Famous rock guitarist Frank Zappa once said, "So many books, so little time." He could not have been more right as our world is filled with an immense amount of quality literature that is dying to be read. Although it may be difficult to find the time to pick up a book, these five books are must-reads for Christmas vacation.
1. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close:
This is Safran-Foer's follow up novel to Everything is Illuminated. The novel chronicles Oskar Schell's quest to find the meaning behind a key he discovers in his father's closet. Oskar is challenged to travel through the city of New York to find the owner and tackle coping with his father's passing in the September 11th terror attacks. Safran-Foer's novel offers a unique story, offering insight on what it is like to live and embrace life. Oskar Schell epitomizes perseverance and his story is one to be heard.
2. Alas Babylon:
Set at the height of the Cold War, Pat Frank tells the story of Randy Bragg, a Florida native, who combats the aftermath of nuclear war. The apocalyptic work is characteristic of the sentiment felt by many in both the USA and USSR at the time. As one reads Randy's quest, the book simply cannot be put down. Frank leaves the reader questioning what happens next and turns the despicable protagonist of Bragg into a loveable hero by the end. Though dystopian at times, Frank, in the end, captures the American characteristic of cooperation to rise against devastation.
3. The Devil In The White City:
Larson is able to intertwine non-fiction and fiction by telling a true story in a fictitious way. Centered around the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, Larson describes America at the height of the Gilded Age. Everything is seemingly sound and beautiful on the exterior, but under the cloak of robber baron successes, is a struggling nation. Larson contrasts the beauty of the fair with the story of Dr. H.H Holmes, a serial killer, using the fair as a means to find his victims. Larson will keep the reader intrigued and wanting to read more.
4. 11/22/63:
Although known for his horror writing, Stephen King comes out swinging with this epic novel following Jake Epping's task of time travel. After discovering his friend Al's secret, Al challenges Jake to return to follow Lee Harvey Oswald in order to prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Amidst his mission, Jake attempts to prevent the murder of a dear friends family. He is caught up in stories of revenge, romance, and simplicity. Travel back in time with Jake Epping to the simpler days of the United States and watch as he tries to prevent one of the nation's most devastating moments. By the end of the novel, the reader is left pondering the benefits of time travel and the power of the domino effect.
