Top 10 Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in 2010. It combines what I love most in this world into one—lists, books, and blogging. It couldn’t be any better suited for me! This week I’m making a syllabus for college students. Here’s a list of books you should keep on your shelf (and read) to prepare for (or escape) the real world.

1. 1984 by George Orwell
I don’t have anything to say except this is a great book and everyone should read it.

2. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
I’ve been told this is a book you should read at multiple stages in life. Most readers picked this one up in high school, so I think college is a great time to re-read it with a fresh perspective.

3. Yes Please by Amy Poehler
Amy talks about a lot of the hard parts of life and sprinkles in amazing advice throughout every chapter of her book. I suggest this book to people I know of all ages because I think it’s a book that everyone can get something out of.

4. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
One of the best science-fiction novels I’ve ever read with such a meaningful story about the importance of books and reading.

5. Anthem by Ayn Rand
Rand teaches a great lesson about free-will and the development of society. I read this in ninth grade, and I still think it teaches a great lesson about equality.

6. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
I feel like this is always everyone’s favorite required reading, and for good reason. It is a story about prejudice and the importance of forming your own opinions and doing what is right in the face of the law.

7. Animal Farm by George Orwell
It’s such an easy read with such a deep meaning. It teaches readers about the double-sided meaning of being created as equals, and it shows the dark side of what power can do to someone — to anyone.

8. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Another story that shows where the world could go if we don’t change our way, Brave New World is an inspiring read with important lessons for readers of any age.

9. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
This tale teaches readers all about adventure and seizing the day. It shows readers what happens when they leave their comfort zone and explore a world otherwise unknown to them. It truly is a tale that teaches anyone to take a change and see what happens.

10. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
Although this is a children’s tale, it’s a great way to escape when the real world is threatening to destroy any semblance of sanity that you may be able to hold on to.

Happy reading,
Kimberly