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.
