My College Reading List

When I was younger, I absolutely loved reading. I would read at any moment possible. I was the kid who would stay up past their bedtime with a flashlight trying to finish just one more chapter, and have books taken away in school for reading under my desk. It probably helped that when I reached third grade, reading became a competition in school. The longer you read, the better you did. So not only did I have to read a lot, I had to read the most, because naturally I had to win.

A few years down the road following a concussion, the discovery of a visual processing disorder, brain fog (cognitive dysfunction), and attention issues, reading is really difficult for me. I struggle to get through reading assignments and reading for pleasure sounds absolutely dreadful. I love blogging, but writing and editing takes me a really long time.

Blog posts, articles, they’ve been my jam ever since I started having difficulties reading. Why? Because they’re so much shorter and easier to digest. Anecdotes have shorter plots, and the style of introduction, list with short explanation of thoughts, and conclusion seems to be easier for me to get through. I have only successfully completed physically reading (not using an audiobook) two books in the past five years, and I can’t really tell you anything about them because I simply cannot remember. But, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t books out there that I want to read.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve found ways to get through the portions of readings I need to, and I love audiobooks! Just check out this blog post. The problem I’ve come across more recently is that I truly would like to physically read again for enjoyment. While altering medications and trying to find better methods for reading and retention is something I am constantly working at – I mean, I am a full-time college student after all! – I have yet to really get to a place where I can read a full book and recall every last detail and motion of the plot as I used to. I don’t expect that to ever be the same for me, though I would like to be able to get through some books and for them to have some sort of lasting impact on me.

So here’s to trying to read again. This list may seem small to most, but it’s quite a lofty goal for me. I’m not sure if I will actually make it through all of these by May 2021, but here’s to hoping.

The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna

Okay, so I actually have already started this book. I started it in December of 2017 (I received it as a Christmas gift), and I am not even halfway through it as I write to you now in July, 2018. After listening to episode 141 of The Real Female Entrepreneur podcast by Lauren Frontiera, I knew I had to read this book. It is definitely my top priority, so I hope to finish it soon enough (preferably before next Christmas?).

Pages: 176

Meditation at Work: Simple Steps to Relax and Boost Your Productivity

This book is from a coaching series called the 50 Minutes collection, but I found it in my reading app I keep on my phone. It looks like it will be short and sweet, so hopefully this one will be easy to get through! This book is said to focus on bring able to “look after yourself at work and give yourself restorative breaks” which is an idea I can definitely get behind. I really enjoy doing short meditations when I’m not in too much pain, and I am always excited to learn more about the practice.

Pages: 38

The Achievement Habit by Bernard Roth

I downloaded this book last year and haven’t given it much thought since, but it sounds worthwhile. From what I’ve read about it, it seems to be a comprehensive guide to understanding achievement and how to continuously achieve. I’m intrigued by the idea that achievement is a habit and am curious as to how the author will go on in attempts to prove it.

Pages: 288

The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferris

I feel like this book is constantly in the mix when entrepreneurs are talking about what to read. My dad bought this a couple of weeks ago so there’s no reason I shouldn’t pick it up and see what I learn.

Pages: 308

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

Habits are something I have found myself working very hard to both build and break, so naturally the science behind them is something I would want to learn more about. As I type this I can see this book sitting up on my bookshelf, waiting to be read. Maybe if I start with this, I’ll find a way to create a reading habit that will help me through this college reading list adventure!

Pages: 416

The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines

I have had this book for two years, and have yet to finish it. Remember how I said I’ve struggled with reading? Yeah. I get frustrated with myself whenever I see this book sitting on my shelf. I’ve watched Fixer Upper from season one to the series finale, so naturally my parents got me this book when it came out. By the time I graduate from college, this book will have been finished!

Pages: 208

You Are a Bad Ass by Jen Sincero

This is another book that Lauren Frontiera often talks about on her podcast, and after looking into and starting some of her previous recommendations, I feel this one is one I should definitely get into as soon as possible. I’ve been wanting to read it since I first heard about it, and now is the time for me to write this down for accountability.

Pages: 256

Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

This book I got as an audiobook so that I can listen to it whenever I please. I find it much easier to work with audiobooks than physical ones, and even though this is technically a list of books I plan to read, I still feel this should be included. And it’s narrated by Trevor Noah, so how could I not get the audio version? I’m hoping that getting through this will help me to dive into more books, as finishing it should give me a pretty nice sense of accomplishment. As a huge Trevor Noah fan, this has been a long time coming.

Pages: 304

Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea by Charles Seife

I’m a huge math and number nerd, and I have had this book for a very long time. I think it may have been my parent’s attempt to get me back into reading at one point because they knew I would find this book intriguing. The concept of zero is fascinating, and I hope to get through this book in my downtime this semester.

Pages: 256

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig

In all honesty I don’t know a lot about this book. However, it was a gift from my dad, and the title is intriguing. As such, I do hope to tackle it in the near future, as he said it is a must read, and does not give out that compliment lightly.

Pages: 418

Now we’ve gotten to a slightly different kind of book. While these still fall under the category ‘Books I Hope to Finish Before I Graduate From College’, I thought I would separate them from that section of my college reading list, as I don’t think reading these cover to cover is necessary or worth it to me.

Why Can’t I Get Better? Solving the Mystery of Lyme & Chronic Disease by Richard Horowitz

Horowitz is a physician who has been at the forefront of the Lyme epidemic. I’ve actually read a fair bit of this book so far, though it is very scientific and I have skipped over the sections not applicable to me. It has been a great resource for learning more about the history of Lyme, and how Lyme interacts with and can cause other conditions in the body. I haven’t had trouble understanding the language used in this book, though my mother is also reading it and she had to look up definitions a few times. I attribute the ease by which I read this book to my involvement with the chronic illness community, something my mother is not a part of and has much less exposure to.

Pages: 829

Living Lightly with Lyme by Judy Taylor

This book is about approaching treatment of Lyme and similar ailments from all sides of health. The author writes of emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual approaches they have taken in dealing with these conditions, and I am interested in reading about their experience as Lyme is such a complex and multifaceted disease.

Pages: 247

Unlocking Lyme: Myths, Truths, & Practical Solutions by William Rawls

Written by a physician, this is another more scientific book. The difference here, and what intrigues me, is that Rawls not only is a physician, but has experienced Lyme himself. I look forward to reading this unique perspective. The book is described as a “comprehensive, practical resource” and I hope to finish it, and report back to you that it was just that.

Pages: 573

13 Books.

Of course, this list may change. I may lose interest in one of these, or come across something that I’m much more interested in that takes priority over everything else. I’ll try my best, but will also keep in mind that I am doing this for enjoyment, and not to cause further stress or pain to my body. Thirteen books. I’m not even sure if I should call it a goal, because I’m not sure that’s exactly what this is. While I would like to be able to move forward at the end of college having gained the knowledge available to me from these works, they aren’t going to disappear upon graduation.

This is my starting point. I intend to check in with how I am doing on these from time to time, and share what I have learned.

What’s next on your reading list, or a personal favorite you think everyone should read? Share it in the comments!