We group other art forms like comic books, graffiti, digital art, and more as lesser-than as well, but when we perpetuate this stereotype on these types of media we cut ourselves off from the power of their art. In doing so, we simultaneously cut ourselves off from different perspectives.

As a child, award-winning author Carmen Maria Machado was drawn to her library’s banned books display. The simple fact that they were banned compelled her — she wanted to read every single one. Eventually, her fascination grew so strong that she had to be reminded not to borrow the entire display. The paradoxical effect of highlighting art that has been removed from the public’s view is a powerful one.

As a WashU student likely flooded with work, you deserve a show (or a StudLife article) that takes no brain energy to understand.

Sitting on the corner of Euclid and McPherson in Central West End, Left Bank Books offers an entirely different take on the book browsing experience. Established by a group of WashU graduate students in 1969, Left Bank is a mission-driven bookstore that doubles as a community space, making a point to form genuine connections with its customers.

Whether you are graduating in May or getting ready to move in this fall, here are the books that I think you should read before you graduate.

I’ve set a goal on Goodreads to read 50 books by the end of the year. And I’m happy to say I got a good head start: I’ve already read 13 books in 2019. Here are a few of my favorites that I think you might enjoy as well

“A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas. The series follows a human girl named Feyre who lives in a world where faeries exist—and they’re not anything like Tinkerbelle.

In a city once home to Tennessee Williams, Kate Chopin and T.S. Elliot, enjoy a weekend of literary discussions centered at Left Bank Books in the Central West End.

At the risk of sounding like a cantankerous old woman, I’m going to make a not-so-bold statement: people should read more.

This year’s winter break will be approximately a month long. If you’re fearful of what on Earth you could possible do with that time, especially after a semester jam-packed with work, you’re not alone—but fret not! The world is filled with television, movies, books, food and games to consume.