I could not tell you the last time I read a book for fun. From September-April, it can feel like you’re in a war to survive – school, obviously, work in-between, trying to see your favourite people – something like taking time out of your day to read can seem like such an unnecessary luxury. But in the summer, we can spoil ourselves. Maybe head over to Trinity Bellwoods this weekend, grab an ice cream, and treat yo’self to some fine literature. We asked you guys for some suggestions, and made sure to take into account when making our ultimate summer reading list!
Selfish by Kim Kardashian West
The finest of literature, I know. But hey, haters gonna hate. There’s a 99% chance that this will go down in history as one of the least necessary, least important, most narcissistic works of art ever made. But isn’t that what was supposed to be said about Lichtenstein? I’m sure some poor communications major has been assigned to do their thesis on how this book is what best exemplifies their generation.
Your Elective’s Readings
Shout out to all the kids with mandatory English minors. During the school year, all Media Production students have to take an English class per semester. It’s difficult to clearly state how little anyone cares about the classes, but I think the best example to give is the time we decided to skip English for breakfast… for a month. But I digress. The point is – you’re not going to want to go to your elective. If you email the prof in the summer and ask what the course readings are, you’ll be able to get them out of the way while the sun is shining and you have some spare time.
The Catcher In The Rye by J.D. Salinger
There are probably two hundred books that everyone is shocked that you haven’t read, but Catcher in the Rye will top the list every time. It’s the beginning of modern-day teenage angst and alienation, at a level where Harry Potter in the fifth novel looks like a ball of joy.
On The Road by Jack Kerouac
Kerouac was exactly what Ryerson students think of when they think of “cool”. He was a beatnik, best friends with James Franco’s mancrush Allan Ginsberg, travelled the world and did whatever he wanted. On The Road can be summarized as a fun road trip novel, but more, it’s the one that completely redefined the way we look at the genre. If you like Thelma & Louise or Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, then you owe it to Kerouac to read On The Road.
Something Related To Your Major
There’s something extra satisfying about going into a class and having some idea of what the material is like. You get to feel like a genius when the prof is talking about the Mohr-Coulomb theory or food security in urban areas and you can not only keep up with the conversation, but actually contribute! This will lead to your professor being struck by your brilliance and recommending you to all of his friends in the industry, and as a result, you’ll have a six-figure salary waiting for you when you graduate. Thank you, literature!
Go Set a Watchman by Harper Lee
Harper Lee wrote one book, and won a Pulitzer Prize, and the Medal of Freedom for it, not to mention introducing Scout and Boo Radley into our lives. Harper Lee is 88 years old, and she’s releasing her 2nd novel this summer. A follow up to To Kill a Mockingbird, it’s set in a time where an adult Scout has returned to visit her father. While it’s a sequel, the book was actually written before To Kill a Mockingbird had ever had a pen to the page.
Paper Towns by John Green
Disclaimer: I read this book, and for the first 95% of it, I hated it. I thought it was boring, and unoriginal, and vaguely sexist. But I kept trucking through, for absolutely no reason, but at the end, it had completely turned itself around. It’s being cut into a film as we speak, starring Cara Develigne (who was just here filming Suicide Squad) and Nat Wolff. From the same author of The Fault in Our Stars it’s far less emotionally destructive, but still going to be the film of the summer.
What’s on your summer reading list? Tell us in the comments, and let us know if any of our picks made your list. Happy reading!
