8 Quick Reads For The Busy College Student

By Victoria Robertson on November 11, 2014

I think it’s safe to say that the college student’s life is one of constant demand. From classwork to social events, you will find that your calendar is always full, and time flies by so quickly, you’ll have graduated before you know it.

But it’s important to squeeze in a little free time here and there to do what you want to do.

So for those of you that are bookworms, yet can’t always find the time to pick up a new book amongst the piles of textbooks you are required to read, here are eight quick reads that give you that little breather you so desperately need.

1. “Shiver” by Maggie Stiefvater:

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The most impressive aspect of this novel is its seamless transitions in point-of-view. While the story takes a supernatural topic, along the same vein as Stephanie Meyer’s grossly popular Twilight saga, it’s one that I’d actually recommend.

Quite possibly one of the most well written young adult romance texts I’ve come across yet, the story is creative and beautiful in its own way. It certainly isn’t the most difficult text you’ll read in your college career, but as a student in need of a mindless, yet entertaining read, this is the perfect book for you.

Plus, if you enjoy it, you just gained a few more quick reads, as “Shiver” is the first book in The Wolves of Mercy Falls series (which also includes “Linger,” “Forever” and, released July 1 of this year, “Sinner”).

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2. “Prophecy of the Sisters” by Michelle Zink:

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In continuing with this supernatural theme, Michelle Zink’s “Prophecy of the Sisters” is creepy, infuriating and impossible to put down. The first book of the Prophecy of the Sisters trilogy is absolutely captivating, and I promise you won’t be able to wait to read the next book.

Zink tells a story that’s never been told before, bringing a sister rivalry dynamic into play in a thrilling way. There’s romance, horror and family all encompassing a greater power that drives the plot of the book.

The second and third texts of the trilogy, “Guardian of the Gate” and “Circle of Fire,” both work in continuation of the main plot and don’t disappoint, as sequels typically do.

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3. “The Mist” by Stephen King:

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Who doesn’t love a good Stephen King novel? However, his works tend to be a bit lengthy, and while entertaining, can take quite some time to get through. “The Mist,” one of his more popular short stories, is the answer to your problems.

The story is a novella, so it quickly moves past characterizations and into the spooky elements that King is best known for. Even with the fast pace of the text, the reader feels for its characters and engulfs themselves in the story within a matter of a few pages.

This is probably one of the fastest reads by King that you’ll ever find. My recommendation: buy King’s “Skeleton Crew.” It is a collection of many of his short stories, including “The Mist.”

So if you’re on a horror kick, this is the quick read recommendation for you.

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4. “The Good Soldiers” by David Finkel:

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If you have not read this book yet, make this your next quick read. “The Good Soldiers” is one of those books every American should read, and it’s a story everyone should listen to.

David Finkel, a Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist, follows a battalion in Iraq as they fight for their country and battle more than just Iraqis. The text doesn’t glorify war, nor does it argue against it. Instead, Finkel uses the work as an attempt to reveal the truth behind war, and to tell these men’s stories without filter.

This work is extremely personal, heartbreaking and it’s by far one of the most powerful pieces of journalism I’ve ever come across. And with the added element of photojournalism, images are able to propel his words to a level beyond the reach of any journalist I’ve come across.

His second text, a follow up to “The Good Soldiers” entitled “Thank You For Your Service” will touch you as well, and I strongly recommend reading both.

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5. “The Silence of the Lambs” by Thomas Harris:

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Many of you have probably stumbled across the film by this point and enjoyed the deranged, exhilarating plot. But if you haven’t yet read the book, it is strongly suggested that you do.

While Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster may be the only visualization of the characters you can make after having seen the film, doesn’t everyone always say the book is better? And with a film as well-done as this, that’s saying a whole lot.

This is the second book in the Hannibal Lecter series, so if you want a backstory to the ever popular cannibal, start with “Red Dragon,” the first book of the series. Whichever way you choose to start, you won’t be able to stop.

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6. “Sundays at Tiffany’s” by James Patterson:

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That’s right, the Women’s Murder Club novelist has written a love story on the basis of an imaginary friend. It may sound ridiculous, but it’s cute, romantic, and an extremely quick read.

While I wouldn’t recommend this for those that dislike sappy love stories (as the book was made into a Lifetime film, if that tells you anything), “Sundays at Tiffany’s” is creative, and has a premise that’s out of the ordinary, which is always better than re-reading the same story with different characters.

Patterson works closely with children’s writer Gabrielle Charbonnet (Cate Tiernan) to make this story a reality, and fans of his won’t be able to put it down.

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7. “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton:

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If you have not yet read this book, shame on you. S.E. Hinton wrote this book when she was 16 years old (abbreviating her name because she’s a woman writing about teenage boys). The text was originally published in 1967, but it’s still an iconic text to this day, and that’s saying something.

Following a societal battle between greasers and socs (socials), this book battles concepts of isolation and fitting in, because no matter what, there are always outsiders in society.

The book is quick and easy to read, and you will fall in love with the characters almost instantly. While many college students probably read this in high school, it’s one I recommend returning to, as you’ll be amazed how strong the text really is.

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8. “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell:

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Another short story that won’t take more than an hour to get through, “The Most Dangerous Game” is thrilling, creepy and satisfying, all at the same time.

Many grade school teachers require this text, and it’s no wonder why. While the plot may appear to be a bit out of the realm of realism, it is still somehow a societal possibility, which is really what makes it so unbelievably gruesome. (For those of you that watched this episode of “The Blacklist,” you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about, and find the story a bit too close for comfort.)

Again, this is one of those texts you should really read in your lifetime, and it won’t take long to do so. Even if you’ve read it before, return to it. I promise you’ll appreciate its societal commentary much more than you did the first time.

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While these are only a few of my favorites, these quick reads will undoubtedly help you get through the end of this semester. Happy reading!

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