dcsimg
You are here:

The top 10 books to read before you step foot on campus

College is the perfect time for a new leaf, a new philosophy and a new perspective. These 10 books will change the way you look at everything from the meaning of life to what's for dinner.

Savage Inequalities

1. Savage Inequalities: Children in America's Schools by Jonathan Kozol

This important education-activism text paints a stark picture of the weaknesses of the American education system and its effect on children. The book is a must-read for education majors, aspiring social workers, and anyone who cares about the state of schools in America.

2. A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn

From the discovery of America to the 21st century, this modern Marxian classic conveys history through the eyes of the common people, rather than just the victors. Since its publication, this 1980 National Book Award runner-up has been read by millions in high school and college classrooms, book clubs and town halls.

3. Candide by Voltaire

The journey depicted in this French novel can help any student think critically about one's quest through the weird world of academia. Candide experiences a long list of trials and tribulations, all with a humorous slant. You'll probably have to read this one at some point--might as well get it out of the way now.

4. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

Not sure whether you can afford to put down the cash for Spring Break? Take a mental trip with this classic piece of Spanish literature, instead. Some call Don Quixote the first modern novel, which is surprising for how hilarious and readable it really is.

5. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

Call us shallow, but one major purpose of going to college is to learn how to make connections that can benefit both your business and personal life. Break out of your academic shell and take a confident step toward your future with this empowering read.

6. Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger

Attitude is key in any piece of reading for college, and Catcher in the Rye gives you a full dose. Follow the story of smart-mouthed Holden Caulfield, as he ponders the purpose of education. Fair warning: "Catcher" makes just as many students want to run off into the sunset, as finish a term paper.

7. The Stranger by Albert Camus

Existentialism is cool. What's cooler? Being able to chat up your first college squeeze about free will, colonialism, the meaning of life, and human importance in the physical world. Talk about an instant invite to study hour.

8. On the Concept of Irony by Soren Kierkegaard

College is a time of self-reflection, soul-searching, and heavy reading. If you're looking for an inspiration toward the academic life, check out this famed philosopher's thesis paper on socratic irony. After pondering this, the reading list for English Lit won't seem tough at all.

9. I am Charlotte Simmons by Tom Wolfe

Whether you view it as send-up or satire, this funny sorority tale is a big book to keep on the dorm room bookshelf--and an impressive conversation-starter. Whether or not it's an accurate interpretation of college (Duke University?) is up to you.

10. Microwave Cookbook by Pat Jester

In the end, being well-read doesn't matter if you don't have a balanced diet. With the Microwave Cookbook, forget the dorm stove and use the microwave to prepare healthy, hearty food. You'll save money, too, by dining in more than you eat out.

For many, college is a step into the unknown. Prepare yourself for everything from study hall to philosophy lecture to Saturday brunch with this essential college reading list.

Search Schools

      
Matching School Ads
  • Kaplan University

    Kaplan University is focused on recognizing the achievements of military and veteran students and offers the flexibility of an online education.

    Programs

    • BS in Business Administration - Project Management
    • MSHUS- Family and Community Services
    • AAS in Information Technology - Network Administration
    • More...
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale: 6301 Kaplan University Avenue, Fort Lauderdale FL 33309
    Kaplan University Request Info »
  • Ashford University

    You've found Ashford University, where school comes to you. Earn your bachelor's or master's degree online.

    Programs

    • AA/Early Childhood Education
    • BA/Early Childhood Education Administration
    • BA/Education Studies
    • More...

    Location: Online

    Ashford University Request Info »
  • University of San Francisco

    If you want to make the world a better place, start at the University of San Francisco. Our 21st-century mission to create a more humane and just world comes alive in our diverse learning community and is broadened by our global orientation. You are challenged to reach higher standards and to use your education to promote justice and serve the common good. At the University of San Francisco, youll find the excellence inherent in an institution established over 150 years ago, and inherent in nearly five centuries of Jesuit education.

    Programs

    • Online Associate Degree to Master Degree Nursing program
    • Online Bachelor Degree to Master Degree Nursing program
    • Master of Public Administration
    Location:
    San Francisco: 2130 Fulton St, , San Francisco CA
    University of San Francisco Request Info »
  • Miller-Motte College

    Start the next chapter of your life with an Associate or Bachelor degree from Miller-Motte College Online Division.

    Programs

    • Criminal Justice - Associate of Applied Science
    • Electronic Medical Records - Associate of Applied Science
    • IT Support Specialist - Associate of Applied Science
    • More...

    Location: Online

    Miller-Motte College Request Info »
  • Colorado Technical University Online

    A degree from CTU connects you to what matters most: powerful professional network, real-world professional faculty and innovative technology. Once you earn your degree you hit the ground running.

    Programs

    • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN completion)
    • Master of Science in Management - Healthcare Management
    • Master of Science in Information Technology - Network Management
    • More...
    Location:
    Colorado Springs: 4435 North Chestnut Street, Colorado Springs CO 80907
    Colorado Technical University Online Request Info »
  • Berkeley College

    The Berkeley Advantage®is part of a proven approach to career-focused education that can help students prepare for success.

    Programs

    • AAS, Bus Admin-Accounting
    • AAS, Marketing Communications
    • BS, International Business
    • More...

    Location: Online

    Berkeley College Request Info »
  • Keiser University

    Since 1977, Keiser University has provided quality student-centered, career-focused education.

    Programs

    • Master of Science in Psychology
    • Education Specialist in Instructional Design and Technology
    • Master of Science in Education
    • More...

    Location: Online

    Keiser University Request Info »
  • Virginia International University

    Virginia International University is a non-profit institution in Fairfax, VA with a goal of making quality education affordable to students from around the world.

    Programs

    • Online ESL program
    • MBA in Health Care Management
    • Master of Arts in TESOL (MA in TESOL)
    • More...

    Location: Online

    Virginia International University Request Info »
  • Liberty University

    100% Online & No Standardized Testing

    Programs

    • Doctor of Education: Community Care & Counseling: Marriage & Family
    • Doctor of Ministry: Evangelism & Church Planting
    • M.Div: Homiletics
    • More...
    Location:
    Lynchburg: 1971 University Blvd,, Lynchburg VA 24515
    Liberty University Request Info »
  • Platt College

    Turn your talents into a career at nationally recognized and accredited Platt College.

    Programs

    • Veterinary Technology Alternate Route - Certificate
    • Respiratory Therapy
    • Veterinary Technology - Associates

    Location: Online

    Platt College Request Info »
  • Matching School Ads

    Quick School Search

    College & Career Search Tools

    • Careers: Unsure about your career path? Study profiles of hundreds of professions.

    • Interviews: Professors and deans sit down with our team to give you unique insights on college life.

    • Military Education: Find only Military friendly online schools and campuses.

    • Student Reviews: Know before you go. Read student reviews on over 2000 accredited colleges. Write your own experience.
http://www.getdegrees.com/students/10-books-before-college
www.getdegrees.com
crawl=CC-MAIN-2017-30
115482
application/http; msgtype=response
sha1:IFQ7VVCL2FHK2PBUOPIWXQH7MABWAZR2
<urn:uuid:8670100b-a07c-480e-94a6-63d27012ebb0>
2017-07-21T00:34:07Z
23.15.7.105
application/xhtml+xml
sha1:EMVYGVHP5EPOQYZYDFHYDSWDWPSGZ37L
<urn:uuid:0706d354-2754-4357-aee1-1a37f82c14c0>
http://www.getdegrees.com/students/10-books-before-college
response
<urn:uuid:6c051c57-4552-4434-b043-a67cc7e9238a>
robots: classic
hostname: ip-10-230-98-223.ec2.internal
software: Nutch 1.6 (CC)
isPartOf: CC-MAIN-2017-30
operator: Common Crawl Admin
description: Wide crawl of the web for July 2017
publisher: Common Crawl
format: WARC File Format 1.0
conformsTo: http://bibnum.bnf.fr/WARC/WARC_ISO_28500_version1_latestdraft.pdf