As a new summer of Bobcat Student Orientation begins, it can be daunting for many incoming freshmen to develop a smooth transition into college. Last summer, I was filled with excitement, but fear of starting college suddenly crept up on me. Reading can be a comfort to look toward during times of uncertainty. These are three books to consider reading this summer to help ease the nerves and build excitement for the upcoming school year:
“Mary Jane” by Jessica Anya Blau is an underrated gem with different themes most incoming freshmen can experience or see. With an overall rating of 4.13 stars on Goodreads, “Mary Jane” follows the story of 14-year-old Mary Jane while she nannies the daughter of a local doctor and his wife. The family, the Cones, teaches Mary Jane valuable life lessons throughout the story.
Although this story centers around a young teen, the book offers insight into themes many college students experience. One of the main themes Mary Jane encounters is the desperate need to grow up. Her household lives the traditional lifestyle, and her family is always at church on Sundays.
Through her job, Mary Jane discovers a new perspective on life through the Cones. She realizes that outside her family, there is more to life than just one belief. After the summer, she notes how acceptance and change bring a better outcome than the one she had planned.
College can act like a prism. Each person you meet brings a new perspective to life, and it can be a privilege to hear their story. It is normal to feel nervous, but think about all the people waiting to tell their stories. A new view on life could help embrace the change. Content in “Mary Jane” includes drug use, sexual situations and more that may be difficult for some audiences. However, this is a perfect coming-of-age read to enjoy before the start of college.
Along the same lines, “Looking for Alaska” by John Green is a classic young adult novel that captivates readers into the world of Miles “Pudge” Halter. This story is set in Birmingham, Alabama, where Culver Creek, a boarding school, is located. Halter is scared to attend this new school, but in this new experience meets friends who change his life.
One friend is Alaska Young, a girl whom Halter becomes enamored with. Unfortunately, Young died from a fatal car accident while driving under the influence. This rocks Halter and his friends’ worlds. Everything Halter knew about love was conquered by grief. However, this tragedy helped Halter realize how much life there is left to be lived.
Every incoming freshman is scared and nervous in some way. This book opens up the idea of taking risks. One piece of advice for incoming freshmen: take the risk and enjoy the moment. Freshman year is all firsts and putting oneself in uncomfortable positions. Friendships and different kinds of relationships blossom from stepping out of one’s comfort zone, and “Looking for Alaska” is the perfect example.
For a book that provides more life advice, “Everything I Know About Love” by Dolly Alderton is a memoir detailing events of growing older, experiencing love, friendships and loss. This memoir is mainly marketed toward women entering their 20s; however, anyone can relate to Alderton’s writing.
Alderton discusses different topics she learned growing up. She went through her 20s chasing the idea of being in love with a person romantically, rather than focusing her attention on the platonic love in front of her. Alderton makes a famous statement toward the end of her memoir, “Nearly everything I know about love, I learnt from my long-term friendships with women.”
It can be difficult to detach from wanting romantic love. When coming into freshman year, there is this pressure to experience everything at once. Yet, no one talks about the waiting room where others sit waiting for different experiences to approach them at the right time.
Alderton does a great job of explaining her time sitting in this waiting room while others experience life differently. I got upset with myself this past year waiting for different “canon events” to happen to me, but I came to realize these life-altering events don’t happen to everyone.
Freshman year will slip away from your fingertips; however, take time with every moment. Feel the worst and enjoy the best times, these books are some to help with that idea. Not everyone nor everything will have the best intentions, but what you make of it will define you.
Natalie Saddler is a sophomore studying journalism and marketing at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions expressed by the columnist do not reflect those of The Post. Want to talk to Natalie about their column? Email them at ns505423@ohio.edu.
