From increasing student loans to caffeine-free all nighters, one’s college experience is often considered a pivotal experience. Students may subsequently sacrifice their mental health and find themselves within “The Unachievable Goal” Paradox. Doing so may result in mindless scrolling and a lack of slow-reading. Rather than leaving their bookshelves barren, college students of any and all majors can consult the 2025’s “Must Reads” list below.
The following titles highlight genres ranging from eerie thrillers to epic science-fiction. A dystopian piece, Paula Hawkins’s The Blue Hour is a character-driven narrative set in modern-day London. The slow-burner covers the 20 year disappearance of an unfaithful husband to artist and self-starter protagonist, Vanessa. The Blue Hour has amassed national attention- receiving the following reviews from the Book of America. Fellow mystery author Liz Moore deemed the text as “an atmospheric, stylish puzzle box of a thriller…” Moreover, Hawkins’s earnest novel may spark common humanity and empathy from its student viewers.The fast-paced novel is 320 pages- with a setting of an abandoned Scottish mainland. There, Vanessa’s solemn narration is complimented by the text’s immersive literary features. Specific examples include its three-varying perspectives, open-ended questions and a cliff-hanger ending. The Blue Hour’s escapism is grim- neglecting supportive characters and an idealised suburbia setting. Moreover, college students may find solace in the story’s vivid subject matter. Miscarriage, infidelity and drug overdoses reflect the bitter realities of university life. Yet ultimately, Paula Hawkins’s 2024 novel, The Blue Hour is a compelling read with its authentic characterizations and mixed-media format.
An additional must-read for college students is James Islington’s science fiction novel,The Will of the Many. With literary influences including American novelist Raymond E. Feist, the YA novel follows an orphaned and advantageous Vis Tellimus. The 2023 publication may appeal to business majors- with its central themes of ambition, leadership, and knowledge. Moreover, the Will of the Many has renowned readers and publication groups alike. Islington’s work earned its spot as Good Read’s Nominee for Favorite Fantasy last year. With an average rating of 4.6 stars- the text is the first within the Licanius Trilogy. College readers may admire protagonist Tellimus’s tenacity and humility towards his elite education. In Chapter 3, Feist recalls, “good fortune has led to my acceptance into this most prestigious school.” The Will of the Ranks is additionally a tale of triumph and failure- from solving a murder to social ideals within The Catelian Republic. Moreover, students may revel in the novel’s technical elements (eg; a glossary and prose with Catenin-era references.) The Will of the Many’s recognition may additionally result from its action-packed plot. With explosions, duels and Roman assassinations- readers may struggle to turn away from the 2023 publication. A final admirable feature of Islington’s craft is its accessibility. The fantasy novel is available in various formats- including audiobooks and hard-cover texts.
All in all, Paula Hawkins’s The Blue Hour and Islington’s The Will of the Many may serve as comfort reads for college students. Each may encourage them to unplug from the digital world and seek newfound experiences. For instance, sharing perspectives on digital forums, creating hand-written reflections or rekindling a lost love for literacy.
