Our 2024 Summer Reading Picks

What did the Columbia and Wake Forest applications have in common this past year? Both asked students to share information about books they’d read!

Yes, reading is a great way to pass the time in general, but it can be especially important for rising seniors to pick up a few books while hitting the beach this summer. Remember, even if students aren’t applying to schools that ask about books in the application, they still need to be prepared to discuss reading material in college interviews.

Unfortunately, selecting books to discuss, whether in an interview setting or in a supplemental essay, can be tricky. Students have to find the right balance. War and Peace? Nobody is going to believe a 17-year-old chose to read that for fun. And yet the trashy beach reads won’t be your best bet, either.

Instead, we advise our students to try to find texts that are in alignment with their academic (or extracurricular) interests and overall application narrative, yet aren’t dry and obscure, either.

Check out our top pics below — no matter your intended major, we’ve got options for you!

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‘Challenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space’ by Adam Higginbotham

If you're into gripping true stories, check out this book about the 1986 Challenger disaster. It dives into the tragic event where the space shuttle broke apart just seventy-three seconds after launch. All seven crew members were killed, including a teacher named Christa McAuliffe. This book isn't just packed with facts—it's also super inspiring and thought-provoking. You'll get the full scoop on what led up to the accident, the disaster itself, and the investigation afterward. Plus, it touches on big themes like ambition, ingenuity, political drama, and heroism. 

We recommend this for students interested in history, politics, science, and engineering – or anyone who can appreciate a good real-life thriller!

‘Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection’ by Charles Duhigg

Check out this book for a fascinating read that can up your communication game! Imagine being in a jury room where one person manages to get everyone on the same page, or a young CIA officer convincing a reluctant foreign agent, or a top surgeon trying to persuade a patient to choose a safer form of treatment. This book is packed with cool stories like these, showing how great communicators work their magic.

Duhigg explains that every conversation has three layers: practical (what’s this about?), emotional (how do we feel?), and social (who are we?). Knowing which one you’re dealing with can make a huge difference in connecting with people. You'll learn how to pick up on emotions, negotiations, and beliefs that shape our talks. By the end, you'll get that with the right tools, you can connect with anyone. 

We recommend this for students interested in communications, business, and politics  – or anyone looking to improve their communication skills in a fun and engaging way!

‘James’ by Percival Everett

If you enjoyed The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, you have to check out this book, which reimagines the classic story from Jim's perspective! When Jim hears he's about to be sold and separated from his family, he hides on Jackson Island and meets Huck. Together they embark on a dangerous adventure, aiming for the Free States. Everett's version keeps all the exciting elements of the original — floods, storms, treasure hunts, and run-ins with scam artists — but it shines a new light on Jim. You'll see his intelligence, agency, and compassion in a way that the original story didn't show. This book is packed with humor and sharp observations that make it an electrifying read. It also dives into serious themes including language, race, and power.

We recommend this for students interested in English literature, race and culture, psychology, or sociology  –  or anyone interested in stories that mix adventure with deep, thought-provoking themes. 

‘Finding Fortunato: How a Peruvian Adventure Inspired the Sweet Success of a Family Chocolate Business’ by Adam Pearson

Dive into this exciting memoir about a family's adventure in the northern Peruvian jungle. They stumble upon a rare cacao bean, once thought extinct, and their journey turns into an epic chocolate business story! This book takes you through their struggles and triumphs as they decide to disrupt the traditional supply chain by trading directly with farmers. Their efforts not only produce what the BBC calls "the Rolex of chocolate" but also help lift farmers out of poverty. A tale of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, the book shows how gut instincts and determination can lead to incredible success.

We recommend this for students interested in business, politics, or global studies  –  or anyone interested in adventure and making a difference in the world.

‘All the Gold Stars’ by Rainesford Stauffer

Dig into the pressures of ambition and how it leads to burnout! From gold stars in grade school to getting into the "right" college and grinding at work, our drive to achieve is celebrated but often comes with serious downsides. The book explores how cultural, personal, and societal expectations push us to tie our worth to productivity, limit our imaginations, and drive us apart. 

Through her own story of ambition and burnout, along with interviews with students, parents, workers, psychologists, and labor organizers, Stauffer uncovers the common pressures we all face. This book challenges us to rethink what success really means and offers new ways to approach ambition that's more about caring for ourselves and each other. 

We recommend this for students interested in psychology, sociology, or education – or anyone feeling the weight of expectations and looking for a healthier way to achieve their goals.

‘The Algebra of Wealth: A Simple Formula for Financial Security’ by Scott Galloway

If you want to get a head start on financial success, check out The Algebra of Wealth by Scott Galloway. Today's world offers more opportunities and mobility than ever, but also some big challenges like inflation, housing shortages, and climate issues. The old financial advice your parents followed just doesn't cut it anymore!

In this book, you’ll learn how to choose a career by focusing on your talent (not just your passion!); how to adopt a mindset that will help you develop better financial habits; and how to make small steps now that will have a big impact later. 

We recommend this for students interested in economics or business – or anyone looking to make smart money moves!

‘The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness’ by Jonathan Haidt

If you're curious about why so many teens are struggling with mental health issues, check out this book, which dives into why rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide skyrocketed for teens starting in the early 2010s.

Haidt, a social psychologist, breaks down the facts about this mental health crisis and explores how childhood has changed. He explains how kids used to grow up with lots of play and independence, but starting in the 1980s, this "play-based childhood" started disappearing. By the early 2010s, the rise of smartphones completely changed how kids grow up. Learn how this shift has messed with adolescent development, from sleep problems to addiction, loneliness, and constant social comparison. 

We recommend this for students interested in psychology, sociology, or education – or anyone interested in understanding and tackling the mental health challenges facing Gen Z. 

‘There’s Always this Year: On Basketball and Ascension’ by Hanif Abdurraqib

This book dives into what it means to succeed, who deserves it, and the tension between excellence and expectations. Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, in the '90s, Abdurraqib experienced an amazing era of basketball where legends like LeBron James were born. He combines his personal stories with a deep exploration of basketball's impact on culture. The book is filled with joy, pain, solidarity, comfort, outrage, and hope, and it’s creatively structured like a basketball game, divided into quarters with "timeouts" that mix prose with poetry. 

We recommend this for students interested in sports, race and culture, or psychology – or anyone who loves powerful storytelling!

‘The Formula: How Rogues, Geniuses, and Speed Freaks Reengineered F1 into the World’s Fastest-Growing Sport’ by Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg

If you're into fast cars and thrilling stories, you need to check out this epic story of how Formula 1 (F1) racing went from being a distant third behind NASCAR and IndyCar in America to leading the pack in 2023. It dives into F1’s fearless reinvention and its breakthrough in the US. With fast cars, engineering geniuses, driver rivalries, and glamorous settings, you'll see how F1's rise in America was actually decades in the making. It's all about constant transformation and bold moves.

This book isn't just about sports; it's a high-octane history of how modern F1 racing came to be. It's the first book to cover the outrageous successes and spectacular crashes that led F1 to its current, thrilling moment. 

We recommend this for students interested in cars, engineering, popular culture and business – or anyone who wants to know how F1 broke into the American sports scene with style, cash, and personality!

Runner-Ups

• ‘Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI’ by Ethan Mollick 

• ‘Hot Dog Money: Inside the Biggest Scandal in the History of College Sports’ by Guy Lawson

• ‘Cue The Sun! The Invention of Reality TV’ by Emily Nussbaum

• ‘The Mango Tree: A Memoir of Fruit, Florida, and Felony’ by Annabelle Tometich

• ‘A Thousand Times Before: A Novel’ by Asha Thanki

• ‘The Cemetery of Untold Stories’ by Julia Alvarez

• ‘What this Comedian Said Will Shock You’ by Bill Maher

• ‘The Achilles Trap: Saddam Hussein, the C.I.A., and the Origins of America’s Invasion of Iraq’ by Steve Coll

• ‘Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here: The United States, Central America, and the Making of a Crisis’ by Jonathan Blitzer

• ‘ADHD is Awesome: A Guide to (Mostly) Thriving with ADHD’ by Penn Holderness and Kim Holderness

• ‘Sing Like Fish: How Sound Rules Life Under Water’ by Amorina Kingdon

• ‘WHEN THE SEA CAME ALIVE: AN ORAL HISTORY OF D-DAY’ by GARRETT GRAFF

Weekly Update: May 30

Not long now, everybody! The end of the school year is almost here! Just hang on a little bit longer!

BIGGEST COLLEGE-RELATED NEWS OF THE WEEK

NORTHEASTERN: NYC STYLE

Marymount Manhattan College, a small liberal arts school in New York City known for their theater programs, just announced a merger with Northeastern University. After the merger, Marymount Manhattan will be renamed Northeastern University-New York City. This will probably open up more opportunities for Northeastern applicants, who are often given the option to begin their studies at Northeastern at an alternate campus if they aren’t admitted through the traditional process. The merger still needs approval from regulators and accreditation agencies, which could take up to two years.

WANTED: COLLEGE PRESIDENTS

It’s not a job for the “faint of heart”, says Rev. John I. (or as students know him, “Father”) Jenkins, head of the University of Notre Dame for the past 19 years. As he gets ready to step down next month, the school will be looking for new leadership — as are many schools across the country! Along with Harvard, UPenn, Yale, Cornell, and UCLA, among others, 12 of the 58 private colleges in Massachusetts are currently without a president. The pressure to be as politically savvy as possible and of the highest academic caliber as possible is a tough blend to find, but seems to be what is now needed to qualify. Few will make the cut, but will even fewer apply?

THE PRICE OF PROTESTING

The administration at Trinity College Dublin has now rescinded a bill they presented to the Student Union. They had originally claimed that students had cost the university €214K ($232K) in “lost revenue” due to student protests. The university asserted that the protests blocked the entrance to the Book of Kells, a 1,200 year old illustrated manuscript, which attracts over half a million tourists each year. Student groups decried the school’s attempt to silence student voices.

A COLLEGE AND IT’S PROTESTORS COMPROMISED AND CONGRESS DIDN’T LIKE THAT

After a week of protests at Northwestern University with an encampment on the school’s green, the president and the students found a compromise and the protest ended. Unlike many other campus’ protests, this one was fairly peaceful. Students disbanded, removing all the tents except for one aid tent, and no arrests were made. Apparently, the U.S. Congress did not like this and demanded that Northwestern’s president, Michael Schill, present himself before Congress this Thursday. Evidently, “some members are expected to rake him over the coals for making a deal with students instead of bringing the hammer down.”

COLLEGE ATHLETES MAY FINALLY GET THEIR DUES

We’ve covered issues relating to NIL (name, image, and likeness) for years, and the latest update comes in the form of an agreement stemming from three antitrust lawsuits alleging $2.8 billion in damages. Now, however, current and former athletes may soon get paid! That said, details are still in the works with the lawyers, and it could take months before the agreement is finally considered settled. The agreement does not take on the issue of employment — the NCAA will likely continue to try and persuade Congress to pass a bill that would keep athletes from becoming employees.

BEST ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

What does it mean to be a “sell out”? For a long time, the term had the connotation of being someone who has traded in their moral values or integrity in exchange for more immediate gratification — perhaps money, or something else just as vulgar. But, like all human thoughts and ideas, meanings change with time. This article in the New York Times points a post-structuralist finger at young people and examines how they are re-defining the notion of “selling out”. If you go straight for the big bucks in order to position yourself in a place of power and influence to someday help make the world a better place, have you really sold out?

And to rebel against the “old” ideas of what it takes or requires to make the world better — or even to decide what “better” is — is all part of dismantling the false notion of structuralism in the first place. And kids these days do seem to be doing just that!  Paging Foucault and Derrida! But seriously, given the instability in the world for the past 20+ years — 9-11, wars, recessions, political divisions, a pandemic, more economic uncertainty — it’s not unreasonable for young people to try and do everything they can to establish a little bit of security for themselves while also trying to balance their strong desire to also create something better. While this article focuses on “elite” college students, I would posit that the desire to have stability and the power to change things for the better is not only limited to the students who attend “highly rejective” schools.

Sticking with the idea about jobs after college, Jeff Selingo’s latest newsletter reflects on how now, more than ever, people are debating the “value” of college — perhaps even to the point of wondering if college could ever guarantee a job as part of their education!

As summer gets closer, are you lining up your summer reading? Are they beach books? Romance? Something with some international intrigue or an adventure to the other reaches of the solar system? Maybe it’s the time when you are free to dig into some dense classics or the long list of “should’ve read” books you keep tacked to your bulletin board. This piece in the Washington Post is a lovely ode to the joy of reading — something we hope everyone finds time to do.

OFFICE HAPPENINGS

Speaking of summer reading — did you know that some college applications ask students to share lists of books they’ve read recently? This is also a common interview question! The beginning of summer is a great time for rising seniors to get a head start and make sure they have a few books to discuss if needed.

Students shouldn’t just mention any books, though — It’s always really helpful if at least a few of the texts can be connected to their individual interests, as a way to strengthen their narrative. To make sure all of our rising seniors are prepared, we have been working on putting together our 2024 Summer Reading List, with recommendations broken down by interest — stay tuned for that!

Lastly, as this year’s admission cycle winds down, college offices around the country are already thinking about next year and what it will bring. As we have already mentioned a number of times, this year’s FAFSA nightmare (still ongoing) and last year’s Supreme Court ruling are likely to change the way admissions officers shape their incoming freshman classes.

One aspect that has become significantly more relevant in recent months involves geography, and zip codes in particular. I have never heard so many admissions officers discuss the impact of applicant zip codes as I have lately! No kidding, it’s a huge topic right now. I would bet that the average parent has absolutely no concept of what a big impact zip codes are having behind the scenes (the thought process is that students from certain zip codes have distinct advantages over those from other zip codes, and that incorporating zip codes into the decision-making process is a legal way to achieve a more diverse class).

I was happy to weigh in on this for U.S. News readers last week — check out How Your Hometown Could Affect Your College Prospects — it explores how colleges will use geographic methods to grow a diverse student body.

This is so Vienna-specific, but every time I hear the zip code discussion I think about the nuances of 22182 and it makes my head spin. For what it’s worth, the admissions officers have been very clear about how they are assessing applicants in the context of their home zip code, not their school zip code.

As a 22182 resident, I’m zoned to Colvin Run, Cooper, and Langley. Arguably some of the best schools in the state. I chose to live here specifically for the schools and the opportunities for my children.

Yet there is a whole other part of 22182 on the other side of Tysons that is so, so, different in terms of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity. And some students from that area attend an elementary school that is ranked 3/10 on GreatSchools. But it’s the same zip code!

While this is a local example, there have got to be so many other places like this across the country. It really makes me wonder about the consequences of this newfound emphasis on zip code and how it will impact students in zip codes like 22182. Only time will tell!

Can’t wait to start your reading? Look at some of these past posts; you’re sure to find a book you love!

Our 2023 Nonfiction Summer Reading List!

Last week, we shared our fiction summer reading list, and now it’s time for a dose of reality! Here are some of our favorite nonfiction titles for teens to read this summer.

The Climate Book: The Facts and the Solutions by Greta Thunberg

Greta Thunberg is one of the most recognized climate activists in the world. In her new book, she gathers information from over 100 experts to help us understand the biggest environmental threats and their potential long-term effects. Thunberg also shares some of her own experiences, inspiring all of us to fight for a healthier planet. This is a must-read for students interested in environmentalism and advocacy.

Psych: The Story of the Human Mind by Paul Bloom 

Paul Bloom- a popular psychology professor at Yale University- combines science and storytelling in his latest book. He provides an overview of psychology while also analyzing some of today’s biggest issues from a psychological lens: mental illness, politics, racial bias, and more. Throughout the book, Bloom also incorporates amusing anecdotes, making this much more than a technical guide to the subject matter. High schoolers thinking about majoring in psychology should definitely add this title to their summer reading list! 

The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann

Two ships; two countries; two conflicting tales of treachery and murder. In The Wager, author David Grann recounts the ultimate adventure story. In 1742, an English vessel was shipwrecked off the shores of Patagonia, and it took sailors over three months to make it to safety in Brazil. The survivors were celebrated as heroes– well, until another ship narrowly escaped disaster and washed ashore in Chile. The survivors of the second ship had a very different account of the first vessel. They accused the heroes of actually being murderers! The first vessel responded with equally terrible claims of violence and killings. No one knew who to believe or how to figure out what really happened out at sea. That was up to the courts to decide, and their decision was a matter of life and death. If you want to know the ending, you’ll have to read the book this summer!

How Data Happened: A History from the Age of Reason to the Age of Algorithms by Chris Wiggins and Matthew L. Jones

In 2017, Chris Wiggins and Matthew L. Jones developed a course at Columbia University titled Data: Past, Present and Future. The class was a hit! It became so popular that now these instructors have turned their course material into a book. How Data Happened explores the history of data collection and the powerful impact it has had on everything from politics to economics.The authors also look closely at the relationship between data and technology and pose the question: where are we going with data in the future? This is a perfect pick for future data scientists or any student who loves math and computer science.  

Choosing to Run: A Memoir by Des Linden

What does it take to make history? That’s the question Des Linden tries to answer in her new memoir, Choosing to Run. Linden traces her journey as a professional runner, from her early days on the track to her Olympic appearances to her historic win at the 2018 Boston Marathon. Not only is this a story of physical triumph; it’s one of mental toughness. Linden reveals what it takes to stay motivated and to reach your goal, even when others tell you it’s impossible. 

The Things We Make: The Unknown History of Invention from Cathedrals to Soda Cans by Bill Hammack

Bill Hammack, otherwise known as “The Engineer Guy” to his over one-million YouTube subscribers, has made a career out of examining how things are made. Now in his new book, he looks closely at the invisible “engineering method” inventors have used throughout the centuries to solve problems and develop some of the world’s most famous creations. He argues that there’s a common link between the ways in which inventors engineer great things, whether it was an 18th century cathedral or a modern- day soda can. If you’re passionate about STEM or considering a career in engineering, this title will be a wonderful addition to your bookshelf. 

Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross

Do you like dancing alone in your bedroom or doodling in your notebook? If so, there’s a reason for it, according to Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross. In their New York Times best seller, these authors look at the joys art can bring to our brains and the powerful effect it can have on our mental and physical well-being. They incorporate lots of research, as well as real-world examples, to show how an art project, a trip to a museum, or even a piano lesson can boost our brains and lead to healthier lives. This is a longer read, but we think it’s worth it for art lovers and those interested in psychology and mental health.

Magic Words by Jonah Berger

In his new book, Magic Words, Jonah Berger examines the power of the words in our society. Through research, he reveals how a slight change in vocabulary can make all the difference in how we’re able to persuade others, whether we’re arguing in a courtroom, writing an essay, or trying to land a new job. So what exactly are these magic words, Berger speaks of? You’ll have to crack open the book to find out!

Without a Doubt: How to Go From Underrated to Unbeatable by Surbhi Sarna

What do you do when you’re faced with a cancer scare? In Surbhi Sarna’s case, she turned her fears into a $275 million dollar business! Without a Doubt looks at how Sarna used her medical struggles as motivation to create a start-up and a life-saving medical device. Of course Sarna had many challenges along the way. She didn’t have a swanky MBA or a business network, and at every turn, people doubted her. Her story shows how we can push past all of the doubts, think outside the box, and convince others to support our vision. We think this book is a great guide for teens who are dreaming big, especially those who hope to become entrepreneurs one day!