5 Easy reads to get you back into reading
As college students, we often have great pieces of literary mastery that peak our interests. Unfortunately, time and discipline are scarce commodities in the college community. Most students you speak to will tell you they have a book on their to-do list, but lacked the commitment needed to finish the book. When most new readers are trying to get their feet wet in the literary world, they fail to realize that like any other discipline reading books has a set of training wheels. Here is a list of easy reads to get new readers well versed in the act of diving into literature.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
A 19th century novella about the story of a bi-polar doctor with a schizophrenic, murder-crazy alter ego. One of the most commonly read 19th century classics is a great short read on the dynamic of good and evil, depicted by its intriguing storyline and literary excellence. It's an easy first read because it pulls you in early, with the murder involved as well as not even being the length of a novel.
The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway
This short read is one of Hemingway’s best works told through the eyes of Jake Barnes, a questionable, asexual man whose loving relationship with Lady Brett Ashley will drive you crazy. This tale about love, relationships and experience will not only change your views about friendship and commitment, but it will also make you want to visit Pamplona to run with the bulls this summer (and maybe pick up a matador of your own.)
Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut
Vonnegut is a satirical genius, but his prose are simple and perfect to just pick up when you’re stuck in traffic on the EE. “Cat’s Cradle” follows John’s experiences trying to write a book about the day Hiroshima was bombed, but when things go wrong he gets trapped on San Lorenzo to try and survive the end of the world. This quick read will make you want to finish Vonnegut’s entire literary portfolio. They are all just as witty and gripping as this starter.
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “I don’t run. This book isn’t going to interest me at all!” If you've ever had to work hard to reach a goal or if you’re just looking for some mid-semester inspiration, you’ll want to pick up this baby-blue soft cover. Think of this book’s focus on long-distance running as an allegory for the choices we get to make in life.
A Study in Scarlet by Dr. Arthur Conan Doyle
Finally, the 19th century classic that introduces the greatest investigator in the history of literature. We saved Sherlock Holmes' best for last. In this book, Dr. Watson comes back from war and is introduced by a friend to Sherlock in pursuit of finding a roommate. When he begins to live with his newly found roommate, he is introduced to the world of private investigation, and they are thrown into the middle of a murder investigation. The book is a short novel that is written in an easy to read manner, with constantly interesting and evolving content throughout the story line.
