When did you flip through a book other than your textbook? The majority of us may be unable to recall. Why? Because reading is not a habit anymore, it has become a justification. For many students, mindless scrolling on social media is what takes up most of their day. Our minds are so consumed with memes and reels that we get little to no time to think about expanding our reading habits. To break this cycle, we have compiled a list of the 12 best books to read for students, even if you are not a bookworm. We promise these motivational books to read will provide some perspective and not just collect dust. So, let's dive into the pages of some of the best books to read for students!
Top 12 Best Books to Read for Students
Not everyone enjoys reading a book; while for some, reading may bring tremendous peace and a sense of ease, some simply do not have the tendency or the patience for it. So, whether you're a seasoned reader or someone who wants to give it a try, start with these 12 best books to read for students and decide for yourself!
1. Think Like a Monk
Author: Jay Shetty
Genre: Self-help
Reading Time: 5 hours 36 minutes
A Famous Quote: "When we tune out opinions, expectations, and obligations of the world around us, we begin to hear ourselves" - Jay Shetty
Published in 2020, this book stands out as one of the best motivational books for students. Jay Shetty, renowned for his motivational and spiritual online content, effectively addresses common spiritual challenges individuals face, making it highly relevant for students seeking personal growth.
What's Inside
In our journey through adolescence, we often grapple with self-doubt, overthinking, and complex relationships. This book offers invaluable tools for navigating these challenges and achieving spiritual well-being. Throughout the book, Jay shares parts of his spiritual journey and gives insights he followed to become spiritually fulfilled. This is one of the best books for students looking to deepen their spiritual connection with themselves.
2. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
Author: Mark Manson
Genre: Self-help
Reading Time: 3 hours 44 minutes
A Famous Quote: "Who you are is defined by what you're willing to struggle for"- Mark Manson.
We can bet you 'free accommodation' if you have not seen this bestseller on any store's bookshelf. With so much buzz around this 2016 book, we want to give some good reasons why this is one the best novels to read for students.
What's Inside
This book serves as a guiding light for those seeking a realist perspective on life. Its message is clear: life isn't always a bed of roses. The author boldly challenges the typical self-help notions of eternal positivity, urging readers to embrace life's uncertainties and conflicts. This book helps us draw the line between important and unimportant, undoubtedly becoming one of the best books to read for students. Are you someone who loves reading self-help books and wants the best books for students? Check out our blog on How to stop procrastinating: top tips and tricks to help you stop delaying your work!
3. Born A Crime
Author: Trevor Noah
Genre: Autobiography
Reading Time: 5 hours 4 minutes
A Famous Quote: "We spend so much time being afraid of failure, afraid of rejection. But regret is the thing we should fear most. Failure is an answer. Rejection is an answer"- Trevor Noah.
This is one of the best books to read for students. Trevor Noah, often known as the 'funniest man alive,' has given a dopamine high to many of us through our screens. Now, he is coming to the bookshelves through his 2016 biopic 'Born A Crime'.
What's Inside
Trevor Noah's autobiography offers a compelling narrative of his life journey, from enduring challenging circumstances relying on food stamps to thriving. Each chapter is a valuable lesson, making it one of the best books to read for students seeking inspiration or practical guidance in overcoming adversity. Noah also fearlessly addresses issues like colourism and societal racism against people of colour, as emphasised in the book's title.
4. Sapiens: A Brief History of Mankind
Author: Yuval Noah Harari
Genre: Non-Fiction
Reading Time: 7 hours 44 minutes
A Famous Quote: "Happiness Begins Within.' Money, social status, plastic surgery, beautiful houses, powerful positions – none of these will bring you happiness."- Yuval Noah Harari
Don't be intimidated by the size of this 2011 book. Sapiens: A Brief History of Mankind is one of the best books to read for students. With so many raving reviews and recommendations, it talks about life-altering experiences, earning itself a spot among the top 12 best novels to read for students.
What's Inside
This book delves into human evolution, synthesising biology, anthropology, economics, and palaeontology knowledge. With an accessible writing style, free from excessive jargon, it caters to a broad audience. Offering profound insights into our species' evolution and its impact on the modern world, this is essential reading for interested students. Seamlessly blending evidence and narrative, it's both educational and enjoyable, earning it a spot among recommended books for students exploring our origins.
5. The Psychology of Money
Author: Morgan Housel
Genre: Non-Fiction
Reading Time: 3 hours 4 minutes
A Famous Quote: "Doing well with money has a little to do with how smart you are and a lot to do with how you behave."- Morgan Housel
All of us dream of having a big bank balance in our accounts. But we still tend to be on the verge of being broke. This is a major issue when we are students. One of the big reasons is that we don't know how to manage our money and finances efficiently. But this money worry ceases when you pick this book off the shelf.
What's Inside
This book is a collection of 19 short stories that delve into people's mindsets and conducts regarding managing money. It aims to guide students in promoting a healthy connection with money, allowing them to make knowledgeable financial decisions and set meaningful goals. For those who desire to achieve financial success, this book offers valuable understandings that can turn dreams into reality. It's a must-read for students desiring to improve their financial literacy and make wise choices with their money. Consider it one of the best books to read for students, along with our blog on the great hacks for money management, which is definitely a great read!
6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Author: Stephen Chbosky
Genre: Young adult fiction
Reading Time: 3 hours 22 minutes
A Famous Quote: "We accept the love we think we deserve:"- Stephen Chbosky
Every student in their teenage years wants to learn about the complexities of friendship, love, and self-discovery. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is just like that. This 1999 book can reverberate with every teenager's mind and soul, making it one of the best books to read for students.
What's Inside
This poignant narrative conveys the essence of acceptance and tolerance through life's trials of mistreatment and the sheer delight of belonging. It delves into the quintessential teenage experiences: heartbreak, the anxiety of an uncertain future, the weight of indecision, the solace of friendship, and the embrace of acceptance, rendering it a must-read for students. Crafted in an epistolary form, the chapters evoke an intimate connection with readers. If you are looking for the best books for students to laugh and cry out your heart simultaneously, this book should make it to your cart. Trying to figure out if reading books is your new resolution? Check out our blog on unique new year's resolutions for students to see which more resolutions you can add to your list!
7. Physics of the Impossible
Author: Michio Kaku
Genre: Non-fiction
Reading Time: 6 hours 3 minutes
A Famous Quote: "If at first an idea does not sound absurd, then there is no hope for it."- Michio Kaku
This book explores the boundaries of scientific understanding, encouraging critical thinking and imagination. It introduces students to complex concepts like wormholes and time travel, stimulating their curiosity and helping them grasp advanced physics ideas.
What's Inside
The book combines all the unimaginable concepts like time travel, teleportation, mind reading, and communicating with aliens. All these concepts are interestingly backed by present research and ideas. Furthermore, the book also tells us how close we are to achieving the impossible. This book isn't as geeky as it sounds. However, it is an interesting read if you are looking for books for students and want to delve deeper into the concept of future technology exploration, making it one of the best books for students.
8. Tuesdays with Morrie
Author: Mitch Alborn
Genre: Biography
Reading Time: 3 hours 28 minutes
A Famous Quote: "Be compassionate and take responsibility for each other. If we only learned those lessons, this world would be a much better place."- Mitch Alborn.
If this book had to be described in a word, it would simply be an 'eye-opener'. While reading the 1997 book, you will realize that the message of 'ultimate source of happiness in your life is going to be by giving away love and compassion' is echoed throughout its pages.
What's Inside
This book is truly one of the most inspiring books for students. It offers profound wisdom and invaluable life lessons on forgiveness, living life to the fullest, and letting go of unrealistic expectations. We all have regrets in our lives, but the purpose of having regrets is not to hold onto them forever but to learn and move on from them.
9. The 5 AM Club
Author: Robin Sharma
Genre: Self-help
Reading Time: 5 hours 36 minutes
A Famous Quote: "Take excellent care of the front end of your day, and the rest of your day will pretty much take care of itself."- Robin Sharma
The 5 AM club is not even a book; it is a wake-up call for each of us! Robin Sharma, who has been a genius at making self-guide bibles for millions of youngsters across the globe, has proved right with his The 5 AM Club book, first published in 2018! Through this book, he advocated for everyone to 'rise' early in the morning to see their life 'shine' with success.
What's Inside
A must-read among essential books for students, this transformational work delves into the lives of a weary entrepreneur, a billionaire, and a disillusioned artist. Its powerful message underscores the potential within us, emphasizing the role of mindset and attitude in achieving greatness. Robin Sharma presents actionable steps, particularly focusing on morning routines, to unlock success. If you are not a morning person, this book should be on your nightstand!
10. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari
Author: Robin Sharma
Genre: Fiction
Reading Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
A Famous Quote: "Life doesn't always give you what you ask for, but it always gives you what you need."- Robin Sharma.
This is another classic from Robin Sharma and is one of the best books to read for students because of its inspirational message and interesting plot. Unlike other motivational reads for students, this 1996 book talks about how a lawyer leaves his hectic life behind to discover the wonders of the Himalayas. During his trip, he met with some gurus who enlightened him with life lessons that changed his outlook.
What's Inside
As in the early years of adulthood, we are usually stuck, unable to figure out our life purpose and prioritize our time on the wrong things. Through the inspiring tale of a lawyer, the author gives us the life lessons of self-discipline, the value of time, balance, and finding life's purpose. Through his words, he tries to convince people to abandon the idea of consumerism to live a peaceful, joyful, and happy life. The author emphasizes taking life one day at a time rather than burdening yourself with unrealistic expectations, making it one of the best books to read for students.
11. The Alchemist
Author: Paulo Coelho
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Reading Time: 3-4 hours
A Famous Quote: "One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving." -Paulo Coelho.
This amazing book is nothing but the author's timeless quest for meaning. This amazing read was originally written in Portuguese in 1988; later on, it was translated into various languages due to its rapidly growing popularity. The reason why it is one of the best books to read for students is cause it helps us believe in faith and hope as a constructed concept.
What's Inside
It is basically the story of a young shepherd who embarks on a journey to uncover the treasure he dreamt of. Alongside his journey, this young boy faced numerous difficulties and met people from various backgrounds. This affirmative journey teaches him a lot about life, the good and the bad. Among the best novels to read for students, one must absolutely explore the wonder metaphors and symbolism this book portrays.
12. How To Kill a Mockingbird
Author: Harper Lee
Genre: Fiction
Reading Time: 5-6 hours
A Famous Quote: "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it."
How to Kill a Mockingbird is an all-time classic and one of the most prosperous novels of Harper Lee. Why is it one of the best books to read for students? Because it's not only an attractive and revolutionary piece of work, it's a book written from the viewpoint of an 8-year-old girl.
What's Inside
The story revolves around a six-year-old naive girl and her siblings who spend their summer holidays learning about their neighbour 'Boo'. Fast forward to the future, their father defends the neighbour in front of the court who was accused of a crime he did not commit. It is a story based on a child's awakening to racism and prejudice. Truly one of the best novels to read for students.
Ready to expand your reading list even further? Download our exclusive PDF template featuring 20 additional must-read books for students! Whether you're looking for inspiration, knowledge, or simply a captivating story, this curated collection has something for everyone.
Now, you have the ultimate list of best books to read for students all stacked up! It's time to start reading. Develop reading as a healthy way to cope with your everyday stressors and escape into the world of stories and literature in your daily life. These are the ten best novels to read for students who want to bring some new changes to their reading habits.