By Kate Stringer Staff Writer stringer14@up.edu
1) 1984 by George Orwell
"1984" tells the story of a dystopia set in a futuristic society in which a citizen's every move and thought is tracked and regulated by the government. Senior librarian Stephanie Michel believes this book is important for college students to be familiar with because it is constantly referenced in contemporary culture.
"It shows how the future could be and the extent to which people need to take action to shape the future to the way they want it to be," Michel said.
2) East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Set in the late nineteenth century in Salinas Valley, California, "East of Eden" tracks the lives of two different families in a way that is analogous to the biblical story of Cain and Abel. English professor Cara Hersh believes this is a great classic all college students should read in their literary experiences.
"It's an example of thoughtful, well-crafted literature with a compelling plot," said Hersh.
3) Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
A complete retelling of a classic fairy tale, "Ella Enchanted" tells the story of a girl cursed with the gift of absolute obedience and her quest for independence. Senior Claire Cummings recommends this book for all college students who need a heartening escape into a fantasy world.
"It feeds your soul and takes you to a place of fairy tale happiness," Cummings said. "It's the perfect way to start life after college."
4) Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
A popular coming-of-age story set in the wizarding world, "Harry Potter" is a seven-part series every college student should have under their cloak, according to junior Mairi Rodriguez.
"It's a classic not only because of the content but because everyone knows it," Rodriguez said. "'Harry Potter' is simple and easy to read but you learn so much from its moral lessons."
5) Native Son by Richard Wright
"Native Son" is the story of an African American man who lives in poverty in 1930 Chicago and his accidental murder of a white woman. English professor Molly Hiro says the novel changed the way race was thought of in America, especially as a rebuttal to the portrayal of African Americans in Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin."
"'Uncle Tom's Cabin' portrayed passive, accepting, loving African American characters. 'Native Son' takes away the sympathy from black characters and in doing so takes away the superiority that goes with this sympathy," Hiro said. "'Native Son' remains relevant even though race relations are better today."
6) Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
"Oliver Twist" is a window into the life of an impoverished street orphan living in nineteenth century England. Senior Valerie Schiller believes college students will benefit from Dickens perspective on poverty.
"It gets you out of the white upper-class mindset and puts you in the mind of somebody that lived in the worst of conditions," Schiller said.
7) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
A novel of courtship, class and contention set against the background of late eighteenth, early nineteenth century England, "Pride and Prejudice" is a story about the consequences of misguided first impressions, according to junior Nicole Simard.
"There's something wonderful about a book that is more popular now than at the time it was written," said Simard. "Everyone has the expectation that 'Pride and Prejudice' is nothing more than a marriage plot but there's really so much more to be discovered."
9) The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
The story of a man's encounter with a mystical creature from another planet and the stories the creature recounts about his experiences.
"It's a classic that speaks to college students," Michel said. "It's about a quest for meaning and establishing one's identity."
10) What Color is Your Parachute by Richard N. Bolles
"What Color is Your Parachute" is a nonfiction self-help book that connects individual talents and interests with potential career ideas. Michel says this book is useful for discovering careers that are most compatible with personal interests.
"It identifies skills and techniques that connect you with what you enjoy doing," Michel said.
