Reading Is More Than Just School Trauma (6 book recommendations)

After reading page after page in your textbooks (or maybe just looking at them and then deciding not to), I know that the last thing most of you want to do is pick up another book. But stay with me here, reading can actually be fun, at least if you pick the right book. So,…

Ellen Christofi Johansson Avatar

After reading page after page in your textbooks (or maybe just looking at them and then deciding not to), I know that the last thing most of you want to do is pick up another book. But stay with me here, reading can actually be fun, at least if you pick the right book. So, I have gathered a list of books that you might actually enjoy.

First on the list is for all the Non-Fiction and True Crime lovers out there, In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. Capote spent six years working on this novel, closely following a crime that took place in 1959. To this day, it is regarded by some critics as one of the first, and best, non-fiction books ever. The case is equally fascinating as it is absolutely heart-breaking, but it makes for an incredible read.

If you are one of those people that exclusively reads about history and world wars, fear not, because I have something for you too. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut is a whimsical yet serious anti-war novel that grapples with everything from the author’s personal experience as a soldier, to time travel and life in all its precious moments.

Moving on to something completely different, one of my personal favourites (although all of these are), Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason. It is a stunning portrayal of human connection, detailing how we attach ourselves to each other in want of security, and how we desperately want to believe that other people will magically fix us. It can be quite sad at times because Mason does not hold back when it comes to talking about mental illness. She shows how it can affect every corner of a person’s life, but the potential tears are very much worth it.

More of a dystopia fan, are you? Well then, let me tell you about Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. I’m well aware that there is a film version as well, but wouldn’t it be nice to be able to say that you have actually read the book for once? Never Let Me Go follows Kathy H, who now works as a carer for organ donors. She recalls her life at school when she was younger, but when it all of a sudden takes a twisted turn, you realise that not everything is as it seems. It is one of those novels that you definitely do not want to put down.

Gaining popularity back in 2020, when it was adapted into a critically acclaimed TV-series, Normal People by Sally Rooney is a must if you are a 20-something that can’t seem to ignore the impending doom of adulthood. It deals with mental health, love, loss, and identity in the most raw and unfiltered way possible.

Lastly, did you think that I had forgotten about all the hopeless romantics out there? Of course not. If you are craving a book that’s comforting and light-hearted but want characters that care about more than just their looks, Beach Read by Emily Henry is one of the best romance picks out there.

That was all for this round! I sincerely hope that you find something to your liking, but now I will let you go back to your 400 pages worth of Economics. Have fun!

About Nådiga Lundtan

Founded in 1948 and has since been an important part of student life in the economics program at Lund University. Nådiga Lundtan covers a wide range of topics related to economics, society, and politics, as well as careers, entrepreneurship, and innovation. It is a platform for students to share their ideas and opinions on economics and related fields.

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