The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
It is somewhat disturbing how much you can enjoy books like this one, especially in the toilet. Requiring very little effort from the reader, it transports you to a dystopian world, where detailed descriptions and well-developed characters make you feel a part of it. The book deals with issues such as poverty and brutal social hierarchy, and follows the story of sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, painting a picture of a grotesque, dangerous world that surrounds her. Dramatic, even though sometimes predictable, sequence of events is perfectly paced and not difficult to follow, so you will easily remember where exactly you left off last time. Gripping from the first chapter, it will be a nice break from pages and pages of overly complicated required reading that you have to do for tomorrow.
The Norton Anthology of Poetry
It is best to have a heavy, brick-like anthology such as this one, but, if none of your housemates is studying English, any poetry book will do. As this book comprises best and most famous poems from various periods and movements, you can choose a poem based on your mood, go straight to favourites, or think of a number and see what you find on that page – it will probably be an equally satisfying read. You can pick a poem which is suited to you in length, as well as read the same one again and again for as long as you need. I would go so far as to say that the toilet is one of the best places to read poetry: there are no distractions and you have all the time you need to really think about all the hidden meanings.
‘Fight Club’ by Chuck Palahniuk
Now a cult book, ‘Fight Club’ is a page turner that you do not have to take too seriously. The unnamed narrator tells his story, where strangest addictions and failed relationships intertwine in the most comedic way. Although seemingly superficial, the book is concerned with alienation, violence, crime and the modern definition of manliness. Its almost laconic style and simple dialogue ensure a fast pace throughout, keeping it funny and tragic at the same time. Just like ‘The Hunger Games,’ it is easy to pick up where you left off; being centered around ideas rather than plot, it also means that you can start reading it at any random page. What is most important, in this particular situation at least, is that relatively short chapters make it perfect for a toilet read, immersing you in the story for a perfectly measured amount of time.
‘A Short History of Nearly Everything’ by Bill Bryson
If you are feeling up for learning something new, put this one on your bathroom floor. Whereas Fight Club can provide you with a huge selection of quotable material you can use once back from your toilet break, ‘A Short History of Nearly Everything’ will give you a random fact of the day you can throw in during any conversation. The book is built on surprising comparisons and fascinating stories, raising and in turn answering seemingly the most obvious questions. Avoiding complicated phraseology, this quirky history of the natural sciences is easily accessible to everyone and, thanks to its style, captivating enough to keep reading for as long as you need.
Palahniuk is fantastic with such a brilliant body of work. Choke being my fave. If you want a funnier, darker, more twisted version by a British author I suggest you look up Malice in Blunderland by Jonny Gibbings, it is hands down the funniest book. You will laugh at things you won’t be able to tell people.