Summer is approaching, bringing with, for many of us, more time. Time to explore new concepts, practice old skills and re-discover past favorites. One way to stay engaged over the summer is through a book club. Finding a group of friends and committing to reading a book can be a great way to maintain academic skills and remember to see school friends over the long break. 

But book clubs can be intimidating for many people. Maybe you think it is too “nerdy” or that the books will be boring. This article is to remind you that books for discussion don’t have to be the classics you read in English class. Instead, here are three books, perhaps even ones you have already read, that can be light reads and bring about great discussions. 

The Hunger Games 

“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins is a perfect example of an accessible book with great discussion topics. The book’s plot centers around Katniss Everdeen, a girl growing up in a dystopian future, as she navigates the brutal “game” set up by the oppressive capital. With an engaging storyline and 99,750 words, “The Hunger Games” is a book anyone can get through. A  movie adaptation is also available, which means those who would rather watch than read can also join in. Discussion topics for this book range from the parallels between fictional Panem and modern cities to how evil is portrayed and complex motivations ignored when the book presents characteristics of career tributes. Overall, “The Hunger Games” is sure to create fascinating conversation at a low initial cost.

A Little Princess

“A Little Princess” by Frances Hodgson Burnett is the oldest book on this list, written in 1905. Don’t let the age scare you away though, this book had much simpler writing than many other classical pieces of literature. Sitting at 74,786 words, this book provides one of the most approachable introductions to older literature. The book is centered on young Sara Crewe’s time at Miss Minchin’s all-girls boarding school in London after her wealthy father dies and she is left with little. The book is perfect for discussing the value of kindness, but it can also be used to delve into topics such as bullying and bad things happening to good people. “A Little Princess” also has a movie adaptation, so less avid readers could still join in discussions. 

Wonder

“Wonder” by R.J. Palacio is the shortest book on this list, with 73,053 words. The book is a coming-of-age novel focused on August, or Auggie, who was born with a genetic syndrome causing unusual face shape. Before the beginning of the book, Auggie was homeschooled, but Auggie’s mother now wishes for him to join public school. The story is told in multiple parts, with each part from different characters’ perspectives. There are also additional books in the series available, such as “Auggie & Me” which contains three additional stories set around the first book. Discussions for this book include, but are not limited to, bullying, being different, the power of influences like teachers and family dynamics.