4 Books To Read In 2016
Start writing a post
Entertainment

4 Books To Read In 2016

8
4 Books To Read In 2016
bookporn.tumblr.com

If you’re struggling to determine your New Years’ resolution this year, consider committing to read more in 2016. New Years’ resolutions are all about improvement, and an excellent way to improve yourself is to broaden your knowledge through books. Below are four books that you should consider reading this new year.

1. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view –until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

You probably read this in high school. If so, consider reading it again. Published in 1960, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel opens on the Finch family who live in the small, Southern town of Maycomb, Alabama. As the story progresses, issues such as racism, pride, and prejudice are addressed, and, most importantly, the value of people is emphasized.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” takes place during a time when racial issues abounded, and the lessons it teaches are still relevant in today’s world. By reading or even re-reading this time-standing novel, individuals will become acquainted with its cultural significance and perhaps be reminded of the wisdom found within its charming pages.

2. "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman

"True love is the best thing in the world, except for cough drops."

"The Princess Bride" is a well-known and classic American movie. However, before it was a movie, it was a 1973 novel written by William Goldman. The novel is nearly identical to the movie. Never fear, movie watchers: Inigo Montoya is still out for revenge against the six-fingered man, and Buttercup and Westley are still hopelessly in love with one another.

Goldman’s novel gives readers a wealth of background that is not included in the movie. He weaves a written world full of action, and every character becomes inherently real to readers. This is a must-read for anyone who loves the film or who is looking for an exciting and entertaining read.

3. "North and South" by Elizabeth Gaskell

"I wish I could tell you how lonely I am. How cold and harsh it is here. Everywhere there is conflict and unkindness. I think God has forsaken this place. I believe I have seen hell and it’s white, it’s snow-white.”

Elizabeth Gaskell lived and wrote during the Victorian Era, and she remains one of the most talented and influential women authors of her time. “North and South,” written in 1854, centers on the hardships that the working class of Britain went through in the 1800s.

A love story between Margaret Hale and John Thornton, the novel's main protagonists, arises as the novel progresses. This should not deter individuals from reading "North and South." There is plenty of historical significance and conflict in the novel to keep everyone interested no matter if they enjoy romance or not.

4. "The Scarlet Pimpernel" by Emmuska Orczy

"The seek him here, they seek him there
Those Frenchies seek him everywhere
Is he in heaven or is he in hell?
That damned elusive Pimpernel!"

"The Scarlet Pimpernel" is set during the French Revolution, a time of true terror not only for France but for much of Europe as well. Baroness Emmuska Orczy wrote “The Scarlet Pimpernel” more than a century after France’s revolution, but the novel describes the terror and the desperation of the French people with a captivating air. The Scarlet Pimpernel himself is a savior to France, and the novel details his attempts to save those condemned from a terrible death. It also follows his relationship with his wife Marguerite as it develops and as she becomes closely involved in her husband’s work.

“The Scarlet Pimpernel” is not only an action-packed adventure but also a novel that is full of historical and cultural significance. The history buff and anyone who is looking to broaden their knowledge would most certainly enjoy this book.


Not everyone enjoys reading and that's okay. The important thing is to continue to actively seek out new information and knowledge in an effort to learn. Reading is one way to continue learning, and to read more in 2016 is an excellent resolution.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

46396
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

29412
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

953706
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

163049
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments