With summer vacation rapidly approaching, many students will find themselves with more time on their hands. Here are some books that are well worth the read.

My Friend Dahmer: This graphic novel, A true crime related book, is good for both those who enjoy reading or those who don’t. It’s the true account of John Backderf, or “Derf” who goes to Revere High School in Wisconsin with Jeffery Dahmer. Backderf writes and illustrates his experience growing up as friends with the infamous serial killer and the strange occurrences that seem to make sense knowing what atrocities Dahmer would later commit. 

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest: This book has heavy themes surrounding mental health and is an emotionally charged book. The book is narrated by “Chief” Bromden and his experiences within a psychiatric ward in Oregon in the 1960s, which is when the book was published. 

I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream:  published in 1967, this sci-fi dystopian novel takes place in a post apocalyptic world after an AI has taken control. The book follows the last five people left alive after AM (Allied MasterComputer), an all powerful artificial intelligence, wipes out the rest of civilization. An intriguing and immersive aspect of this story is that the book was adapted into a video game that can still be played. This book is perfect for those who enjoy horror and/or science fiction.

The Anthropocene Reviewed: This nonfiction book was written by John Green, the author of many well known books such as Paper Towns and The Fault in Our Stars. This book is a collection of essays from the author’s perspective that seem to center around the theme of significant or emotional events within the author’s life, rating them on a scale of five stars. The Antropocene Reviewed is very different from John Green’s other works, with the biggest difference being that it’s a nonfiction book. Despite the differences, it still lives up to John Green’s other best sellers, and is just as entertaining. The mix of humor and depth in this book is very engaging and leaves the reader with a deep emotional connection. 

Educated: Another non-fiction book. Educated is an autobiography by Tara Westover. It follows her experience growing up as part of an survivalist LDS family and her journey leaving the extremist branch of the Mormon church. The turning point for Westover was getting an education outside of homeschooling, which her family believed was sinful. Knowing that the events in the book are true, and the fact that it takes place in northern Idaho gives the book a personal and emotional closeness that engages the reader throughout the entirety of the story.