Top Books for College Students to Read this Summer
The joy of summer reading is you can read whatever you want! Reading in general improves memory comprehension, adds to your vocabulary and makes you a better writer. Books also allow us to unwind and better understand each other's feelings and views of the world. Here are some of our favorite reads for college students - and their parents too!
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
This book by Stephen Covey is known as one of the most inspiring and impactful books ever written. Stephen details a principle-centered approach for solving both personal and professional problems with fairness, integrity, honesty, and human dignity. A timeless must-read!
Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover
Get lost in a story both completely engaging and inspiring. As noted by USA Today, “Tara Westover is living proof that some people are flat-out, boots-alwayslaced-up indomitable. … Educated, is a heartbreaking, heartwarming, best-inyears memoir about striding beyond the limitations of birth and environment into a better life.”
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? By Dr. Julie Smith
Adolescence and young adulthood has always been a time of change and of stress - but we’ve all witnessed how adding a pandemic in during those critical years has magnified so many of the challenges facing the young people we love. In this book, Dr. Julie Smith provides a toolkit for staying resilient and optimizing mental health every day, no matter what life throws your way!
Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport
Referred to as the Marie Kondo of phones, this guide does not classify technology as “good” or “bad,” but rather shows the reader how to use technology and social media to support your goals and values, rather than letting it use you.
One of our personal favorites! James Clear explains that If you're having trouble changing your habits, the problem isn't you. The problem is your system. Clear explains how to attain a proven system that can take you to new heights. Along the way, be prepared to be inspired and entertained with true stories from Olympic gold medalists, award-winning artists, business leaders, life-saving physicians, and star comedians who have used the science of small habits to make their way to the top of their field.
Just Mercy is an unforgettable account of an idealistic, gifted young lawyer’s coming of age, a moving window into the lives of those he has defended, and an inspiring argument for compassion in the pursuit of true justice. A powerful and influential read!
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
In Quiet, Susan Cain argues that we dramatically undervalue introverts and shows how much we lose in doing so. She charts the rise of the Extrovert Ideal throughout the twentieth century and explores how deeply it has come to permeate our culture. She also introduces us to successful introverts. At least onethird of the people we know are introverts including notable leaders such as Rosa Parks and Dr. Seuss. Thought provoking for both introverts and extroverts!
The Defining Decade by Dr. Meg Jay
Jay’s book is a perfect read for anyone about to begin their twenties. She reminds her readers of the importance of these ten years ahead and all the ways students will be learning more about themselves. Jay uses her research with clients and students as anecdotes that provide real-life scenarios and examples of situations with work, love, the brain, friendship, and technology. As your student begins the next decade, equip them with this educational and easy-toread book.
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