Five Must-Reads for the Spring Semester

I don’t know about you, but I have a new book ready to go as soon as I finish one. Every second of my spare time is spent in alternate universes or different periods with characters I’ve never met but am dying to know. However, I’m also well aware that not everyone has the time to read as much as they may want to, especially during such a busy time of year. Therefore, I’ve created a short and sweet list of books, ranging in length, that are a must-read for your spring semester!

"Normal People" by Sally Rooney

"Normal People" is one of those books that you won’t want to put down from the moment you pick it up. Sally Rooney’s novel follows two messy teenagers in Ireland from around 17 or 18 years old into their early adulthood. When Marianne, a loner in school with a wealthy family, begins a secret “relationship” with Connell, a popular guy whose mom works for Marianne’s family. When the two drift apart after their high school fling, they run into each other again in university only to find the roles have switched. Marianne has become a well-known, classy party girl and Connell has struggled to find his place and friends. No matter how hard the two try, they can never seem to stay away from each other for long.

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"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid

"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" is not only a fun and spunky story about a Hollywood movie star from the 50s to the 80s, but also another relatively quick read making it perfect for busy people who may not have the time to devote to anything too long at the moment. The story follows a struggling journalist, Monique Grant, hoping for that one piece that would change her life. While scrambling to make a name at her office, and in general as a writer, both Monique and her boss are startled and surprised when Hollywood Icon, Evelyn Hugo, requests Monique to write her last interview. The stories told, the secrets unveiled and the relationships formed make this novel one that is definitely hard to put down.

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"Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott

"Little Women" is one of those books that I thoroughly believe everyone should read at least once in their lifetime. A classic story about independence and sisterhood that is not only inspiring but is well-written and entertaining as well. This book follows the March sisters, Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth through love, friendship and hardships. While the novel focuses on all four sisters, Jo appears to be the glue holding the four together in my eyes. Jo struggles to grapple with the lifestyles of some of her sisters, while also trying to understand her own wants and needs in life.

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"Daisy Jones and the Six" by Taylor Jenkins Reid

"Daisy Jones and the Six", and I cannot stress this enough, is one of the best books I have ever read. Its’ simplicity does not hold the story back and the writing is not only unique but also upbeat. If you have ever found yourself down the rabbit hole that is Fleetwood Mac, this novel is absolutely for you. The novel follows a band in the 1970s during their all-time highs together and their all-time lows that eventually lead to the dramatic end of their time together as a band. The writer has claimed she was loosely inspired by the relationship between Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham when writing this novel, but confirmation or not, the correlations are too bold to ignore. "Daisy Jones and the Six" is another easy read that is perfect for the busy college student!

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"Conversations with Friends" by Sally Rooney

"Conversations with Friends" is another hit novel written by Sally Rooney, following the life of Frances. Frances is used to being the brains and in the background while her best friend Bobbi is the complete opposite. Frances likes the way things are, or has at least accepted them, as they both try to make it writers. It isn’t until the two best friends’ poetry brings them to Nick and Melissa, a well-known photographer and actor. Something switches in Frances when Nick and Melissa begin making more appearances at their poetry readings. For the first time, Frances feels like she is being watched and as if someone is there for her in the audience, Nick. The story itself is messy, but also a perfect springtime read!