Study Break: 11 College Tales from Orientation to Graduation

by Aashna Avachat Narrated by Dominique Franceschi, Sharmila Devar, Jennifer Aquino, Jess Nahikian, Ruthie Bowles

Overview

Study Break, a collection of interconnected contemporary Young Adult short stories written by Gen Z authors, explores different parts of "the college experience," from questioning your major to questioning your identity.

College...the best time, the worst time, and something in between.

What do you do when orientation isn't going according to your (sister's) detailed plans? Where do you go when you're searching for community in faith? How do you figure out what it means that you're suddenly attracted to your RA? What happens when your partner for your last film project is also your crush and graduation is quickly approaching?

Told over the course of one academic year, this collection of stories set on the same fictional campus features students from different cultures, genders, and interests learning more about who they are and who they want to be. From new careers to community to (almost) missed connections - and more - these interconnected tales explore the ways university life can be stressful and confusing and exciting and fulfilling.

Gen Z contributors include Jake Maia Arlow, Arushi Avachat, Boon Carmen, Ananya Devarajan, Camryn Garrett, Christina Li, Racquel Marie, Oyin, Laila Sabreen, Michael Waters, and Joelle Wellington.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"The tales, all set on the fictional University of Milbridge campus, flow well, and subtle overlaps add detail and richness to the setting. . . An inclusive, cohesive collection. . ." —Kirkus

Kirkus Reviews

2022-12-24
Told through 11 chronological stories, this anthology invites readers on a journey through the college experience, with contributions from new voices and YA favorites like Camryn Garrett and Jake Maia Arlow.

Jewish, genderqueer Fray of Arlow’s “Shofar, So Good” and the Seattle-area Desi protagonist of “Rani’s Resolutions” by Avachat find the courage to pursue their passions despite fears of negative parental reactions. Mandarin-speaking Emma Zheng and queer Val Wu of Christina Li’s “Begin Again” and Ruby, a Black girl questioning her major, her sexuality, and so much more in Garrett’s eponymous story learn the power of accepting change and living in the present, even when the future seems uncertain. A stuffed animal caper inspires an eye-opening spring break road trip as best friends Sophie Zhao, a Malaysian international student, and Eliza Young, a White American, get honest about their feelings for each other in Boon Carmen’s “Momo’s Epic Rescue.” While some of the stories are more memorable than others, they all convey the heart and vulnerability inherent to this potential-filled time in young people’s lives. The tales, all set on the fictional University of Milbridge campus, flow well, and subtle overlaps add detail and richness to the setting. The collection features a cast of characters from a wide range of ethnic and racial backgrounds as well as varied sexual orientations and gender identities.

An inclusive, cohesive collection of stories in a locale often overlooked in books for teen readers: the college campus. (college advice) (Anthology. 14-18)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940178284698
Publisher:	Spotify Audiobooks
Publication date:	03/05/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged

Videos