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With fall rolling around the corner, what better way to spend your evenings than to curl up with a good book and cup of tea. Whether you’re looking for a light read, classic romance, or even self-help, I’m sure you’ll find something to your taste in this selection of binge worthy books handpicked for you.

Normal People - Sally Rooney

This romance with a twist of realism is a must read for all those who look to appreciate the messy and painful, but often beautiful nature of relationships. The story follows protagonists, Marianne and Conell, as their paths intertwine from high school through college. From social class differences to family feuds, these characters face it all, but their ability to embrace the complexity of life so open-heartedly makes their story more magical than any fairy tale.

What stood out to me about Rooney’s writing is how her characters challenge normalcy. They refuse to fit into society’s carefully curated stereotypes, question expectations and live life on their own accord. Being ‘normal’ doesn’t mean being like everybody else, but rather embracing what ‘normal’ means to you.

Even while being so utterly ‘normal’ these characters manage to find their own paths in life. They find love and adventure and end up creating their own story that so many people find worth reading and it makes one question if life really is as complicated as we make it. It’s refreshing to read about a made up world that is so relatable, it almost feels real.

The Power of Habit - Charles Duhigg

If you’re looking for a self-help book that will somehow drastically change your life, look no further! Business reporter Charles Duhigg himself hands readers the key to success by explaining, on a scientific level, how the human mind makes and breaks the most ingrained habits.

This read isn’t your typical step-by-step guide to success. Instead of telling the readers what to do, Duhigg lets them figure it out for themselves by sharing success stories of different businesses and how they reached that success just by looking deeper into human habits.

I found it so interesting to see that most companies that are incorporated into our daily lives came to be from such a minute tweak in their advertising. It’s shocking, the power of the human mind and even more astonishing to realize how much power we have over our own mind. Duhigg really uncovered the secret to the most jaw dropping success stories and handed it to the reader, and to let this opportunity slip would be such a great loss.

The Journals of Sylvia Plath - Sylvia Plath

If you’ve ever reached the more sadistic side of tiktok, you must have encountered a Sylvia Plath quote here and there. And if you’re looking for more heart wrenching content then you’re in luck, because Sylvia Plath’s journals can leave even the most strong willed readers, weeping.

What better perspective on life and the world around us than from the woman behind the iconic poetry that left a mark on the world of literature? Plath’s journals give insight into her life; her relationships, creative journey, motherhood, mental health, etc. She shares her raw thoughts through all her battles and wins which makes her works so realistic and relatable even after many decades

Plath’s writing is simple, yet holds depth. Her journals are easy to read yet have the weight of realizations that most people don’t stop to think about in their day to day life. The harsh and enlightening reality expressed through her writing may be daunting at times, but is an experience nonetheless.

When Breath Becomes Air - Paul Kalanithi

From neurosurgeon to battling lung cancer, Kalanithi writes his experience about living every doctor’s worst nightmare. This memoir is a reminder that even those who battle death everyday only have so much control over mortality.

One of my personal favorites, and definitely one that made me question the meaning of life, this memoir fundamentally changed me. Most people stepping into medicine feel indestructible. What could be more challenging than mastering the art of preserving human life? Accepting your own death.

Regardless, Kalanithi still manages to portray the small gap between his life and death as a beautiful journey. His prose makes the readers want to make life worthwhile, something to remember with gratitude when one inevitably reaches their end.
As an aspiring med student, this memoir taught me more about life and death than any biology textbook ever could.

Entering the world of words is truly a mesmerizing experience and shapes the way one thinks undoubtedly. So whether you’re a busy student or have free time on your hands, be sure to take some time to enjoy reading about this world and beyond.

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