Calling all bookworms! We college students love winter break—no class, no engagements, and no stress. But why not take advantage of this extra time and do something you have been telling yourself you’d “get around to” when you had the chance? Yes, I’m talking about reading a book, and not a textbook. Winter break is the perfect opportunity for you to snuggle up and crack open a must-read with a flavored coffee in hand for some much needed R&R. If you need some inspiration for the perfect winter read, we’ve compiled a list of great books to discover over winter break to fit any reader’s interests. Check out this winter break reading list! It’s filled with picks that our community members have been loving this season.
The Book to Read If You’re Already Missing Summer
Peaches by Jodi Lynn Anderson
Missing summer? This novel may be your cure. Wrap up this winter and reminisce about tans, sunshine, friends, and tasty fruit.
When You Want to Escape
Meet Me in Atlantis by Mark Adams
Apparently there is a whole sub-culture of amateur explorers who believe in and search for the lost city of Atlantis. Who knew, right? When author Mark Adams found out, he decided to jet around the world, tagging along with these Atlantis obsessives, trying to find the mysterious world in this fun and fascinating novel. It’s the book on your winter break reading list you’ll want to get lost in
When You’re Trying to Tap into Your Boss Side
You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
After reading this book, you will never doubt that this title applies to you ever again. Jen Sincero shares her life tips on how to stop self-defeating behaviors that prevent you from getting what you want. She does it all in a very amusing way that makes it hard to put down. This book will help you create a life you truly love.
Feeling the Mother/Daughter Connection
Salt Houses by Hala Alyan
When a mother reads her daughter’s fortune in a cup of coffee the night before her daughter’s wedding, she sees a mixture of struggle and happiness. Set in the 1960s, Salt Houses explores family ties through the lives of a Palestinian family in the midst of the Six-Day War.
For Those Who Want to Harness Their Creativity
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
This books gives great insight into how to harness your creative talents and find inspiration. Elizabeth Gilbert shares her wisdom in the creative process, while discussing topics such as attitudes, habits, and approaches.
If You’re Craving a Deep Connection
Note to Self by Connor Franta
YouTuber, and now author, Connor Franta shares his struggles with mental health, self-love, and being true to himself in this diary-like novel. Full of photos, poetry, and short essays, Note to Self connects with readers on a deeper and more personal level.
The Summer Blockbuster Book
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Whether you’ve seen the movie or not, we all know the book is always better. Crazy Rich Asians follows the character Rachel Chu from New York to Singapore with her boyfriend, who just happens to be the most eligible bachelor in the country. So if you loved the movie, get ready to love the book!
An Inspirational Novel for Life
The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan
Full of hope and determination, Marina Keegan’s essays and stories inspires readers to find what fulfills their lives and how they can harness their talents. Even though Keegan tragically died in a car crash five days after her graduation from Yale, her award-winning work lives on and continues to impact those who read it.
If You Want All the Feels
Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow
A tearjerker if there ever was one, Girl in Pieces explores a young girl’s life that is completely falling apart. The girl herself starts to fall apart with it. Kathleen Glasgow shows the journey one must take to step back from the edge and rebuild your life from the ground up.
When You’re Feeling Poetic
Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
If you haven’t read Milk and Honey yet, don’t wait for Christmas, go to the bookstore right now. This beautiful book of modern poetry is filled with purpose, heartache, pain, love, and healing. It’s perfect addition to any winter break reading list. The book is divided into four sections with different themes, so feel free to skip around to find what you are looking for!
The Ultimate Friendship Goals Book
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
Mystery, excitement, conflict, friendship, what could be better? John Green’s novel follows two girls investigating a billionaire with a hundred-thousand-dollar reward on his head, but the overarching themes of friendship and resilience will be what really gets to you.
If You Love Food and New York City
Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler
As the title implies, this book is not all sugar and spice. This coming-of-age novel is set in the New York City restaurant scene. Centered around the “fragility and brutality of being young,” Stephanie Danler combines love, danger, and food for a one of a kind novel.
When You’re Feeling Something a Little Different
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
This modern classic will have you questioning what you think you know. Sylvia Plath takes you through the breakdown of the beautiful, brilliant, and talented main character, Esther Greenwood. But is Esther really crazy? Read the book and you’ll find out!
If You’ve Been Wanting to Step up Your Social Media Game
Read This if You Want to Be Instagram Famous by Henry Carroll
Want to take your Instagram account to the next level? This book is for you. Henry Carroll loads this book with tips on photography, captioning, managing your account, and more.
Figuring out This Whole Adulting Thing
Almost Adulting by Arden Rose
This humorous “guidebook” of sorts gives readers some useful tips and tricks to navigating adulthood. Arden Rose uses her wit and humor to create a fun book that’s great for anyone who may not have it all figured out yet (so, basically all of us).
For When You’re Feeling Empowered
We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
It’s a short read, but it’s so memorable. Adapted from her popular TED Talk, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie explores feminism in this personal essay through her experiences as a woman. She offers a unique perspective on what it means to be a feminist in the twenty-first century.
What books are on your winter break reading list? Let me know in the comments below!
Opening image by Sarah Gargano
