In an era dominated by high-tech marvels, the allure of books has appeared to wane in the face of TikTok, Instagram, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and other digital platforms. Despite this, some UH Mānoa students have a different perspective.

“It’s a way to escape without actually leaving,” UHM freshman Samantha Holman said. “Once you’re in a world, you’re in a world. It doesn’t have to be a fantasy book, but once you read the story line, you wanna know more.”

Holman described an all-too-common scenario for teens and young adults who have felt trapped and needed an escape from the real world. Social media and movies do not always provide that sense of escape. 

UHM junior Emma Caires finds solace in reading.

“Books are a really good way for me to take a mental break and kind of escape from anything I have going on in my life,” Caires said. “Reading is a good pastime that still makes me feel productive and like I’m helping myself in some way.” 

What books are UHM students reading?

Some UHM students prefer diving into fictional universes rather than real ones. Unlike non-fiction, fiction engages imagination in order to evoke emotions. Fiction can also provide more relatable characters for general audiences.

“I need to care more about the character than the plot,” UHM junior Tymir Streeter said.

Some students aren’t too picky about the genre, characters or plot, as long as the author does a good job captivating them with the story. 

“The easiest type of book to read is a romance book,” Holman said. “You fall in the plot super quick and it has an outcome super quick. I do really like fantasy books, a lot, but I’m very much like, if you can keep me engaged with the storyline, I very much will read your book.”

Others prefer to stick with self-improvement books. 

“I love mindfulness books – anything to do with self-help through things like breathwork, meditation and grounding,” Caires said.

Favorite books of UHM students

The process of choosing a favorite book is an art in itself – a fusion of personal experiences, emotions and the ever-evolving tapestry of individual tastes.

“I love to read ‘Boundless Soldiers’ by Jack Campbell,” Streeter said. “I liked how they structured the world, and the plot was very interesting to read. It’s always a satisfying journey throughout.” 

Many UHM students enjoy fiction and fantasy. Some are influenced by a section on TikTok called BookTok, an online community that focuses on books and literature.

“Some of my all-time favorites are ‘Crave’ by Tracy Wolff – it’s a really really good series, a young adult series,” UHM senior Alex Betron said. “And then, ‘The Fine Print’ by Lauren Asher.”

In contrast, some students look for a more metaphysical exploration. Spiritual, self-help and religious books provide individuals with a source of guidance, inspiration and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

“My favorites so far have been ‘Who Will Cry When You Die’ by Robin Sharma and ‘The Misleading Mind’ by Karuna Cayton,” Caires said.

Reading communities for UHM students

UHM doesn’t have any RIOs for book lovers on campus. However, UHM students have expressed their interest in spaces for literary discourse.

“I was actually seeing what it would take to start [a book club] at UH,” Betron said. “Surprisingly there’s a lot more people who read. It’s hard to find book clubs anymore, no one’s really doing that sort of thing … I think it would be cool to see what the interest would be, and if people would join one here.” 

Students like Betron took the matter into their own hands to form a community online. Betron started her own book Instagram called @ab.bookshelf, where she posts reviews and all things books. If you need help finding your next read, check out her account.

“It was actually something I started just at the end of last year,” Betron said. “My friends convinced me to make it because I would just text them my reviews. All my friends hate it cause I would read so fast. We would all start reading a book together, and it would be like, one day, and I’d be like, ‘I’m done!’ … So I would give them my reviews and they were like, ‘Alex, you’re actually good at giving reviews on these books, you should make some sort of social media.’”

In the quiet corners of libraries, bookstore discussions or social media dedicated to literature, any and all students can find entertainment through books. While we all have different interests, books remain a timeless force that brings people together.