These Books Will Help You Start The Semester Strong

Get ready for another school year by adding these books to your reading list.

I know—the last thing you probably want to do as summer draws to a close is read. The thought of picking up a book right before being back in school where the required reading seems endless sounds terrible. But reading for yourself is way different than reading for school. Why? Because you’ll actually enjoy it.

Start another semester strong by picking up these five books for your dorm bookshelf. And don’t worry—all these books are short, easy reads. You’ll have them done in no time, even if you just read a few pages every day. Plus, each book on the list is eligible for a student discount!

1. Yes, Please by Amy Poehler

Chock full of practical life advice, Poehler chronicles her journey to stardom all under the banner of her guiding principle—how life is so much easier when you just say please and thank you. Poehler manages to walk the fine line of motivating without being saccharine, along with explaining how to temper your dreams with reality. A must-read for college students everywhere.

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2. The Alchemist by Pablo Coelho

With over 150 million copies sold worldwide, Pablo Coelho’s international best-seller needs to be at the top of your reading list ASAP. The full title (The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream), really hits home. The reader follows Santiago, a young boy who longs to travel the world in search of treasure. His journeys will give him much more than physical rewards.

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3. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

If you haven’t picked up this classic (and no, seeing the movies don’t count), now is the time. Originally written as a children’s story, The Hobbit, Or There and Back Again is a quick read you can easily finish before summer ends. For those unfamiliar with Middle Earth, we accompany Bilbo Baggins as he’s thrown from his comfortable daily life and into a quest far more important than he could imagine.

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4. The Enneagram Collection by Beth McCord

If you’re wanting to get to the core of what makes you you this school year, you’re going to want to pick up this personalized enneagram journal by licensed enneagram coach Beth McCord. Each journal prompts you to write about your experiences, all wile explaining how what your specific enneagram type strengths and weaknesses are. Unsure what type you are? Take this online quiz to find out.

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5. Dessert Can Save The World by Christina Tosi

Milk Bar founder Christina Tosi uses this half-autobiography, half-advice book to explain how she got where she is today. Spoiler: it’s a lot of hard work. This book will challenge you to pursue your goals, but Tosi doesn’t sugarcoat it. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and you’re going to have to want it to get there. But much like her dessert empire did, you can change the world, too!

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Feeling more hyped for another year of school? We hope so! Don’t forget to tell us which book you’re starting with. Plus, save money on your book purchases with Student Beans’ exclusive student discounts!

Looking for more advice on how to get ready for school? Find out how you can hype yourself up as you head back to campus. And be sure to check out what your perfect back to school style is based on your zodiac sign!