The Daily Gamecock

Pleasure reads for students that provide wisdom, humor

A growing number of publishers — both individuals and major textbook companies — are offering their content digitally. Products like the Kindle DX, shown here, were designed with a larger display specifically for digital newspapers and textbooks. Six schools will test the new device this fall for its possible use in the classroom. (Amazon.com, Inc./MCT)
A growing number of publishers — both individuals and major textbook companies — are offering their content digitally. Products like the Kindle DX, shown here, were designed with a larger display specifically for digital newspapers and textbooks. Six schools will test the new device this fall for its possible use in the classroom. (Amazon.com, Inc./MCT)

College keeps us all busy; that’s for certain, and one of the first things that we tend to leave out of our busy schedules is reading for pleasure. Sure, we read textbooks, journals and whatever our literature teacher has assigned us, but there is something to be said about reading for no other reason than personal enjoyment. So, whenever you have a free second among exams, projects and papers, turn off Netflix and consider picking up one of these books.

"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

You probably already read this at some point in your high school career, but whether you are one of a few that managed to slip through the cracks or if you have already read it, it’s always a different experience reading this book when you’re not required to. "The Great Gatsby," while a fairly quick read, is sure to teach you a little about what really matters in life — something all college students could stand to think about.

"Into The Wild" Jon Krakauer 

If you’ve ever felt like just dropping everything in life and running away, then you understand how Christopher McCandless felt when he did just that and hitchhiked the U.S. before turning up dead two years later in Alaska. The book traces McCandless’ path through America, Mexico and into Alaska while trying to make sense of the enigma that was Christopher McCandless and unravel the truth in his mysterious death. The book will tug at your heartstrings and make you search your soul for what you really want to do with your life.

"Catch-22" by Joseph Heller 

"Catch-22" is, in a word, a trip. The humor is sharp; the dialogue is fast-paced; and the whole book will leave your head spinning. Nothing is as it seems, or reads, but once you get used to the unusual syntax, the story is enthralling and will keep you on your toes. Plus, what good is college if you don’t go through an anti-government phase? Trust me, this book will help you get there.

The Bible

Yes, it’s cliché to put on this list, and yes, hardly anyone sits down and reads the Bible in full. But, whether or not you are religious, the Bible is full of advice and wisdom that you might be in dire need of hearing. Sometimes, the Bible can be the best place to turn when you need a little guidance in life, making it perfect for the tumultuous time that is college.

"The Opposite of Loneliness" by Marina Keegan 

Not all books you should read in college need to be old and stuffy. "The Opposite of Loneliness" is a compilation of short stories and essays written by Marina Keegan, a Yale graduate who met her untimely death in a car accident in 2012. The title comes from one of her speeches, which she gave at her graduation ceremony five days before her death, and perfectly encapsulates the college experience. It reminds you to appreciate what you have while you’ve got it and will definitely give you a few laughs along the way.


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