Whether you are jet setting to a tropical destination or spending your week relaxing in the comfort of your home, taking a break to enjoy an excellent book is necessary after a taxing start to the semester.  The following books will fulfill your every need and allow you to come to back to campus relaxed and focused.

If you are…

An adventure seeker:

  • Jack Kerouac’s famed novel, On the Road, takes you on an intrepid journey through picturesque America in the 1950’s. Sal Paradise, the protagonist, goes on an adventure traveling throughout the country to cities such as New York, Chicago, Denver and San Francisco. During his expedition, Sal is always searching for something or someone but, luckily, he has his new friend, Dean Moriarity, by his side to ease his worries and dissatisfactions. These two new friends are continuously on the move, seeking purpose and perspective. Although they appear to live in alternate worlds with varying problems, the two men soon learn that they are more similar than they ever imagined.
In need of a good laugh:
  • After struggling with a stressful first half of the semester, a hilarious and heartwarming book is the perfect remedy. Tina Fey’s New York Times bestseller, Bossypants, can give you just what you are looking for. In this book, Fey describes her outlandish adventures as an ambitious young girl who had a dream to pursue comedy. Her ridiculous stories about her nerdy tendencies in high school, her mother’s strange eating habits and her failed relationships prove to be “LOL” worthy. An exceptional standout is her Note to God that she wrote following the birth of her daughter. Tina Fey effortlessly reveals all of her secrets and ends on a high note by stating that you are truly considered to be a no one until you are proven to be bossy.
In need of inspiration:
  • The sentimental novel, The Language of Flowers, by Vanessa Diffenbaugh describes the acts of betrayal, bewilderment and love. Through Diffenbaugh’s exemplary writing, the life of Victoria, a young woman raised in the foster care system, is told in an emotionally captivating manner. Victoria has been subjected to disturbing abuses in her upbringing and as a result, her social skills never advanced. The easiest way for Victoria to communicate is through the language of flowers. While the novel weaves between the hardship faced in Victoria’s past and the freedom granted in present day, the prevalence of flowers remains. The meanings she deciphers from the various types of flowers allows her voice to speak even louder and in turn, make new friendships, loves and opportunities blossom.
Want to be on the edge of your seat
  • Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is a thrilling novel that contains murder, love and infidelity. Upon the arrival of their fifth wedding anniversary, Amy, the wife of small-town golden boy Nick Dunne, is murdered. As questioning begins surrounding the identity of the murderer, all fingers are pointing at Nick. With twists and turns on every page, this psychological thriller will certainly have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Rumor has it that Reese Witherspoon is turning this critically acclaimed novel into a movie, so get ahead of the game and start reading!
Craving an indulgent beach read
  • If your spring break plans entail tanning poolside or relaxing at home, this book for young women is a perfect read. Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin presents the difficulty of motherhood in an emotional and compelling fashion. Two women leading extremely different lifestyles experience one event that unites their lives forever. Facing these new and unfortunate circumstances, the women are forced to forgive one another and move forward. Nevertheless, this is a lot easier said than done. Along the way their temptations distract them, causing even greater complications. While dealing with arduous hindrances, both women discover what matters most.
Looking for something profound:
  • Little Bee by Chris Cleave is an insightful novel that explores the importance of humanity and the weight of ethical decisions. Through the meeting of Little Bee, a Nigerian refugee who escaped from the British Immigration Center, and Sarah, an affluent British woman who is trying to mend her broken marriage, the strength of humanity is displayed. Both Little Bee and Sarah share their pasts and attempt to recover for the future. Their ability to forgive demonstrates their profound strength, making this novel an example for the power of the compassion of humankind.