The Summer Reading List that Will Change Your Life

Below is a guest post from the author of Community College Success, Isa Adney. You can connect with her on Twitter @IsaAdney or Facebook.com/CCSuccess

Whether you're gearing up to attend college for the first time this fall or just graduated, checking out any one of these books this summer will improve your college and career opportunities in amazing ways. 

If you're really brave and super-awesome, read them all (libraries are the best!). You won't regret it. 

(note: no one has paid me to write about these books - I've read them all and just truly love them and think you will too). 

College
How to Win at College
How to Become a Straight-A Student
Say This, Not THAT to Your Professor
Community College Success (c'mon, you knew that was coming.... ;))

Life After College
The Start-up of You
What Should I Do with My Life?
Making Good
Shake the World
So Good They Can't Ignore You

Fiction
The Alchemist

 Do you have any other recommendations we should add to our list? If so, share them with us.

Read, Baby, Read

 
by Debby Stewart, 
Dean of Students, Community College of Vermont

Whether you’re taking classes this summer or have filled your calendar with other obligations (like work, weeding, and keeping the kids from launching into mayhem), don’t forget to carve out some time for reading. After all, nothing suits a lazy, hazy day—when the inclination to barely stir settles over you—than a good book. “I’m moving,” you can say to the one whose eyebrow is arched in your direction, “inside my head.” 

Finding the right book to accompany you in your hammock is a bit challenging. Of course, you can search the web or talk to friends or step inside the local library—all good strategies—but you might also check out one of these four recommendations:  

·         Want an Oldie But a Goodie? John Steinbeck’s East of Eden

o   Yes, summer is the perfect time to catch up on one of those books you barely remember or only experienced in a film. East of Eden is a great book with epic themes like good versus evil and free will versus destiny.  But it’s also a tremendously enjoyable read with characters so real you’ll wish the book wouldn’t end. Trust me: it’s that good.  

·         Looking for a Deserving Sequel? Hilary Mantel’s Bring Up the Bodies

o   In 2010, Mantel published Wolf Hall about life under Henry the VIII (from the perspective of his right-hand man, Thomas Cromwell). This is the period captured in the popular Showtime series, The Tudors. The novel won several awards and was a best-seller. Bring Up the Bodies continues Cromwell’s story, focusing on the downfall of Anne Boleyn.  Mantel is particularly good at making this period—this world—come alive. You won’t be able to put it down.