Keeping Your Brain Alive Over Break

Going on break is all fun and games, until you come back in the spring and your brain is full of Netflix and food. So to help keep your brain up to its full potential, I thought I would recommend some good, light reading for the break!

• The Year Of Yes, Shonda Rhimes

This memoir, written by the creator of hit shows like Greys Anatomy and Scandal, will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the new semester. The book takes you through Rhime’s year-long journey of self-change and discovery as she sheds not only weight, but also her negative outlook on life. After you finish reading, you may just find yourself saying “yes” to new experiences, maybe even new experiences here at MC too.

• The Glass Castle, Jeannette Walls

I first read this eye-opening memoir in high school, and I cannot get enough of it. It follows Jeannette Walls and her dysfunctional family. We see them struggle through lack of heat, food, running water, medical treatment and even proper education. Yet, Walls turned her life around, and is now a successful writer just to remind us that anything is possible. There is also a movie now which can be helpful for any potential  compare-contrast essay you may have to write someday.

• I’d Rather Teach Peace, Colman McCarthy

My English 102 professor had us read this book and I am so glad she did.

This book was actually written by a professor, and he writes about experiences he has had in his own classrooms. Many of the experiences have deeper meanings that are especially relevant in today’s society and I cannot recommend the book enough. After reading this short book, you will never run out of essay topics again!

• Just Friends, Billy Taylor

This fiction love story is a quirky young adult love story that is a great, quick read for the break. The story follows two best friends as they grow in their careers and their feelings for one another. It is still a great story that is written very well and will keep you on your toes. Also, the climax of the novel takes place over the holidays, which ties in to the break as well.

• Tuesdays With Morrie, Mitch Albom

This touching memoir follows a man as he learns life lessons from his past professor who is suffering from ALS. No matter where you at in your life or what you are interested in, this book will relate to you in some way. The topics Morrie teaches on are: the world, feeling sorry for yourself, regrets, death family, emotions, aging, money, love, marriage, culture, forgiveness. The lessons you learn from this book will carry on with you for the rest of your life.

So don’t let your brain be taken off guard when you get back to school next semester. Read a few books over the break to keep those brain juices flowing, and who knows, maybe you’ll even enjoy them!

Happy holidays and have a wonderful break!