Taking the time to read a good book is a hobby I can only indulge in during the summer. Once the stress of classes and finals has simmered down, nothing is more calming than sitting by the pool with a large iced matcha green tea and an easygoing novel. I have a very short attention span, and if a book doesn’t capture me in within the first few pages, chances are it will sit in my pool bag untouched for the next five years.
I haven’t had much luck with the lists of “books to read in your twenties” I've found on Pinterest. If I wanted to read an educational novel that’s going to make me think and use a dictionary to understand (if you’re into that, more power to you) I would have asked a professor to recommend one to me. I also have found I can no longer relate to vampire novels where the characters are all in their teen years. I’m not in high school, and Edward still hasn't come for me (8th grade Lauren is still upset about it).
Here is a list of books that are simple and relatable that I've enjoyed reading over the past year.
I haven’t had much luck with the lists of “books to read in your twenties” I've found on Pinterest. If I wanted to read an educational novel that’s going to make me think and use a dictionary to understand (if you’re into that, more power to you) I would have asked a professor to recommend one to me. I also have found I can no longer relate to vampire novels where the characters are all in their teen years. I’m not in high school, and Edward still hasn't come for me (8th grade Lauren is still upset about it).
Here is a list of books that are simple and relatable that I've enjoyed reading over the past year.
1. Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austin
This is single-handedly the best book ever. Read it. Jane just gets me.
It may be a tad difficult for those of you who don’t regularly text your friends in old English, so I recommend getting an annotated version (mine is annotated by David M. Shapard). I also recommend the movie (it's my favorite). It can really help getting the story before you try to tackle to novel, but only watch the Kiera Knightley version, it’s so good.
It may be a tad difficult for those of you who don’t regularly text your friends in old English, so I recommend getting an annotated version (mine is annotated by David M. Shapard). I also recommend the movie (it's my favorite). It can really help getting the story before you try to tackle to novel, but only watch the Kiera Knightley version, it’s so good.
2. Ransom my Heart – Mia Thermopolis (Meg Cabot)
What is better than a (slightly-erotic) romance novel written by our favorite fictional princess of Genovia? Nothing. The main heroin, Finnula, is spicy and outspoken. She takes the dashing Hugo Fitzstephen hostage and holds him for ransom and on their adventure…they fall in love. *sigh*
3. Girls in White Dresses – Jennifer Close
This one is for those of us who like more real-life stories. If you like the show Girls, chances are you will like this book. It jumps between three main characters: Lauren, Mary, and Isabella (similar to the movie He’s Just Not That Into You). It discusses love (my favorite topic), family, friends getting married (which is weird because we were in high school, like, yesterday), and growing up in your 20s.
4. How to be a Hepburn in a Hilton World – Jordan Christy
This book is my guide to life. Jordan Christy is a publicist for Warner Bros. and she shares her ideas on professionalism and classiness. For us ladies who are starting job interviews, professional lunches, meetings, or whatever, this can be a huge help. There are also tips about relationships, finding true friendships, the importance of the LBD, and much more.
5. Harry Potter Series – J.K. Rowling
You all know why you should read this. If you haven’t, shame on you.
Thanks for reading! I'm still looking for more summer books to read...finals are in less than 4 weeks! I'm thinking about reading the entire Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon (I'm obsessed with the Starz TV show). Please comment below if you have any suggestions! Xo