It’s nearing the end of the semester and most people could use a little pick-me-up as the weather changes from cold to rainy. Reading a great book can get you away from the overwhelming piles of homework and late night studying by taking your brain on an adventure of love, passion and travel.

“The Keeper of Lost Things” by Ruth Hogan

This novel is a joyful adventure about losing and finding objects that hold meaning in our hearts. Anthony Peardew finds different objects throughout the book while on his search for a medallion given to him by his late wife. Over the course of the story, we’re taken on a trip of endless possibilities and learn how important the love of precious trinkets is to our nostalgic being. It’s the perfect book to read while quarantining yourself from the rest of the world this flu season. This book will take you on an adventure that is way more fun than sitting in your room avoiding homework.

“Eat, Pray, Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert

A true iconic narrative, “Eat, Pray, Love,” is  an inspiring journey of finding your pastimes and passion. The main character, Elizabeth Gilbert, plans a one year vacation to mend her broken heart and plans to spend every four months in a different country; she travels to Italy, India and Indonesia. All the countries Gilbert visits start with an “I,” hinting at her desired goal of self discovery. The narrative speaks to readers dealing with loss and heartbreak.. A perfect pick-me-up after a  long week of classes and exams.

“The Garden of Small Beginnings” by Abbi Waxman

Throughout this book a grieving young widow teaches us about dealing with loss. Waxman crafted a captivating story about a woman who’s trying to get back on her feet after suffering the loss of her beloved husband. She decides to turn her life around and move to Los Angeles to work in a botanical garden. While working in the garden she feels out of her element but soon realizes how good life can really be, “The Garden of Small Beginnings” is about celebrating life’s little victories, and as college students, sometimes we need to be reminded of how small victories add up to great victories.