College can be stressful, and the last thing you want to do at the end of a long day of classes and homework is delve into a book that is an academic challenge. Sometimes it is okay to just read for entertainment and relaxation. If you are getting into a rhythm with your schoolwork and are just looking for a fun easy read, here are eight books perfect for the student who needs a break from the textbooks.

Looking for Alaska by John Green
This coming of age novel reads a bit like a modern retelling of The Catcher in the Rye. The story recounts the journey of the main character in his first year away at school. It’s probably a familiar premise with where you are in life as well.

The Walking Dead Graphic Novels
These graphic novels are the basis for the popular television show by the same name, and if you are already a fan, these are perfect for you. For those who don’t know what a graphic novel is, basically it reads like a comic book. This series is easy to read with a lot of fun visuals and artwork, but does contain quite a bit of adult content due to the graphic nature of the story.

Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
For those who enjoy a religious thriller, this is the book for you. Although the series has been out for some time, it is a worthy and entertaining read. For the folks who don’t identity as Christians, it is still a great story, written as a fiction novel.

One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories by BJ Novak
This collection of short stories will have the reader laughing hysterically. The many quotable stories in this collection range from a retelling of the Tortoise and the Hare, to a story recounting hiding a body. This collection can be said to be one of the best written and diverse story collections available.

The Giver by Lois Lowry
Probably a familiar read from your middle school days, this novel has become somewhat of a classic among certain audiences. Because the reading level is relatively simple, it is a great book for a college student with limited time.

The Sookie Stackhouse Series by Charlene Harris
The basis for the HBO series True Blood, this series of quirky novels follows Sookie through her immersion into a world where vampires have “come out of the closet” and into modern society. Laughs and shenanigans ensue.

Divergent by Veronica Roth
This book got popular for a reason. Set in a future dystopian society, young people must choose their future lives from an extremely young age.

The Fault in our Stars by John Green
This list merits two John Green mentions since this novel deals with what happens when death and terminal illness are faced at a young age. The story still manages to take a tone of hope and an uplifting spirit.

For a busy college student, reading can become a chore, especially when bogged down with a lot of huge textbooks and assigned reading. So whether you are getting a library science degree online and reading is your bread and butter, or if you are more into mathematics and just need a break, these novels offer a bit of a break, and a more relaxing read for your spare moments.

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Email:  General Information   |   Prof. David C. Pecoraro

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Daniel & David

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Eight Easy Reads for the Busy College Student