
Whether you are looking for something to read for pleasure or a motivational self-help book, I’ve got it all covered on this complete guide to the best books for college girls. Having read most of these, I can guarantee you will love a few!

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If you are looking for your next favorite read or trying to get into reading, I’ve got the best recommendations for you! This list will cover a bunch of categories, so there’s definitely something here for everyone.
After starting my personal reading journey almost five years ago, I have read my fair share of incredible books and not-so-great ones. If it’s on this list, I can promise you it is worth your time.
This post is all about books for college girls!
Life changing books for college students
Here are my top three inspirational/motivational self-help style books!
#Girl Boss
This book has been on my list forever and I cannot wait to start reading it! If you are looking for an inspirational story to help you reach your own goals, this is the book you are looking for!
You are a bad ass
Like the last, this is another motivational how-to-guide filled with stories, exercises, and advice to help you be successful. If you want to change your life, this book will help you do it.



Atomic habits
If you are looking to literally change any habit or routine in your life, this is the book for you. You’ve probably seen this book recommended before and that’s for a reason. This is definitely one of the most popular productivity self-help books and well worth the read.
Fun romance books for college
If you are looking for something light and fun, these are your new best friend!
The Spanish Love Deception
The Spanish Love Deception is a cute and flirty romance that makes for a super easy read. This one’s got all the best romance tropes and is a great romance starter book.
The Hating Game
Similar to The Spanish Love Deception, this book’s great if you are just getting into romance. It’s an enemies to lovers romance perfect for a quick, fun, and easy read.
The Cheat Sheet
This one is one of my favorite romance books and is adorable! Right from chapter one it is absolutely amazing and I loved the entire thing.
Love and Other Words
I am in the middle of this book as I write this article and can already tell you that it is an incredible book. The characters and the story are absolutely amazing and it is such a feel-good book.
This is one of those books that makes you wish you could live in the book world.
Dystopian Series
Dystopian series have been some of my favorite books I’ve read throughout high school! They never fail to include every genre I love: mystery, suspense, romance, and more.
The Selection series (5 books)
This was the series that single-handedly started my reading journey. Since first reading it in eight grade, I have read the entire series about five more times since then and it never gets old.
These books are a cross between The Hunger Games and The Bachelor. They will forever be one of my favorite series and I highly recommend reading if you want to get into reading or are in a reading slump.
The Hunger Games series (4 books)
This one is a classic dystopian series and for good reason. These books are like comfort books and are incredibly written.
Plus, the movie adaptations are also equally as amazing, which is rare.
Shatter Me series (9 books)
This might be my favorite dystopian series. Don’t let the length scare you, they are well worth reading.
These take dystopian to a new level and combine romance, mystery, and just about a dozen more genres into the series.
Divergent series (4 books)
Another classic and popular series. While the movies were not as great as the books, if you are a fan of any other books from this section, you will like these as well.
Conspiracy of Us series (3 books)
This is such an under-rated series and definitely not as popular as the others on this list but SOOOO amazing. I cannot emphasize enough how much you should read this series.
Classics you need to read at least once
Some of these are definitely not easy reads, but they are so so amazing!
Pride and Prejudice
While this took me forever to get through, it was so worth it in the end. I don’t remember a crazy amount about the book, but I have never forgotten the ending.
Definitely one of those feel-good books that just puts you in a happy mood!
The Handmaid’s Tale
I recently read this book and loved it. While it is definitely on the slower side, the messages in this book are extremely important in our lives.
The premise of this book is super interesting as well.
The Great Gatsby
This is another classic that you just have to read at least once in your life. The story is an amazing one that truly transports you to the 1920s.
Historical Fiction that doesn’t feel like historical fiction
Don’t let the heading through you off. I promise, these don’t feel like you are reading about history!
The Paper Girl of Paris
This was one of the first historical fiction books I read and it was beyond amazing. This is told in alternating points of view (past and present) and written so well.
This takes place in both the present day and Paris during World War II.
Before We Were Yours
Let me just start by saying that this book had me sobbing in my bed at one in the morning. This story is extremely sad but was eye-opening to read about. Like some others on the list, this one also switched between two points of view.
This takes place in both present day South Carolina and 1929 Memphis.
Sarah’s Key
This was an eye-opening historical piece about a very rarely known event that happened during World War II. Although it is sad, the messages in this book were so impactful.
This takes place in both 2002 and 1942 Paris.
Orphan Train
Orphan Train is one of my personal favorite historical fiction books for college girls. Like Before We Were Yours, this one is also about an adoption scandal in America’s history.
Like the others, this also switches between POV’s and definitely has some heavy themes, but was a great read.
My personal favorite Author
Jennifer Lynn Barnes
As a little bonus, I thought I’d share my all-time favorite author at the moment. While this tends to switch a lot, I’ve been pretty consistent with this one for a while.
Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a psychologist and author whose books are absolutely AMAZING.
Here’s everything of her’s that I’ve read and loved:
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This post was all about the best books for college girls!


