In today’s post, I will talk about 10 of my favorite books that are set on campuses. There’s something about the arrival of fall that just makes me think of dark academia novels. Probably because that also signifies the beginning of the school year. Do you also get the same impression, or is it just me?
Books are set on a variety of places such as the beach, in small towns, or dark woods. But for some reason the campus setting is one of my favorites. I can assume it is because I’m one of those people who actually liked her school experience!
From thrillers to suspense novels, the campus settings offer a little bit of everything to please everyone.
Here are 10 books set on campuses I think everyone should read.
The Secret Place by Tana French
I read this book a while ago, before I even knew dark academia was a thing. The story combines a murder that was set on a campus of a girls boarding school and the relationships between a tight-knit group of friends that are at the center of it. French has a way of storytelling that will capture your attention. While it isn’t the best suspenseful novel I read, the dark academia vibes and the campus setting is what I loved most about it.
In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead
While the setting goes back and forth from the elite Duquette University to the ten year reunion, the book has dark academia and thriller vibes. Considering the subject matter revolves around an unsolved murder, it is an easy, fast-paced read that can get you out of a reading slump. The propulsive novel is told in a dual timeline. It also tackles themes of ambition, friendship, and how far people will go to achieve their dreams.
Good Girls Lie by J.T. Ellisson
I love a dark academia novel that is set on an all-girls campus. Good Girls Lie is a psychological thriller that revolves around a group of teenage girls at the prestigious Goode School, located in Marchburg, Virginia. It is an engrossing tale that gives off gothic vibes. Perfect for the spooky season, the book will have you hooked on girls’ drama. Also, the privilege of the wealthy students where appearances are most important is a prominent theme in the book.
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Last time I mentioned this book in my previous post, I haven’t read it yet.
But now that I have, I can say from personal experience that it is one of the best dark academia books that is set on a campus. It’s got secret societies, dark vibes, occult activities, and a mystery Alex is trying to uncover. The way Bardugo narrates this fantasy/ dark academia novel is unique and it engrosses its reader into its world. A definite must-read book that is set on Yale’s campus.
The It Girl by Ruth Ware
Ware is one of these authors who has a knack for creating the best unreliable narrators. Like most of her books, The It Girl revolves around a group of friends. The story is told in dual timelines. It gravitates between their time as students at Oxford University and a decade later, as adults.
As I previously mentioned, this is a lighter version of a dark academia novel. While the book is fast paced it isn’t gruesome or gritty, rather focuses more on the psychological aspects of the group’s interactions. A great option for this time of year, I recommend you read it.
I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai
Makkai is one of my newest and quickly became one of my favorite authors ever. While I didn’t give this book five stars, I liked it very much nonetheless. It had a lot going on, but the setting is perfect and the narration even better. You can read my original review here.
It is a mixture of dark academia and literary fiction that goes back and forth between the present day and back in 1995. I liked how the author blended these two different styles and made it work. If you haven’t read anything by Rebecca Makkai yet, The Great Believers is also a novel worthy of notice.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
To me, Rooney is a must read author. Yes, some people consider her writing style whiny and controversial, but I think she deserves a chance.
Normal People is a novel that is set mainly on the campus of Trinity College, but it started in secondary school. You must admit that Rooney has a gift when it comes to character development and descriptive depictions of class, family, and friendship. Her acute psychological insight is what makes her novels so engrossing. If you haven’t yet experienced her writing, Normal People is her most popular work to date.
The Idiot by Elif Batuman
This is the only book on this list I haven’t read yet, but it’s definitely on my tbr list. I hear good things about it, so I will surely read it at some point.
Set on the campus of Harvard University, the story follows Selin, a daughter of Turkish immigrants. Written with a unique style, The Idiot is one of these books that will stay with you for a while. Whether you love it or hate it, it will not leave you indifferent.
Nominated for a Pulitzer Prize it is also longlisted for the Women’s Prize for fiction. I recommend you start with this book by Batuman if you haven’t read anything by the author yet.
The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer
If you haven’t read any of Wolitzer’s works yet, the Female Persuasion is one of her best books to start with. Although my favorite of hers is The Interestings, this one has an academia presence throughout. It tackles many contemporary issues, with feminism at its core. As per her usual style, Wolitzer is strong on character development and engrossing stories.
I urge you to read this important piece of literature. Wolitzer is a strong author worthy of getting acquainted with.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Although I didn’t love this book like many did at the time I read it, I admit that it is the book that depicts dark academia best. I keep saying I’ll give it a reread, but I’m so behind in my current reading, I will not manage it this year, unfortunately. At some point I will, I promise. And I’m sure my rating will also change.
The story is very well laid out. Tartt has such a unique writing style that I absolutely love. Although some may find the descriptive character of her narrating style too much, I think she’s one of the authors who does it best.
The book is set on the campus of a private New England college, and it is the perfect book to read this time of year. Although my rating was pretty low on Goodreads, it is one of these books that I will still recommend to people, as it is a very well written novel.
Final Words
These are the 10 books set on campuses that will give you dark academia vibes. Try any of these for this time of year. Or any time really, but October screams dark academia. Do you agree?
Until next time, fellow bookworms! I hope you enjoyed these recommendations. If you have other titles in mind, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment box below.
