Young adults from all over the country can relax a little now that the holidays are coming up. However, not everyone wants to go shopping or meet up with friends. Sometimes we require peace, quiet and a good book in order to let go of the stress. Below is a list of recommendations for any interested reader.
1. "A Clockwork Orange" by Anthony Burgess
This book is thought-provoking to its reader due to its portrayal of government intervention of a criminal young man. Although remembered for its violence and use of fictional slang words, A Clockwork Orange has also become famous for discussing how someone can lose essential parts of themselves. The book also makes a point to tell the story with less than innocent characters, so it is recommended for anyone who thinks the world is not completely black or white.
2. "The Goldfinch" by Donna Tartt
This book is highly recommended for anyone who wants to hear the past and present of a character. The story concerns Theodore "Theo" Decker, a young man who finds himself in contact with many different guardians in his life. There is also a mix of mystery and symbolism within the novel. It was published in 2013, so it is recommended for any readers who want something modern. However, The Goldfinch has 784 pages, so be prepared to invest a good portion of your time reading.
3. "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson
This is the first novel in the Millennium series. The plot is set in Sweden and written by a Swedish author, for anyone interested in reading books outside of America. A series of characters are introduced, but the two most central figures are a female hacker and struggling journalist. The two characters work together to uncover who murdered a young girl from a wealthy family. Violence against women is a large theme in both the series and this book, so it is recommended for any readers who like stories that portray the problems women face.
4. "Where'd You Go, Bernadette?" by Marie Semple
Unlike the three previous novels, this story is not dark. It is a comedy novel about a woman named Bernadette Fox, who suddenly goes missing before a family trip. Although the premise may not sound as exciting at first, it is unique in that the plot is told through documents rather than words. The traditional structure is ignored and emails and transcripts are used instead. This may be good for people who want to step out of their comfort zone.
5. "Good Omens" by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
The book is a project shared between two authors and revolves around the birth of Satan and the eventual apocalypse. Believe it or not, the story is actually a comedy. Much of the humor comes from the writing and the commentary. The story captures the reader from its narration and use of wordplay, so it is recommended by people who want interesting characters and clever jokes.
6. "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes
Due to its story, it has been known to cause quite a few readers to tear up. The plot is about a man who is selected to undergo an experiment that will increase his intelligence. However, the experiment comes with many complications and impacts the relationship he has with his former teacher. It is a short story rather than a whole novel, so you can finish it in a few days and move onto another book. However, it comes recommended because of its discussion of the mentally challenged and ethical codes.
7. "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn
You have probably heard of the movie version or seen it yourself. While the film has been praised, it lacks some of the material from the book. Gone Girl is appealing to many readers because it uses narration from not one, but two characters. One character uses a diary while the other talks in real-time about a crime that involves both of them. "Domestic noir" is the term used to refer to the story's genre because much of the plot focuses on marriage and household conflicts. Neither of the main characters are innocent, which may appeal to anyone who wants to read about a crime that happens to a morally corrupt couple.
