Saddleback College Students Share Their Favorite Books

Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University NewsEducation

A selection of favorite books recommended by Saddleback College students.

News Summary

Students at Saddleback College have shared their diverse favorite book recommendations, highlighting a wide range of genres such as romance, fantasy, and coming-of-age stories. From emotional narratives like ‘Binding 13’ to timeless classics like ‘The Great Gatsby,’ these recommendations reflect the rich literary tastes of the college community and showcase themes of identity, personal struggles, and social issues.

Mission Viejo, California – Students at Saddleback College have recently shared their favorite books, reflecting a diverse array of genres and themes that capture their personal experiences and interests. The recommendations span romance, fantasy, coming-of-age stories, and more, showcasing the rich literary tastes of the college community.

Among the featured titles is ‘Binding 13’ by Chloe Walsh, recommended by freshman Jordan Gallo, who is majoring in Child and Adolescent Development. This emotionally charged narrative follows a young Irish girl who faces bullying and a rugby player recovering from an injury. The book weaves themes of friendship and resilience throughout the story, making it a poignant read.

Another popular choice is ‘Yours Truly’ by Abby Jimenez, suggested by Hennessey Synnott, a nursing major. This romance centers on two ER doctors, Brianna and Jacob, who initially clash but gradually become romantically involved as they navigate professional and personal challenges.

Freshman Kaiya Schultz, majoring in Psychology, recommends ‘Powerless’ by Lauren Roberts, which describes a world experiencing a plague that grants some individuals superpowers. The story focuses on the unlikely alliance between a prince and an ordinary girl during Trials, culminating in a thrilling love story full of unexpected twists.

Also highlighted is ‘House on Mango Street’ by Sandra Cisneros, recommended by Anne Tantoco, a Communications major. This classic novel chronicles the life of Esperanza, a young Latina girl, who reflects on her neighborhood and personal experiences using rich symbolism and metaphor to convey her journey of self-discovery.

For those interested in fantasy, freshman Altan Bilgin, studying Marine Biology, suggests ‘The Bone Ships’ by R.J. Barker. Set in a world where dragons are hunted, this series features pirate warfare and an epic quest, blending unique vocabulary with imaginative storytelling.

Another classic, ‘Catcher in the Rye’ by J.D. Salinger, was chosen by health sciences major Avery Brostrom. This novel tackles themes of adolescence and mental health through the experiences of Holden Caulfield as he navigates the streets of New York City over a span of two days.

Alivia Martinez, a freshman undecided on her major, recommended ‘The Great Gatsby’ by F. Scott Fitzgerald. This timeless story delves into the life of a wealthy man’s pursuit of love and the American Dream, ultimately exploring profound themes of loss and loneliness.

Noe Alvarez, a Kinesiology major, advocates for ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ by J.K. Rowling. This beloved tale follows a young boy who discovers he is a wizard, confronting challenges posed by a dark wizard while embarking on an extraordinary journey of self-discovery and adventure.

Elaina Martinez, a freshman also undecided on her major, noted ‘Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid as a must-read. This narrative chronicles the life of a famed movie star as she reveals her tumultuous past and complex identity to a journalist, addressing themes of fame, love, and identity.

The diverse book recommendations from Saddleback College students highlight important themes such as identity, personal struggles, and social issues. This array of literature indicates not only the varied interests among the student body but also the value placed on storytelling as a means to explore and understand complex human experiences. Regardless of genre, each book resonates with the readers’ personal journeys and reflects broader societal themes, fostering a love for reading within the college community.