By Julia Masluszczak, Fourth Year, Comparative Literatures and Cultures and German
Welcome back to all our freshers and returning students! To guide you through the ups and downs of university life, I’ve handpicked a collection of must-read titles available for you at the university library. I’ve curated a selection that’s both thought-provoking and a bit of fun, perfect for those moments when you need a break from the hustle or a bit of motivation to keep going.
Atomic Habits by James Clear (2018)
I’m sure you’ve heard this title been thrown around for a little while now, but in case you haven’t, it’s definitely worth some attention. In a nutshell, Atomic Habits is a transformative book that offers practical approaches to building positive habits and eliminating destructive ones. It’s maybe not a book you read cover to cover in one go, but I’ve found myself returning to it time and time again when I face a dip in my academic or personal motivation. It’s definitely a title to reach for when university stress and expectations become a little overwhelming.
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2013)
I picked this book up completely by accident at the airport on my way home for the summer, completely not realising what an impact it would leave on me. The story follows Ifemelu, a young Nigerian woman who moves to the United States for college, leaving behind her life and her high school sweetheart, Obinze. As she navigates the complexities of American society, Ifemelu starts a popular blog about race and identity, providing keen observations on her experiences as a black immigrant in America. Adichie’s lyrical and incisive writing offers a nuanced exploration of identity and womanhood which is not only thought provoking, but offers comfort for those readers who may need it. I truly haven’t read such a beautiful book in the longest time.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt (1992)
You’re probably sick of seeing this book being recommended, but alas here it is again. This is the perfect book for our dark academia lovers, and I personally find it kind of cosy as we start to enter into the colder months. If you don’t know already, the novel follows the lives of a group of eccentric, academically gifted students who are having to face the consequences of their murderous actions (if you think this is a spoiler, read the first sentence of the novel) against a wintery backdrop of an elite college. Tartt’s meticulous craftsmanship and psychological insight weave a haunting and suspenseful narrative that delves into the limits of friendship and the consequences of unchecked intellectualism. Perfect read for our English Literature and Psychology students!
Various poetry by Wislawa Szymborska (1957-1997)
For our poetry lovers, Polish poet and Nobel Prize winner Wislawa Szymborska has a lot to offer. Her work captures the intricacies of human experience and is filled with irony and social and political critique. Her work is also greatly influenced by her own life living in communist-ruled Poland, and her poetry follows her change in beliefs as she gradually grew estranged from socialist ideology as she prioritised literary freedom. My personal recommendations are: Nothing Twice, Lot’s Wife, Portrait of a Woman and Stage Fright. Her poetry is an amazing and exciting opportunity to explore women in translation, and you’ll find multiple options to access these through the university library online and also in print at the Arts and Social Sciences Library.
Happy reading!
