Students often struggle balancing reading for fun with their long textbook readings for class. How can you make time to get back into reading books that truly captivate you?
First, it may help to work with your existing attention span by reading in smaller chunks and to create an environment ideal for reading. KU student Sydney Allan explained how she gets in the mood to read.
“Oftentimes I’ll light a candle and brew some coffee or tea, curl up in my bed with blankets, turn my lamps on. Or I’ll go to a corner in the library and just read for hours,” Allan said.
Another way is to read somewhere new that isn’t associated with school, like a coffee shop. You can also play music in the background, or treat yourself to a yummy snack while settling into a good book.
Reading for fun is beneficial and a powerful stress reliever. It’s a way for your mind to escape to a different world or learn new things from authors. It also builds psychological wellbeing and is proven to relax the mind and body.
Students responded to a Kansan poll on books to get you out of a reading slump, or keep you up all night turning pages.
-
Explore life’s ups and downs with “Intermezzo” by Sally Rooney
Two brothers grieving the death of their father explore family dynamics and complicated relationships. Rooney is also known for her popular works “Normal People” and “Conversations with Friends.”
-
Get lost in space with “Dissolution Protocol” by H.J. Barner
Within a post-apocalyptic world, half of humanity flees the planet to escape climate change. When the Space Republic begins collapsing, a group of individuals will have to make sacrifices to save the future of both Earthlings and Space-Dwellers.
-
Untangle past secrets with “That was Then, This is Now” by S.E. Hinton
Bryon and Mark, two friends growing up, find themselves growing apart as they get older. When Bryon discovers Mark’s secret, the two work to unite their lives again. S.E. Hinton is famously known for her book, “The Outsiders.”
-
Return home to face the past with “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini
This gripping contemporary historical fiction novel follows the main character, Amir, in 1970s Afghanistan. After a shaking event sets him apart from his best friend, Hassan, Amir must return home to find redemption.
-
Investigate a crime scene with “Magpie Murders” by Anthony Horowitz
In Horowitz’s clever crime novel, readers are introduced to Susan. Susan is the editor for Alan Conway’s, miserable and bestselling crime writer, newest book. But when she receives his latest manuscript, she finds that he has written a story too realistic, and leaves her wondering if he has committed murder.
-
Explore the crazy history of drugs with “Tripped” by Norman Ohler
In a thrilling non-fiction, Ohler dives into the captivating history of the Nazi psychedelic program, anti-drug laws in Germany post-1945, the birth of the CIA’s experimental MKUltra program and the inevitable War on Drugs.
-
Are you smarter than a mouse? Find out in “Flowers for Algernon” by Daniel Keyes
In this classic sci-fi novel, the main character, Charlie, is selected to participate in an experimental surgery in hopes of increasing his IQ. The surgery was previously tested on a mouse named Algernon which successfully increased the rodent’s IQ.
Once Charlie surpasses the intelligence of the doctors supervising him, what will happen to his new perception of life?
-
Dive into your creativity with “The Artists’ Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity” by Julia Cameron
In a nonfiction book about art, creativity and spirituality, Cameron encompasses the creative process and “guide to living the artist’s life,” according to Goodreads.
-
Travel back in time to your childhood and reread a book you only partially remember
Return to some old favorites like the Hunger Games or Harry Potter series. You could even compare each book to the movie after you’re done reading. The City of Ember is another Gen Z childhood classic.
“The Harry Potter series often gets me out of reading slumps because they’re comfortable books,” Allan said. “I personally find them really comforting. I recommend them to people who haven’t read them yet because it’s a long series so you can spend a lot of time with it.”
It’s okay to revisit your childhood favorites — it’s not silly to embrace what brings you joy.
Book lovers can find their favorite new reads at The Raven Book Store or The Dusty Bookshelf on Mass Street.
This post was originally published on here
