Add These 5 Outstanding Books to Your Summer Reading List

By Meghen Jones

Remember all those summers as a kid when you were required to complete summer reading? Of course, at the time, you would rather go outside and play with your friends as opposed to cracking down on summer reading for school at the endless persistence of your parents. Now that you’re a college student you probably enjoy reading a good book every now and again that isn’t included on your college syllabi.

With so many books to choose from, you’re probably not sure where to begin. To make the selection process a bit easier, uCribs has compiled our top 5 summer book picks that are sure to have you reading non-stop day to night!

Circe by Madeline Miller

If you love Greek Mythology, then you are going to devour Circe by Madeline Miller. The book tells the story of Circe, the daughter of Zeus, who was banished to a deserted island by her father due to her talent for witchcraft and the occult. There, she crosses paths with famous mythical and legendary characters including the Minotaur, Daedalus and Icarus, Medea, and Odysseus. There’s also turmoil as she’s expected to conquer the terrifying and vengeful Olympians. This is a book is a must-read for any mythology lover and will appease your creative mind before the chaos of school sets in once more.

Feel Free by Zadie Smith

Do you usually find yourself keeping up with subjects like politics and culture? If you answered yes, then you may want to head to your nearest bookstore and purchase Feel Free by Zadie Smith. In her newest collection of essays, Smith explores subjects of modern life with wit, intrigue, and passion. The title of the collection encourages readers to browse its wide-ranging topics including, but not limited to: Facebook, Brexit, and Jay-Z based around their own natural curiosities. So, pour yourself a warm cup of tea, snuggle up on your couch, and dive into all of the topics Smith brings to the limelight.

The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer

Described as a “feminist blockbuster of our times,” Meg Wolitzer’s The Female Persuasion couldn’t have been released at a more prominent time in women’s history amongst the “Me Too” and “Time’s Up” movements that encourage women to feel empowerment regarding their oppression, instead of shame.

In her novel, Wolitzer follows the journey of Greer Kadestky after she is assaulted at a frat party on her college’s campus. Feeling frustration towards the university’s lack of action, Greer opens up about her experience at a lecture given by Faith Frank, a second-wave feminist icon. This propels Greer into a career with Faith’s foundation, Loci, which sponsors conferences regarding women’s issues. Not afraid to discuss topics such as abortion rights, human trafficking, and the future of sexism, racism, and classism, Wolitzer’s new novel is brave, bold, and exactly what’s needed in the era of Trump.

Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly

Have you been eager to read a good book that takes you back through history? Well, Margot Lee Shetterly’s Hidden Figures delves into the true-life story of four African American women who all played a major role in NASA’s greatest successes. Discover the challenges, alliances, and intellect of these underestimated scientific minds that helped shape one of America’s greatest organizations.

Hidden Figures turns American history on its ear, recounting the interwoven accounts of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden, chronicling their careers over the span of nearly three decades—starting with World War II and moving through the Cold War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Space Race. Once you’re done reading the novel, we suggest you make some popcorn and enjoy the movie version as well!

Tangerine by Christine Manga

Imagine running into a former friend that you haven’t spoken in years. That’s exactly what happens when Alice arrives in Tangier, Morocco with her new husband, John, in Christine Manga’s Tangerine. With a new home and husband, the last thing Alice expects is to run into her former roommate, Lucy Mason. But Lucy, as always, encourages Alice to be her best self, helping her emerge from her flat and explore the vibrant culture of the country.

Before long, a familiar feeling starts to overtake Alice, however, as Lucy becomes increasingly controlling. Once John goes missing, Alice begins to question everything that led her to Tangier. So, get comfortable for an afternoon spent in your favorite reading chair because this book will leave you breathless at its very conclusion!

Whether you want to read one or five books before the Fall semester begins, each of these suggestions are sure to keep you entertained in your free time. So, take a trip to your favorite bookstore, purchase the titles that interest you, and get to reading!

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