As the countdown to summer has grown nearer, the dread of summer reading is a common feeling in the student body. For students, the words “summer reading” are less about lounging with a good book and more about panic, boredom, and procrastination. After a long year of endless work, getting assigned summer reading can feel like a cruel joke rather than an amiable experience. If you’re dreading your summer reading list or just want to read something that won’t bore you, here are 5 books that are genuinely worth reading.

1

The Brothers Karamazov By Fyodor Dostoyevsky

       Yes, it’s long. Yes, it’s Russian. But this book hits hard in both literature and philosophy. This novel delves into topics of murder, guilt, faith, family, and morality while being amusing and hilarious.  If you’ve ever stayed up late overthinking about life, morality, or your own mental issues, then this book is for you. Even if you don’t finish it, the famous parable in the chapter “The Grand Inquisitor” is unforgettable.

2

Emma By Jane Austen

      Don’t be fooled by the period dresses; Emma is peak social comedy. It’s about a spoiled, clever, well-meaning girl who thinks she’s the perfect matchmaker, though she keeps getting it hilariously wrong. If you liked Clueless, be pleasantly surprised to find out that Clueless is a modern adaptation of Emma. It’s ironic, witty, and surprisingly modern in its take on making mistakes.

3

The Night is Darkening Round Me By Emily Brontë

     Looking for a short, fulfilling read? This collection of poems from the author of Wuthering Heights is short and haunting. Death, loneliness, and longing in the best way. Gothic or not, it’s perfect for summer nights when you’re feeling a little too emotional.

4

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo By Taylor Jenkins Reid

      Do you want to read about a scandal-filled, glamorous, mysterious actress telling all about her seven marriages? It’s juicy and attention-capturing, but the novel also delves into the cost of hiding who you are. Beneath the glamour, the novel captures the themes of love, identity, and ambition. This novel is filled to the brim with drama and romance.

5

The Metamorphosis By Franz Kafka

       Don’t be fooled by the surreal premise of waking up as a bug, engraved in this story is a deeply sad, and painful story about feeling like a burden, being misunderstood, and the treatment of mental health in society. It’s short, but the existential dread hits hard. A need to read if you’ve ever felt like ignoring all of your responsibilities.