by Kimberly Schimmel

Created on: September 30, 2009

College bound students can expect to do a lot of reading as they pursue their degrees. What can they read to prepare for the challenges of college life? Here are some suggestions based on the writer's experience as a college graduate, graduate student, and mother of college students.

First, students preparing for college should be able to read various viewpoints and critically evaluate issues about which educated people may disagree. Assuming a college bound student has had the typical America public school experience, one book that should be read for the sake of balance is Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. This classic novel explores what happens when the productive people in a society disappear and those who mooch off them have to cope. The greatest musicians, philosophers, industrialists, and engineers are disappearing and the government is running out of wealth to confiscate. Men are destroying their wealth or leaving it to rot, then the men vanish without a trace. Can society cope without all those "greedy" men who provided jobs, transportation, and solutions to their problems? Compare John Galt's viewpoint with the views expressed by various politicians and in the daily news broadcasts, then decide what you think about work, wealth, and political power.

To prepare for the rigors of college reading, get a copy of How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler. You say, of course, that you already know how to read; however, there are many kinds of reading. Do you know when to survey and when to read carefully? Do you know how to determine what is worthy of careful reading and what is not? Do you know how to optimize your reading time? Adler explains, in depth, how to read for information and how to skim large amounts of material to determine what to read more closely. Purchase this book to help you through your college days. An appendix also lists great books you may want to use for further college preparation or personal enrichment.

Many people have strong opinions about The Holy Bible. Some of those holding strong opinions about the Bible have actually read parts of it! For history buffs, read I and II Samuel and I and II Kings for a survey of all the kings of Israel, or read Luke and Acts for a history of the early Christian church. For romance, read the book of Ruth for a sweet love story or the Song of Solomon for love poetry of the highest order. Esther is a story for those who want romance, intrigue, and history all in one package. For a prospective English major,

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