Read for Fun During the School Year
By Sophie Saliba ‘23
Growing up, I always relied on books as my main source of entertainment. I spent nights in the magic tree house, attended Hogwarts, escaped Count Olaf, and went to Camp Half-Blood. However, as I’ve gotten older, reading became secondary to the many responsibilities that accompanied college. I’m sure many of you can relate, so I’ve compiled a list of tips to read more during the school year and also some recommendations of books I enjoy reading during college.
Tips for reading more during the school year
Place time limits on social media - Setting time limits on my social media apps has given me so much more time for my other hobbies—especially reading. Those 30 minutes you spend on Instagram before bed? Read instead! Not only will this create a new habit, but it’s much healthier for your sleep schedule to stay off of your phone before bed. Also, limiting screen time allows me to finish my school work more efficiently, which is a nice plus.
Allocate a few minutes every day for reading - Even if you only read five minutes a day, that could be an entire chapter or scene in the book! Also, as you continue to read your book and enjoy it, you can increase the time you make for it.
Don’t feel like you have to read a difficult book - Despite what many say, it’s not necessary to read a long classic or other “advanced” book. You don’t need to feel or look smart, just have fun with it! And if that means picking a cheesy romance novel, do it!
Devote a Wellness Day to reading - Choosing a day to spend with your current read, such as one of the upcoming Spring Break Days, is a great way to destress and also delve into your book!
My Favorite Books to Read During the School Year - All of these books are some of my favorites, and all of them have important themes while still being easy to follow.
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys - This is probably my favorite book, and I’ve probably read it at least ten times. Not only is it an easy and fast read, but Sepetys has written about a subject that is often overlooked. Illustrating the suffering that millions of people experienced under the Soviet Union during World War II, Sepetys creates a story that is both moving and easy to follow.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller - This novel is a retelling of The Iliad, narrated by Patroclus. Miller’s perspective of the classic epic is quite beautiful and her writing style is easy to follow. However, if you read this book, you will cry.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens - This novel is a story about Kya, a girl who grows up alone in a marsh in North Carolina. It’s set in the 1950s-60s, and illustrates important racial, gender, and economic disparities. Additionally, it’s a murder mystery, making it even more entertaining.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab - If you’re a lover of historical fiction and fantasy, this book is for you! This novel follows the story of Addie LaRue, a girl who gave up her soul to never grow old. However, everyone who meets Addie instantly forgets her. This book is both entertaining and moving, and I highly recommend it!
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen - If you’re looking for an easy classic, read this book! The writing style isn’t too heavy, and Austen examines feminist ideals as she criticizes societal norms that were generally accepted during this time period.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline - All fans of science fiction and fantasy should read this book! Set in 2044, this book examines a world where people exist in virtual realities more than actual life. There are also tons of 80s pop-culture references, which is a nice plus.