As we enter our third consecutive year in a global pandemic, people all over the world are restless. From copious amounts of TV or countless walks around the block to keep ourselves busy, we simply need ways to pass time. That’s where reading comes into play.          

Many students at the University of Miami have taken up a personal challenge: to integrate more books into their everyday lives. 

“I just felt like it was time for something new,” said Sage Knitowski, a sophomore majoring in business management. “There are so many good books out there, I wanted to be a part of it.”

The 19-year-old’s most recent favorite is “The Princess Bride” by William Goldman. Having already seen the movie, Knitowski had a feeling she would love the book as well. 

“The book took me into a world I already loved,” said Knitowski. “I loved getting the back story of characters I saw in the movie but didn’t get enough of.”

Knitowski’s also discussed her current read, “The Invisible Life of Addie Larue” by V.E. Schwab. She said it is a popular book that seems promising so far. 

“Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens is sophomore Nate Raisner’s favorite book. 

“It has a lot of mystery, which is one of my favorite genres,” said Raisner. “It reads kind of like watching a show on Netflix.”

Raisner, who is majoring in political science, said that this novel also has a nice romance element. “It’s a very unique and imaginative story. I love it.”

They also said that “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty was another one of their favorites. This book also falls into the mystery genre. 

“I love that the mystery is slowly unraveled, making it hard to put down,” said Raisner. “It just makes the reveal at the end so satisfying.”

20-year-old Addie Spain said while it is hard for her to choose a favorite book, “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig stands out to her. 

“It’s a gorgeously written book about second chances and learning how to love the life you’ve been given,” the marine affairs and classics double major said. “I can’t say enough good things about it.” 

After not being able to decide on just one novel, Spain also recommended “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein, which holds fond memories from her childhood. This heart wrenching story about a man who grows up, starts a family, and competes against the struggles of his life, all through the perspective of his dog, holds a special place in Spain’s heart. 

“I’ve loved this book for as long as I can remember,” Spain said. “The dog’s perspective allows the book to have a side of levity to it and makes it easier for readers to relate to the characters.”

Senior Hannah Fahn couldn’t stop raving about “It Ends with Us” by Colleen Hoover. 

“It was the first book I’d picked up in a long time,” Fahn said. “It was so entertaining, I just couldn’t put it down.” 

“Call Me By Your Name” by André Aciman is another one of the human and social development major’s favorite reads. Fahn said after first seeing the movie, the story quickly became one of her favorites. 

“As you read it, you can truly feel the love the characters have for each other. I like that the book has details the movie doesn’t.”

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