By Steve DiCarlo > Senior > Creative Writing > Hofstra University, Photo By Riley Blanks > Sophomore > Sociology & Studio Art (Photography) > University of Virginia
Top 5 Winter Readers
Dreading the stack of books assigned to you this semester? Don’t let mandatory reading assignments leave you putting off books completely. These top five winter reads may help you acquire a newfound appreciation for reading. Despite the arrival of the “spring” semester, it is still cold enough to justify staying in bed Saturday morning with an exceptionally good book.
I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell
By Tucker Max
If you haven’t read, or at least heard of this book, you’ve been in a hole for the last four years. This three year bestseller started the “fratire” genre, and has been leaving readers with dropped jaws since its 2006 release. The stories are at times so disgusting and bizarre that you will forget you are actually reading for fun.
The Alchemist
By Paulo Coelho
This allegorical novel follows the life of a young shepherd who travels to Egypt to find treasure. It is a beautiful tale of destiny and fate, and leaves readers wanting more for themselves. The Alchemist has justifiably received a great deal of praise by notable public figures, and is a definite must-read for college students who aspire to make their own dreams a reality.
Water for Elephants
By Sara Gruen
Gruen’s brilliantly written historical novel is full of romance, danger and adventure. It follows the life of a man who, upon his parents’ death, traveled with a circus to care for the animals. The narrator quickly falls in love with a married woman, making an enemy of her paranoid schizophrenic husband. Be sure to read it before April 22, when it will be released as a feature length film starring Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon and Christoph Waltz.
One Day
By David Nicholls
Another novel being adapted into a film later this year is One Day, which chronicles the lives of two protagonists (to be played by Jim Sturgess and Anne Hathaway) every year on St. Swithin’s Day. A story of love, loss, and long-distance friendship, One Day is a moving novel recommended to all. It is the perfect feel-good novel for a
cold winter’s day.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
By J.K. Rowling
The final film in the “Harry Potter” series is coming out this summer. For those who want a reminder of how it will end, I highly recommend rereading the final book. And for those who haven’t read any of the books, at least read this one. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II is sure to be one of the biggest blockbusters of 2011, so you will likely be forced to watch the film with one of your friends, even if you aren’t a fan of the books. Give Deathly Hallows a quick read just to acquire an understanding of the main characters and themes. Chances are if you read it, you’ll realize just what you’ve been missing out on, and will finally read the whole series.
