The Unofficial (official) fall reading list

Books that aren’t on your boring syllabi 

Anna Valaik / Arts and Culture Editor / The USD Vista

Reading interesting books for class is great and all, but when’s the last time students were encouraged to “pleasure-read” during the school year? It’s safe to assume, not recently. 

As USD students begin their year and write the nitty-gritty of their syllabi, many realize how many journals, articles, and textbooks they have to sort through the semester. 

For this reason, it’s easy to get so caught up in a multitude of readings. The thought of sitting down with an enjoyable book doesn’t cross anyone’s mind. However, this must  change because pleasure-reading does exactly that: makes you happy and relaxed, allows you to enter a whimsical, fictional world, or simply just tunes out the chaos in your mind.

This fall, all students should try challenging themselves to create their own “syllabi” of readings and complete them. The routine of pleasure-reading before bedtime or during a few spare moments outside Bert’s bistro can make a world of difference. Here is the USD Vista’s official (unofficial) fall reading list.

“You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness” by Jen Sincero

There is nothing shameful about reading a self-help book. People who want to constantly better themselves and improve their lives are cool, so join in the movement and read “You are a Badass” with confidence. This particular self-help book focuses on creating the life you want by recognizing negative behaviors and beliefs. Each chapter has a piece of advice that anyone can take away from. It’s light-hearted and funny too, which is always a plus. Try this book out whenever you’re stuck in a rut and can’t seem to find the words to get out of it.

“The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne

Workplace romance, say what? “The Hating Game” explores a relationship between two coworkers who can’t seem to stand one another yet are constantly coming into contact. As the story unfolds, however, it becomes increasingly clear that the line between love and hate may not be so clear after all. A story full of funny moments, well-developed characters, and a whole lot of action, “The Hating Game” will not and does not disappoint the hopeless romantics out there. 

“Circe” by Madeline Miller

The novel, “Circe,” reimagines various Greek myths in a unique way. As Miller turns these classic tales into interesting stories, all told from a goddess’ perspective, the readers see a female figure turn into a hero right before their eyes. Whether you were obsessed with greek mythology in grade school or want to hear a predominately male-centered story told through a feminist lens, “Circe” is the book to pick up and immediately dive into. It’s like an adult-Percy Jackson book, but better.

“Things We Lost to the Water” by Eric Nguyen

“Things We Lost to the Water” revolves around an immigrant Vietnamese family who struggle assimilating into American culture. As the parents are separated by continents, the mother must learn how to adapt to New Orleans and raise a family there alone. Surprisingly, a natural disaster is the very thing that might bring them all back together. This novel deals with issues of assimilation, home life, and familial bonds that sometimes feel as though they are breaking. 

“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz

Quite simply, “The Four Agreements” presents four truths to the reader as a way for them to find harmony and peace in their lives. The principles are as follows: be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best. Read more to find out how these can make all the difference in all aspects of life: relationships,  the workforce, and  decision-making. 

Reading is supposed to be a relaxing way for people to escape reality and enter into the world of make believe. So, whether you like science fiction or need some advice on how to manage stress, there is the book out there for you.