When was the last time you read something that wasn’t a textbook? Hard to remember for most of us, isn’t it? Reading has shifted from being a regular habit to mere justification. Students often find themselves immersed in endless social media scrolling, consuming memes and short videos more than anything else. Time for reading? Squeezed out.
However, there’s a way out of this loop. We’ve curated a selection of must-read books tailored for students—even those who wouldn’t consider themselves avid readers. Let’s change the notion that motivational books merely gather dust! Our selection promises to open new perspectives. Ready to explore? Here’s our list of the best books to read for students!
What Books Should I Read?
#1 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Upon its release in 1960, “To Kill a Mockingbird” quickly garnered critical acclaim. This seminal work is now integral to American literature and boasts a Pulitzer Prize. The narrative thrust of this novel is a gripping courtroom drama, centered around the accusation against an African-American man in a racially charged trial involving the alleged rape of a white girl.
Harper Lee introduces us to this complex world through the innocent eyes of a young, naive narrator. This perspective starkly illuminates the depths of racial animosity that was prevalent during the time. Moreover, the story serves as a poignant exploration of the triumphs and failures of moral judgment within a community.
#2 Born A Crime by Trevor Noah
“Trevor Noah’s ‘Born A Crime’ is more than just a book—it’s an inspiration on paper, a source of laughter and profound insights. Lauded as the ‘funniest man alive,’ Noah delivers an exhilarating rush, typically reserved for his on-screen performances, straight to the reading nook of enthusiasts. Initially published in 2016, the autobiography is fast becoming a staple among motivational reads, particularly treasured by students.
How do you read novels? Of course, books have always been and will be a great option. In addition to books, you should also install the FictionMe app. There is a huge selection of free novels, which are always available if you have a smartphone at hand. It also has all the advantages of novel apps: the ability to customize the font, convenient bookmarks, quick movement between different books, and even a voiceover of the book.
#3 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
In “The Great Gatsby,” our storyteller is Nick Carraway, who lives next door to the enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby. Gatsby, a self-made wealthy gentleman, longs to rekindle an old flame with Daisy Buchanan. He loved her before he went to war. Through the lens of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s narrative, we glimpse the sharp divide between old wealth and the nouveau riche. Moreover, the novel paints a picture of the disintegration of the so-called American Dream, which becomes poignantly clear as we witness Gatsby’s untimely demise.
Should you seek entertainment beyond the page, consider “The Great Gatsby” film adaptation. Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of Gatsby is both captivating and expressive. This cinematic marvel boasts visually stunning scenes, meticulously designed settings, and a fantastic array of costumes. Under superior direction, the cast’s performances are nothing short of award-worthy.
#4 Aesthetics and Politics by Theodor Adorno
Between the 1930s and 1950s, Germany witnessed an unmatched flourish of debate over aesthetics, unparalleled by any other era or nation. The collection presented in “Aesthetics and Politics” serves as a comprehensive anthology of the fierce Marxist disputes surrounding literature and art of that time. Not just a random assortment, but rather a cohesive discourse, these seminal works join in a spirited dialogue between monumental figures in the history of twentieth-century philosophy. The contents are intricately connected, showcasing the intellects that have risen to the status of giants in the annals of cultural theory.
#5 Physics of the Impossible by Michio Kaku
Within the covers of this engaging tome, readers find themselves at the frontier of scientific inquiry. The book is undeniably an enticement that beckons the innately curious mind toward the profound mysteries of advanced scientific principles.
A fascinating array of seemingly fantastical elements—ranging from time-hopping escapades and instant spatial displacement to telepathic communication and encounters with extraterrestrial intelligence—is examined through the lens of current research. Intriguingly, the text posits just how tantalizingly close humankind might be to transcending what were once thought to be unassailable barriers. Contrary to expectation, this volume sheds the esoteric garb often associated with high-concept scientific disquisitions. It is, instead, surprisingly accessible and engrossing, appealing not only to academicians but to lay readers as well.
#6 Critique of Everyday Life by Henri Lefebvre
Henri Lefebvre’s three-volume masterpiece, now available in a single edition, is a profound critique of modern capitalism. His work, stemming from the heart of one of the last century’s most illustrious thinkers, shines a light on the complexities of a consumerist society. “Critique” fueled the passions of the student movement in France in 1968 and has since been a cornerstone for cultural studies and numerous other disciplines—philosophy, geography, sociology, architecture, political theory, and urban planning to name a few.
Everyday experiences—often overlooked and saturated by consumerism—serve as Lefebvre’s muse and foundation for his analysis. Though they may be tainted by inauthenticity, these daily occurrences uphold the potential for rebellion and transformation. Of course, many novel online are now being created on this topic, but Lefebvre’s work withstands time. Its radical nature is as relevant now as it ever was, persistent in its call to arms and its resilient hope.
#7 Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Alborn
Describing this tome in a single term, ‘eye-opener’ wins handily. As you delve into this 1997 masterpiece, you absorb the central premise: giving love and compassion is the wellspring of ultimate joy.
Bone-deep wisdom saturates every chapter—an inspiring beacon for learners. You’ll unearth treasures on clemency, savoring existence, and shattering the chains of impossible standards. Yes, we harbor regrets; their role, however, isn’t perpetual residency in our hearts but to serve as transient tutors on our path forward.
Conclusion
While many students view books through the lens of covers or current trends, there are timeless classics. It has withstood the blows of time and remains relevant even today. Here the emphasis is on such books since it is simply impossible to cover all possible aspects.
