By Lily Plum, reporter
@lilypcourant
Whether you are lounging by a pool, hiking up a mountain, or doing some solid couch potatoing, everyone needs a good book this summer. This list is comprised of the best summer reads as recommended and reviewed by students. From Romance to Fight Club, this list is what you want. If not, head to the library’s list for more.
The Overstory by Richard Powers
The book begins with nine seemingly random stories of people, brought together by a different way of seeing the world. An ode to the natural world, the characters are swept into different forms of activism in an attempt to save the last of America’s old-growth forests.
“The Overstory by Richard Powers, which won the Pulitzer Prize of Fiction this year, is one of the best books I’ve ever read. My whole family’s a fan. Makes you realize how incredibly amazing trees and forests and all of nature is. Really forces you to appreciate how fantastic the world around you is and the importance of conserving that Earth. 15/7” -Skye Curren
Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk
When the narrator loses his job, he eventually comes to meet Tyler Durden, who runs secret boxing matches in the basements of bars. Described by the Washington Post Book World as “diabolically sharp and funny”, Fight Club is a great book for anyone looking to dive into a dark and gritty side of humanity.
“Very good book. Would give perfect score. Overall rating: 5/7” -Peter Vigano
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
A sweeping romance that takes place in London between Louisa Clark, an optimistic and joyful girl, and Will Traynor, the wealthy, recently disabled playboy she is tasked with caring for.
“Whenever I go to the beach, I read a bunch of books. This was my favorite from last summer. It’s so romantic, and the narrator puts the idea of wealth into a great perspective. It shows the progression of love, and how someone can change. The movie is so good!” -Maren Lysenko
Paradox by Jim Al-Khalili
Throughout the history of scientific discovery, scientists have discovered problems that just don’t make sense, called paradoxes. This book explores ideas from physics and anatomy like how can we be both dead and alive? Why will Achilles never beat a tortoise in a race, no matter how fast he runs?
“If you’re looking for an exciting, intriguing and intellectually stimulating read this summer, look no further than this anthology of explanations for famed paradoxes that aren’t as paradoxical as they seem! Written in elegant and accessible language, it offers great dinner-table conversation on topics ranging from time travel to the behavior of light.” -Ellie Grogan
127 hours by Aron Ralston
The True story of Aron Ralston, who while on a hike in the Utah canyonlands, is pinned by a boulder on his arm, trapping him for six days with only one option. A gripping read for any adventurers, this is a summer read that can’t be put down.
“The characters in the book were incredible. The plotline was also great. I would totally recommend this for a summer read. ★★★★★” -Charles Corcoran
The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
A #1 New York Times Bestseller and National Book Award Finalist, The Sun is Also a Star paints a glorious picture of the romance between stoically scientific Natasha and straight A student Daniel, but their relationship blossoms under the burden of Natasha’s deportation to Jamaica in just twelve hours.
“I love realistic fiction, and I really loved the diverse character choice. They were personified really creatively, and made it a really interesting read. They are coming out with a movie soon, and I am really excited to see it.” -Caroline Brooks
