Deciding which books to include in this list was a greater challenge than expected. You see, solely recommending campus novels felt awfully in-genuine as preparing for college goes far beyond setting and aesthetics. Hence, this list includes a varied assortment of books that will not only get you in the college mood, but will also serve as your own personal pharmacy during the emotional whirlwind that is the Michaelmas term. Happy reading!
1. The Lonely City by Olivia Laing
Everyone will experience college differently; however, we can all acknowledge that it can be extremely lonely at times. This book isn’t so much an antidote, but rather an exploration. Laing examines the sources of loneliness in a lyrical manner, and follows the art that flourishes in isolation.
2. Stoner by John Williams
The first campus novel on this list is one that should be considered essential reading. It recounts the life of Stoner, a farmer’s son whose entire life path gets knocked out of orbit when he decides to take a class outside of his discipline. We become witness to a flawed character trying to simultaneously navigate relationships and the academic world.
3. Hagstone by Sinéad Gleeson
The anxiety of having new classes, assignments and the dread of seeing yet another year pass is more than enough to throw anyone’s sense of inspiration out of kilter. For people who perceive art as a lifeline , this book could serve as a means of pre-emptively combatting this hurdle. Gleeson explores the inherent interdependence of art and nature whilst simultaneously delivering a compelling story steeped in Irish folklore. It is the epitome of inspiration and will simply urge you to create.
4. The Unconsoled by Kazuo Ishiguro
Lectures don’t make sense; people don’t make sense and this book definitely does not make any sense. A pianist finds himself in a place that he does not recorgnise, set to play a concert that he knows nothing about. Ishiguro simulates a kind of ‘fever-dream’, a perfect way to mentally prepare yourself for the arts block on any weekday afternoon.
5. Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Rilke
If you haven’t read this yet, now is the perfect time to do so. Originally written in German, this thin book contains the letters sent between Rilke and Kappus on the topic of writing, creativity and life. This penetrating dialogue is filled with wisdom that is sure to change your perspective on difficult moments that may arise over the year.
6. To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
A book in which seemingly nothing happens, but in reality, everything happens. The entire universe is spurred into movement. In a similar vein to Hagstone, this recommendation aims to keep that flame of creativity burning through those first few weeks of term.
7. Hangsaman by Shirley Jackson
Think “17-year-old girl having an identity crisis at an elite college and turning to writing in order to cope”. In this lesser-known campus novel, we follow the slow deterioration of Natalie’s mental health as she grapples with adolescence, academics and obsession.
8. A Single Man by Christopher Isherwood
This novel follows a grieving professor attempting to rediscover his love for life after the death of his partner. A tale of strength and resilience that mimics a breath of fresh air and will remedy any qualms you may have entering the new semester.
9. If on a Winter’s Night a Traveller by Italo Calvino
This one is unlike any other you’ve read before – it triggers an entirely new way of thinking. It’s a messy novel about messy lives and the love of messy books – the perfect sketch of a successful college student.
10. All’s Well by Mona Awad
Similar to the previous novel, All’s Well is a masterclass in surrealist literature. The novel follows a theatre professor in a small liberal arts college trying to stage a production of Shakespeare’s All’s Well That Ends Well whilst suffering from chronic pain. Awad presents us with a haunting tale that is infused with a thirst for knowledge that is bound to inspire your academic pursuits.
