Face it, you meant to read more books during the semester but did not find the time — or a good one. Here are some books worth your while for the upcoming break. 

1. Unlearn: 101 Life Lessons Without the Bullshit by Humble the Poet

Take ownership of your life with an easy read that will tell it to you straight. This book is packed with bite-sized stories that set it apart from other self-help books. You can pick and choose from those stories and gain some valuable insight from artist Humble the Poet himself. 

If you can’t commit to reading the whole book, at least read “My Daddy was a Cabbie,” “Are You Worth It?,” “The Apology You’ll Never Get,” “Losing Ourselves,” “Fantasies Alone Are Fatal,” “Don’t Try to Change People” and “Sometimes We’re the Bad Guys.” Trust me on these ones. Although his words are simple, they carry so much meaning that will resonate with many readers.

2. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Everyone has heard about this book at least once in their lifetime and if you haven’t, well you are missing out on the ultimate self-help book.

You can go about tackling this book in two ways: flip to the table of contents, find the seven habits right off the bat and take it from there, or take each chapter piece by piece and digest the knowledge that Covey shares. A forewarning, there’s lots of content accompanied by many diagrams within these pages. If you are thinking about reading this, start early. A copy of this book is sure to be collecting dust somewhere near you so start asking around.

3. Mind Platter by Najwa Zebian

Instagram poetry has taken the world by storm. I am not complaining — poetry gives light to a rather mundane life. The more, the merrier, right? 

Ever since the rise of r.h. Sin and Rupi Kaur, I have made it my personal goal to seek out the best of the best published living poets. Zebian has captured my attention with her genuine reflections and unique perspective on her life. “The Power of Words,” “The Power of Silence,” “A Taste of Your Medicine,” and “Follow Your Soul,” are some of her best pieces. The Nectar of Pain and Sparks of Phoenix are her next two books. 

4. A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin 

How can I leave a fantastic, epic fantasy book series out of this list? 

The first book is very quick paced, so if you are looking for a book that gets right into the action and drama, this one’s for you. I’ll spare you the gory details and let you find that out for yourself. As long as you do not get attached to characters easily, this series will be a breeze. I am all for a good old TV show binge but nothing gives a bookworm a sense of satisfaction like reaching the end of an 800-something-page book. 

5. Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

This psychological thriller will live rent free in that head of yours for a long, long time.

I bet that you will be gripping both sides of this book, reading as fast as you can comprehend until you finish it. Jack and Grace’s not-so-perfect love story may or may not give you trust issues. However, it makes for the ultimate thrill factor. Don’t come back and complain, because I told you so. This standalone novel will for sure entertain you on a snowy day.

6. A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah

Pick up this memoir and find out about the reality of what’s happening in different parts of the world.

This is a memoir of a boy soldier from Sierra Leone who moved to the United States in 1998. Beah’s experience in fighting a war at a young age is a brutal reality that many still face today. This book will give you strength and inspire you to create change, as Beah walks you through his road to survival and his healing journey. Open your eyes and your heart, and pay attention to important world issues with this book.

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Kristine Jones A. Del Socorro | Culture Editor

Graphic: Kristine Jones A. Del Socorro | Culture Editor