As the semester is winding down, and I am starting to think about the huge stack of books I collected over Winter Break but did not have time to read. My list of books I want to read is slowly becoming longer than my "finals prep" to-do list. So here are some of those books, and why I want to read them! (And why you should read them too!)
1. "This Changes Everything" by Naomi Klein
A social justice group on my campus showed the film based on Naomi Klein's book this semester, and I was unable to go. The book made the New York Times Book Review 100 Notable Books of the Year and talks about Capitalism's impact on Climate Change. It sounds super interesting and made this list because Climate Change is such an important issue today!
2. "The Lord of the Rings" Trilogy
I've been meaning to read these books for a while. Now that I've seen the movies, it's time to dive into the books — no matter how long they are. These might take a while to get through, but I'm sure my knowledge of Middle Earth will improve.
3. "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath
I've read some of Plath's poetry, but "The Bell Jar" is her only novel. It's dark, suspenseful, and rumored to be semi-autobiographical. The novel explores the question of socially acceptable identity and highlights problems within an oppressive patriarchal society. This one should be an intense and insightful read.
4. "The Messenger" by Markus Zusak
Markus Zusak wrote "The Book Thief," about a little girl living in Germany during World War II. The book was great, and I got very attached to the characters, especially the little girl who would steal books to read because she couldn't afford to buy them. Based during the war, it was a beautiful story about the civilians who were caught in the middle of Nazi Germany and Jewish neighbors. Now, "The Messenger" is about a taxi driver in Sydney, Australia, who receives mysterious playing cards in the mail containing tasks for him to complete. While very different, I'm sure his writing will be just as good in this book.
5. "Cloud Atlas" by David Mitchell
"Cloud Atlas" is a tale of adventure, puzzles, reality, and identity. I've wanted to read it since the movie came out--as I tend to believe that "the books are better than the movies." It was a finalist for the Man Booker Prize and has critics raving about how great Mitchell's writing is. This is the chance for me to go on an adventure, that you should definitely join me on!
6. "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie
Under suggestion of a high school English teacher, I read "Flight" and "The Lone Ranger" and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven," both by the same author. I love his style of writing and the way his stories pull you in, and invite you to share in their joy and pain. I learned so much from his books, not just about Native American culture on a reservation, but also about writing itself. Even if you're not an English nerd or really interested in writing styles, his books are all worth the read. They are truly captivating.
7. "Go Set a Watchman" by Harper Lee
"To Kill a Mockingbird" was one of my favorite books that I read in high school. At the time, it really made me love my English class again. This new book was actually written first, and when it was discovered caused huge controversy. "Go Set a Watchman" returns to the characters I so loved, like Scout Finch. The only reason I haven't read this book yet is because I had to read 23 books this semester for my college classes.
8. "Everything is Illuminated" by Jonathan Safran Foer
I have also read two of his other books, "Eating Animals," and "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close." While they were both very different books, I enjoyed them a lot because they made me think differently. "Everything is Illuminated" tells the story of a young man's journey to Ukraine in order to meet the woman who saved his grandfather's life during the Nazi decimation of his hometown, Trachimbrod. I trust that this book will be just as well done as his others. (And it was his first!)
9. "Room" by Emma Donoghue
This book is about a 5-year old boy who lives in one room with his mother, and has never been outside. It became a bestseller as soon as it was published and eventually got made into a movie. The book is a "celebration of resilience and the love between parent and child." Everything I've heard about it sounds amazing, and I am looking forward to entering into the room with this boy and his mother to hear their story.
10. "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child"
I am a huge Harry Potter fan-I've read all the books multiple times, seen the movies every time ABC has a Harry Potter weekend, and even have some decorations in my room as a tribute to the series. This is a stage play and book written by Jack Thorne and based on a story by J. K. Rowling. This comes out in July of 2016, but I've pre-ordered it already. It is a must-read as far as I'm concerned.
So I leave you with some great suggestions for books that I am looking forward to reading. Feel free to comment with any other suggestions, the more books, the better. Here's to summer reading!
