As busy as we all are in college, it can be hard to find good books that are worth our hard-to-come-by free time, but that’s no reason not to read. Whether you’re looking for a summer book or some literature for your busy school days, this list is perfect for college students. All five of these give insights into life and growing up, and show readers whole new worlds. If you only read five books before graduation, these are my suggestions.

This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Although this book isn’t nearly contemporary (published in 1920), it is timeless in its portrayal of the confusion and excitement of youth, and the protagonist’s struggles are more relatable than one might guess for college students. Rumored to be autobiographical, this novel gives an insight into the early life of one of America’s greatest writers as well as tells a tragic love story. This book is definitely one to read before you finish college!

The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan

This collection of short stories and essays written by a Yale student, Marina Keegan, was published after her tragic death. For students with a busy schedule, short pieces make fulfilling and quick reads, and Keegan’s work has received almost universal praise. She writes with the voice and perspective of a college student, a unique style that makes this book the perfect read for people our age. My personal favorite is “Cold Pastoral” so if you can only get around to one, that’s my recommendation!

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

If you like mysteries, this novel will have you on your toes. It begins with the narrator describing a murder, and the rest of the book has the reader held in suspense, waiting to find out the motives and mechanism of the conspiracy. Best of all, it takes place on a college campus with students as the main characters. The first time I read this novel, I couldn’t put it down, and you won’t be able to either!

Black and Blue by Anna Quindlen

Anna Quindlen is one of my favorite writers because of her effortlessly beautiful style, but this book stands out as one of my favorites. It tells the tale of a woman who escapes from an abusive relationship and begins a new life with her son. This book combines suspense with honest and moving portrayals of humanity, and has an ending that no one sees coming.

What We Talk About When We Talk About Love by Raymond Carver

I added another collection of short stories to this list because they are the perfect length to read in between classes, before bed, or whenever you have a free moment. These by Raymond Carver are some of my favorites, and many are short enough to get through in ten minutes or less. Carver manages to create realistic and moving characters in the span of a few pages and makes poignant observations on human nature and interaction. Overall, this book is an incredible portrait of the sometimes-not-so-pretty realities of life.