College is often described as a transformative phase in one’s life. It’s a time of self-discovery, growth, and learning that extends far beyond the lecture halls and textbooks. While the academic curriculum provides the necessary knowledge and skills, there’s another vital aspect of education that often goes overlooked: the power of reading. In this digital age, where information is a click away, the act of reading books remains a timeless and indispensable tool for college students.
Books hold the key to unlocking a world of knowledge, empathy, and creativity. They offer a unique opportunity to step into different worlds, explore diverse perspectives, and gain insights into the human experience. For college students, this journey through the pages of books is a powerful complement to their formal education.
This article lists the 15 best books for college students in 2023, encompassing a wide range of genres and subjects. These selections have been chosen to inspire, educate, and entertain, making your college journey all the more enriching.
Before we go on to list the best books for teens to read, let’s quickly look at the benefits of reading books as students.
Table of contents
- What Are The Benefits of Reading Books?
- 15 Best Books for College Students
- 1. Animal Farm by George Orwell
- 2. Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
- 3. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
- 4. East of Eden by John Steinbeck
- 5. Freedom by Jonathan Franzen
- 6. The People We Keep by Allison Larkin
- 7. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- 8. This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- 9. The Idea Of A University by Cardinal John Henry Newman
- 10. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
- 11. How to Become a Straight-A Student by Cal Newport
- 12. The Van Gogh Deception by Deron R. Hicks
- 13. Educated by Tara Westover
- 14. The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
- 15. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
- How To Make The Choice Of Books To Read?
- FAQs On Best Books For College Students
- Conclusion
- References
- We Also Recommend
What Are The Benefits of Reading Books?
Books hold the key to unlocking a world of knowledge, empathy, and creativity. They offer a unique opportunity to step into different worlds, explore diverse perspectives, and gain insights into the human experience. For college students, this journey through the pages of books is a powerful complement to their formal education.
Here are a few reasons why you need to read books as a student:
1. Books Strengthen Your Brain
A 2013 study indicates that reading may increase connections within the brain to strengthen neural pathways. Participants in the study read the same book and received daily brain scans. The tension and release of the story itself matched brain activity. More significantly, studies showed that reading boosted connections in the parts of the brain that regulate movement and body feelings across the short- and long-term.
In short, reading strengthens your brain by increasing and improving the pathways that allow our brains to send and receive information in the body.
2. Improves Vocabulary
Books expose you to unfamiliar words, and even those with unclear vocabulary can help develop your existing word bank. Reading more words and phrases can help you learn new terms in your everyday vocabulary.
READ ALSO: 13 Effective Time Management Tips For College Students
3. Personal Growth
Books can be mentors, guiding you through personal and professional challenges. You can find inspiration and motivation in the stories of those who’ve faced adversity and triumphed.
4. It Reduces Stress
College life can be stressful, and books offer a healthy escape. Whether it’s diving into a gripping mystery or finding solace in a well-written self-help book, reading can be a balm for the soul.
5. Reading Keeps You Sharp
Keeping your mind active has been shown to maintain or improve mental acuity. A study by Cambridge researchers assessed the rate of mental decline in older people who read books more than one time each week. The researchers’ findings demonstrated that older individuals who were readers experienced a lower risk of cognitive decline.
6. Critical Thinking
Reading encourages critical thinking. Analyzing complex narratives, evaluating arguments, and forming your own opinions are skills that will serve you well in both your academic pursuits and your future career.
SEE ALSO: When Is The Best Time To Study? Day or Night | Expert Advice
7. Relieves Stress
College life can be stressful, and books offer a healthy escape. Whether it’s diving into a gripping mystery or finding solace in a well-written self-help book, reading can be a balm for the soul.
Students often experience many stressors relating to their education. As you start the new year, consider exploring some of the best books for college students as a method of stress reduction.
15 Best Books for College Students
Here’s an array of the best books for college students:. Select any five and get started for the month.
- Animal Farm by George Orwell
- Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
- Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
- East of Eden by John Steinbeck
- Freedom by Jonathan Franzen
- The People We Keep by Allison Larkin
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- The Idea Of A University by Cardinal John Henry Newman
- The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
- How to Become a Straight-A Student by Cal Newport
- The Van Gogh Deception by Deron R. Hicks
- Educated by Tara Westover
- The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
1. Animal Farm by George Orwell
George Orwell’s satirical novel Animal Farm sees a group of farm animals rise against a totalitarian human farmer to create a worker’s utopia. Like many attempted rebellions in history, infighting and disagreements on political goals led to an unfortunate yet foreseeable outcome. Students exploring political revolutions may enjoy this classic novel.
2. Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
Human emotions and their links to behavior are examined in Atlas of the Heart. In her nonfiction work, Brene Brown examines 87 human emotions and contextualizes them with typical situations. This manual can be used by readers to reflect on their sentiments and the deeds they associate with those particular emotions. College students may experience emotional overload during this crucial period in their education and lives and turn to this book for support.
Are you interested in the GMAT? Find out How Many Times GMAT Is Conducted In A Year
3. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Dostoyevsky’s Crime and Punishment examines alienation and morality—two key themes for teenage students. The book’s main character, a former student, plots the killing of an older neighbor who possesses many valuable items in a bid to enrich himself and join the upper strata of accomplished wealthy men. As the events unfold, he becomes confronted with the mental anguish related to his deed and its consequences.
4. East of Eden by John Steinbeck
College students would benefit greatly from reading East of Eden, a book about two intertwined families and their problems with morality, loss, and life. Steinbeck utilizes the Salinas Valley in California as a line separating sin and virtue in a story set against the backdrop of World War I. This book examines universal human topics like love, loneliness, and family, which people may feel more keenly when they are young adults.
READ ALSO: 15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges In The US 2024 | Ranking
5. Freedom by Jonathan Franzen
In Jonathan Franzen’s Freedom, the Berglund family struggles with infidelity and adolescent rebellion. The story spans several years, with the son Joey later attending the University of Virginia. The family, including their daughter, drift apart throughout the book due to several circumstances. Thematically, Freedom explores the way families and individuals change during crucial periods of their lives.
6. The People We Keep by Allison Larkin
“The People We Keep” is a novel by author Allison Larkin. Published in 2021, it is a compelling coming-of-age story that explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the bonds we form with others.
At the heart of “The People We Keep” is the story of April, a young woman facing the challenges of life in a small, economically struggling town. April’s life takes a difficult turn when her mother leaves, leaving her to fend for herself and navigate the complexities of adulthood at a young age.
To make ends meet, April takes on various jobs, including waitressing at a local diner and working as a singer in a bar. Through these experiences, she encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their struggles and stories. These encounters shape April’s understanding of the world and help her grow as a person.
College students may easily relate to April’s experience being out in the world on her own as she forges her identity.
Read Also: How To Register For IELTS in Nigeria | Step By Step Guide
7. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
“The Alchemist” is a bestselling novel by Brazilian author Paulo Coelho, first published in Portuguese in 1988. The book is a philosophical and inspirational work of fiction that has resonated with readers worldwide. It tells the story of Santiago, a shepherd boy who embarks on a journey of self-discovery, personal legend, and the pursuit of his dreams.
The story is set in Spain and North Africa and begins with Santiago, a shepherd, who dreams of a distant treasure waiting for him in the Egyptian pyramids. He’s been having this recurring dream and feels compelled to follow it. Santiago’s journey takes him on an adventure that is both physical and spiritual.
This is a highly recommended book for college students.
8. This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald
“This Side of Paradise” is the debut novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, published in 1920. It is often considered a classic of American literature and is a prominent work of the “Lost Generation” literary movement. The novel explores the experiences and aspirations of its protagonist, Amory Blaine, as he navigates the tumultuous cultural and societal changes of the early 20th century.
Moving on in the story, Blaine finds out that life is completely different behind the walls of his college, and now he has to look for himself again. It sounds so familiar to many college students today, doesn’t it?
You may want to check out the Top 10 Best Music For Studying | Update Your Playlist Now
9. The Idea Of A University by Cardinal John Henry Newman
“The Idea of a University” is a collection of lectures and essays written by Cardinal John Henry Newman, a prominent 19th-century English theologian and intellectual. Originally published in 1852, the work is considered one of the most important and influential texts on the philosophy and purpose of higher education. Newman’s ideas have had a lasting impact on the development of universities and the concept of liberal education.
Cardinal Newman’s “The Idea of a University” remains a seminal work in the philosophy of education. His emphasis on the value of a liberal education, the unity of knowledge, and the moral and intellectual development of students continue to influence discussions on the purpose and goals of higher education.
10. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Charles Duhigg’s The Power of Habit is a self-help book that explores how routines affect people’s behaviors. College students looking to replace bad habits with good ones can look to Duhigg’s writing on scientific discoveries relating to human routines and the actions they can create.
11. How to Become a Straight-A Student by Cal Newport
This book is a very simple guide to college life. It is succinct and offers several, understandable methods for planning for examinations, scheduling appointments, and avoiding procrastination. This wonderful book for college students provides a few straightforward but useful methods for organizing your studying so that you can fit in as much socializing, sleeping, and engaging in personal interests as you can while maintaining a rigorous academic schedule.
12. The Van Gogh Deception by Deron R. Hicks
“The Van Gogh Deception” is a young adult mystery novel written by Deron R. Hicks. Published in 2017, the book combines elements of art history, suspense, and adventure as it follows the story of a young boy named Art who becomes entangled in a mystery involving stolen paintings and hidden secrets.
The story revolves around Art, a 12-year-old boy with a remarkable talent for forgery. He lives in a small town and uses his artistic skills to create counterfeit paintings, a secret known only to his grandmother. When his grandmother suddenly passes away, Art’s life takes an unexpected turn.
This book is a must-read series of books for 13-year-olds.
13. Educated by Tara Westover
Tara Westover, the author of this best-selling memoir, walks you through her journey from Idaho where she was raised by survivalist parents to finding a home in higher education. Her thirst for knowledge transforms her intellectually and socially, serving as an example for people who may encounter similar challenges that frequently seem insurmountable.
SEE ALSO: How To Register For ICAN 2023 | Requirements, Set Up Guideline
14. The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
This life-changing book is a must-read for college students in search of motivation to stir their inner talents. This book is all about running toward success with your potential as a weapon.
The book is based on the concept of the Law of Attraction, which suggests that positive thoughts and beliefs can bring about positive life outcomes. “The Secret” became a bestseller and gained significant popularity, spawning a series of related books, a documentary film, and a widespread cultural phenomenon.
15. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Thinking, Fast and Slow, a nonfiction book by psychologist Daniel Kahneman, splits human decision-making processes into two categories: quick, emotional choices and logical, calculated decisions. Kahneman investigates human decision-making processes, including biases and our capacity to react to the environment.
How To Make The Choice Of Books To Read?
With countless books available, choosing what to read can be overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you curate a reading list that aligns with your interests and goals:
- Set Goals: Determine what you want to achieve through reading. Are you looking to expand your knowledge in a particular subject, explore different cultures, or simply unwind? Clarifying your goals will narrow down your choices.
- Ask for Recommendations: Seek recommendations from professors, classmates, or online communities related to your field of study or interests. Other people’s insights can lead you to hidden gems.
- Explore Genres: Don’t limit yourself to one genre. Experiment with fiction, non-fiction, biographies, self-help, and more. Variety in your reading can provide a well-rounded perspective.
- Read Reviews: Read reviews and summaries to get a sense of a book’s content and style. Websites like Goodreads and literary magazines can be valuable resources.
- Visit Libraries and Bookstores: Spend time browsing in libraries and bookstores. Sometimes, stumbling upon a book by chance can lead to a wonderful discovery.
FAQs On Best Books For College Students
Books on personal development and well-being are crucial for college students. “The Happiness Advantage” by Shawn Achor, “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth, and “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck are excellent choices for personal growth.
Time management is essential for college students. To make time for reading, students can create a reading schedule, set reading goals, and incorporate reading into their daily routines, such as during breaks or before bedtime
Yes, audiobooks can be a convenient option for college students. They can listen to audiobooks while commuting, exercising, or doing chores, allowing them to “read” even when their schedules are packed.
Conclusion
Now you have a list of the best books for college students, which one are you reading today? Let us know your opinions and recommendations in the comments.
References
- bestcolleges.com – The 12 Best Books for College Students to Read in 2023
- bryantstratton.edu – 10 Motivational and Inspirational Books for Students
- timeshighereducation.com – 17 books you should read before (or at) university – chosen by students
We Also Recommend
- 15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges In The US 2024 | Ranking
- 15 Best Colleges In Connecticut For International Students | 2024
- Top 10 Best Music For Studying | Update Your Playlist Now
- 13 Business Ideas For College Students With Little Or No Capital
- 15 Cheap Online Colleges Without Application Fee In 2024
