So when was the last time a book about drugs or sex put you to sleep? Doesn't happen very often, does it? Now try toembrace this concept: There are such things as books you're not required to read but you actually want to read. It's something we all tend to forget, but it's called pleasure reading. You read enough for classes, from physics textbooks that have the potential to put Einstein to sleep to philosophical classics that Socrates couldn't understand. But forget memorizing facts and formulas, forget about Barnes & Noble classics. Most of the following books aren't the kind you'll necessarily find on Spark Notes -- these books have content you can actually relate to and knowledge that will stick in your memory.
Life of Pi
Acceptance is emphasized throughout the University, and that's why "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel should be a must-read for any college student. The novel tells of curious 16-year-old Pi Patel, the son of a zookeeper, living in India with his family. During a vacation with his family, Patel sees three places of worship, each one representing a different religion: Catholicism, Hinduism and Islam. After being drawn to each place of worship and learning a bit about each religion, Patel begins to practice each religion. Yet he fully believes in the teachings of each religion and values each for a different reason.
"The author ties in the ability to adapt to new places," first-year Engineering student Jen Christensen said. "Pi's using what he's known all his life and what he's observing to make a place for himself in the world."
The novel proves to be a captivating read and, not only does one learn about different religions and cultures, but Martel's novel teaches of acceptance, tolerance and faith.
Nickel and Dimed
"Nickel and Dimed" by Barbara Ehrenreich is a non-fiction book that highlights the role of minimum wage labor in American society. Ehrenreich leaves her comfortable middle-class lifestyle behind and embarks on a journey all across America to learn about America's different social classes. She starts out working in service jobs, from waitressing to Wal-Mart. Through each low-paying job, she shares her insights about how life is for many Americans who actually must work these jobs to earn a living.
Ehrenreich discusses the stereotypes faced every day, such as being judged as a drug abuser or thief. She found she was forced to work two jobs every day of the week to try and make ends meet.
"People come from different walks of life -- you don't have to agree with something but respect it," second-year College student Mike Kovacs said.
"Nickel and Dimed" helps one not to be judgmental, Kovacs said. Ehrenreich's lesson to be learned from her journey will not simply last through four years of college, but will last a lifetime.
On the Road
Jack Kerouac's novel "On the Road" tells the story of Sal Paradise, who discovers the importance of gaining life experience on your own. The novel first poses the question, what is it about freedom that the human nature finds so appealing? What is it that makes us want to drop everything and leave? Taking place during the Beat Generation, Paradise (a character based on Kerouac himself) is a writer living in New York City leading a monotonous life. Inspired by Dean Moriarty, a con-man he meets, Paradise decides to take to the open road and hitchhike his way across America. He begins his journey in New York, and travels to Chicago, Des Moines, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Through his three-year journey across America, Paradise gains life experience (with the occasional drugs, beer and sex) and learns the value of independent thought and freedom.
"There's more to life experience than just college," third-year College student Nick Dalby said. "You don't immediately have to settle in a defined role. You can explore what's out there, and we shouldn't necessarily fall into what is prescribed for us. The most obvious route isn't always the best."
First-year College student David Zeke said "On the Road" would have a significant effect on college students.
The novel "will free them from other expectations that people have for them -- they'll discover what they want to do," Zeke said.
Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah
Keeping in mind that one should live independently, it is just as important to remember that one cannot depend on others to be saved, as illustrated in Richard Bach's "Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah." Richard Bach, who writes in first person, is going through the everyday motions of life, yet is disillusioned. Bach is a barnstorming pilot and comes across Donald Shimoda, who has quit his job as a mechanic to become a pilot.
Shimoda, in a sense, is a messiah helping people and, in a way, saving them. As the friendship between Shimoda and Bach deepens, Shimoda passes on his wisdom to Bach.
"The book's about how we're looking outside for something else to save us," fourth-year College student Suzanne Kaufmann said. "But we're our messiah ... we're the answer we seek. You're the one who's holding yourself down, and if you'd just let go, you'll fly."
Even Cowgirls Get the Blues
We're all born with something that sets us apart from everyone else, something that truly makes each of us unique. For Sissy Hankshaw, the main character of "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues" by Tom Robbins, it's her thumbs. Enormously large and largely unique, Hankshaw decides to make the most use of her thumbs -- and what better use is there than hitchhiking? Hankshaw picks up and leaves her hometown of Richmond, Va. and arrives first in New York City, where she begins modeling for feminine hygiene products for a transvestite tycoon known as "The Duchess" (a "he," by the way). The Duchess introduces Hankshaw to a Mohawk Indian named Julian Gitche, the man she ends up marrying. But soon after getting married, Hankshaw begins to feel stifled by Gitche and leaves him, heading for the West in search of her Native American heritage (all one-sixteenth of it).
Hankshaw chooses to follow her passion throughout the novel, and as crazy to some as hitchhiking may be of a passion, and despite how many people try to sway her from it, she continues and does not allow herself to be caged in.
"We've lost sight of the infinite potential of the individual," first-year College student Chris Peterson said. "I feel like the culture we live in ... you live by the rules and you play by the rules, so we're caged in by individual and nonexistent boxes."
"Even Cowgirls Get the Blues" is about individualism and embracing it -- yet it celebrates individualism in a different way compared to other books.
"The problem with books that talk about individualism is they're hopeless -- they talk about the individual and focus on the individual because society is so evil," Peterson said. "This book celebrates individualism. The reason to become an individual is not because of society -- the reason to become an individual is because it's a beautiful thing."
Peterson said the book is rather unorthodox, to say the least. Yet it proves to be an inspirational book where one sees the importance of following one's passion, and how that passion is what makes one an individual.
Each of these books was not to necessarily change your outlook on life, but they might open your eyes to what life has to offer. Featured are five books with different lessons to be learned for the college student.
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