edited by Aashna Avachat
ASIN/ISBN: 9781250848055
Publication: March 7, 2023

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DESCRIPTiON

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.

ABOUT THE EDITOR

Aashna Avachat is a YA author and editorial assistant with a love for hope-filled stories. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, in spring 2020 with a BA in English and is currently a 1L at Harvard Law School. She is passionate about amplifying marginalized voices in publishing and increasing space for readers to see themselves in
book pages. Study Break is her first book. When she’s not writing, she’s probably reading on a sunny patch of grass, going on long walks to grocery stores, or being cozy with one of her many foster kittens. You can find her on X (formerly Twitter): @AashnaAvachat.

X (formerly Twitter)

REVIEW

Study Break is an anthology edited by Aashna Avachat consisting of 11 stories written by authors who were in college or recent graduates when writing them. It is reminiscent of films like New Year’s Eve or New York, I Love You consisting of individual stories that have some commonality or connecting thread. Taking place on one campus and within a single academic year, each story provides insight into the college experience.

While written by Gen-Z authors, the themes transcend generations: identity, belonging, fear of failure, living up to expectations, falling in love, and much more. There was something about every story that resonated with me. Some stories hit harder than others. I could even identify some of my friends in these characters.

The book offers something for nearly everyone but will more likely be enjoyed by those whose college experience is more recent, whether they just graduated or will be starting their first year.

MY HIGHLIGHTS:
*The Ultimate Guide to Orientation by Ananya Devarajan
*Fall Once More by Aashna Avachat
*Rani’s Resolutions by Arushi Avachat
*Momo’s Epic Rescue by Boon Carmen
*Begin Again by Christina Li

**Thank you to Fierce Reads for allowing me to be part of the tour and for the finished copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed it. All opinions are my own.**

MY COLLEGE SOUNDTRACK

A mix of music from my college experience and those that reflect it. Jin’s “Epiphany” is the one I wish I had learned sooner.

YouTube Playlist
Best Day of My Life – American Authors
Try Again – Aaliyah
Epiphany – Jin
Try Everything – Shakira
Hard Place – H.E.R.
Reflection – Christina Aguilera
Some Guys Have All The Luck – The Persuaders
Bubble Pop! – HyunA
She Used to Be Mine – Sara Bareilles
Go The Distance – Michael Bolton
Good Thing – Zedd & Kehlani
Regulate (ft. Nate Dogg) – Warren G
Long Live – Taylor Swift

Bonus – For Studying
Meditation – Monoman