Today's Topic
Top Ten Back to School Books (College Edition)
- The college I went to had a rule that all Liberal Studies classes had to include a novel as part of it's curriculum. I decided to make my own recommendations on books that would go with general classes that everybody takes en-route to a college degree.
The Cuckoo's Egg by Clifford Stoll
- A super interesting book about tracking down a hacker. I loved that this made hearing about boring computer terminology and language interesting.
Prozac Nation by Elizabeth Wurtzel
She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb
- A memoir about living with depression and a fictional story of a woman dealing with trauma and psychological issues.
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
- Station Eleven is for Theater since it's about a post-apoc Shakespeare troop, and I'll Give You the Sun is all about the Art.
An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
- An Abundance of Katherines seems like a fun way to read about Math. Phantom Tollbooth is a classic children's book that looks at Math in a backwards way.
The Martian by Andy Weir
- The m/c is a Botanist/Astronaut stuck on Mars and there is a TON of technical science in this book.
Shrapnel in the Heart by Laura Palmer
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
- Shrapnel in the Heart is a book of letters that people left at the Vietnam Memorial & their stories after the author tracked them down. It's a beautiful/heartbreaking look at a war that isn't often studied in History classes. Slaughterhouse-Five covers WWII in an unconventional way.
Third and Indiana by Steve Lopez
Smashed by Koren Zailckas
- Third and Indiana covers drugs and gangs and Smashed looks at binge-drinking.
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
- This graphic novel is an eye-opening look at women's rights, taking a stand, Middle Eastern culture, and should be read by everyone.
- Also, here's a few books everyone should read before they move on campus.
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
- I feel like anyone who moves to college without a set friend-group could relate to Cath's struggle to find her place.
Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick
- I'm going to rec this just because human understanding is a life lesson that is relevant anytime, but especially before going out into the adult world for the first time.
Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart
- Because PRANKS! You gotta play some pranks if you're about to live the dorm life.
What back to school books did you put on your list?
Ooh I haven't read any of these yet, but I'm waiting on my library to have Fangirl and I'll Give You the Sun, so I can read them because I've seen lots of good things about them!
ReplyDeleteYou definitely should, they're both forever favorites of mine. The writing is perfection in them!
DeleteFangirl is definitely the perfect college read!
ReplyDeleteLove your picks for pre-college reading and the fact that you included The Martian!
ReplyDeleteCheck out my TTT.
Love how you did this!!! Yes Fangirl would be a great read before college. Also love The Martian and I;ll Give You the Sun. Abundance of Katherines is a great pick for math class!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat picks and I LOVE how you sorted everything by class!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thoughts about Fangirl, even though I'm a guy I thought it would be a great read for someone getting ready for college. Especially if they have social anxiety or just don't know anyone where they're going. Plus it's an awesome book!
ReplyDeleteYes!! I really think most people can relate to Fangirl. Especially people with anxiety. But also anyone who can relate to being lonely and feeling like they don't fit in.
DeleteGreat take on this week's topic! I love your picks, especially The Martian, Prozac Nation and Fangirl. Fangirl is definitely a good read, I wish I could have read that one before college :) I'll Give You The Sun is on my TBR still.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could have read Fangirl before college too!! It would have made me feel less alone!
DeleteI loved your setup for this. So creative! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://booksandcollege.blogspot.com/2016/08/top-ten-tuesday-back-to-school-freebie.html
Love the inclusion of Station Eleven! Great list!!
ReplyDelete