every Day.” It’s the story of A, a spirit who moves between different peoples’ bodies every day. What beats the monotony of the school year better than experiencing the world through someone else's body? I read this book last summer, but I might re-read it now because of how much I loved the characters. They were relatable and progressive.
'I Am Malala' by Malala Yousafazai
Nothing will make students value their education more than reading about a powerful young girl who stood in the face of oppression and violence because she wanted to go to school. This gripping autobiography is a must-read for everyone involved in the academic world. Malala’s story is one of triumph and hope.
'We All Looked Up' by Tommy Wallach
If any student needs a young adult novel because they feel like the world is ending,don't worry, it's not. However, in this novel, the world might be ending.
The story is told from four different points of view that all converge in light of the impending world disaster. Finals aren’t these characters’ biggest concern.
There is even a soundtrack to go along with the book. Find Tommy Wallach on Spotify, and students can use his music as their background noise when it’s time to study.
'Tuesdays with Morrie' by Mitch Albom
Forming relationships with professors is important, both for short-term and long-term goals. Students may need to meet deadlines for a late final paper, or as in the case of Mitch Albom, they may need a life lesson from their favorite professor years after college.
“Tuesdays with Morrie” is a short but philosophical read that should inspire students to have real conversations with their professors rather than regarding them as emotionless teaching robots.
'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson
If students are finding it a mystery where the semester went, then they can learn some sleuthing tips from Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander.
“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is a provocative mystery novel sure to pull students in with its unique plot and vivid imagery. I read the entire series a few years ago, and I can’t wait to have time to read it again.
All five of these great reads are available at bookstores in town. None are too long to pull students away from their studies and socializing for hours on end — unless you’re me, in which case you might get sucked into the world of your book and forget all else.
Get reading, fellow Hoosiers. Now is the perfect weather to stay inside with a good book.
