University is stressful and time-consuming, from being caught up with trying to figure out the UP map and wherever the “Clickup building” is to being exhausted from hustling up and down endless flights of stairs. Essentially, there is enough to keep students so occupied that it becomes easy to completely let go of all the enjoyable pastimes that kept you relaxed. That being said, here are five engaging novels that are easy to pick up and leisurely enjoy whenever there are at least fifteen minutes of free time.
For the romance reader
Honey & Spice is a spectacular novel by British-Nigerian author Bolu Babalola which follows the love story of university students Malakai and Kikiola. This book is witty, interesting, and downright gripping with a love story to fawn over.
For the fantasy reader
The Song of Achilles is a modern retelling of the Greek legend of Achilles and the war against the Trojans. It is told from the perspective of Patroclus, Achilles’ closest companion and lover. The Song of Achilles took the author, Madeline Miller, 10 years to write. This led to a comprehensive fantasy setting that can draw readers in within a few pages. It also an incredibly fast read.
For the contemporary fiction reader
Joburg Noir by Niq Mhlongo is a compilation book that features 20 contributions from talented South African writers on the topic of life in Johannesburg. While it is largely cynical and displays the true violence and sense of fear in Joburg, it also contains a uniquely South African humour as incorporated by each writer which anyone will be glad to read.
For the psychological thriller reader
The Silent Patient is a cult-favourite psychological thriller with a twist ending to make any reader scream…or squirm. This book is about a woman who, after fatally shooting her husband, refuses to ever speak again, not when she is charged with the crime and not when she is committed to a forensic unit. A psychotherapist enthralled with her story
dedicates his life and time to get her to talk again and reveal the unknown details of that fateful night.
For the self-help reader
Atomic Habits by James Clear. Popularised by the ‘It Girl’ trend on TikTok, Atomic Habits explores the things that people do and what compels them to do them. It states the case that everything one does is triggered by a cue, and the response to that cue is what forms one’s habits and shapes one’s life. This is an interesting read for anyone that wants to better understand their inner workings and learn practical ways to change them.
