Reading is an underrated treasure in society. It gives you the opportunity to escape to another world and become another person, but social media has taken the place of this quiet treat. Often times, the passion for reading either isn't fostered during early education, or isn't focused on enough during high school. Both of these are sad, because there are so many wonderful pieces of literature that many people haven't heard of -- let alone read. Some of my favorite books were read during high school and I constantly re-read them because I pick up on something new during each adventure. Here is a list of books that I will constantly recommend to anybody looking to rediscover a love that is often lost.
1. The Giver
The Giver, by Lois Lowry is a beautiful adventure that takes place in a dystopian community that blocks out senses that are deemed unnecessary (certain feelings, all colors, unpleasant memories, etc). All is well until a young boy receives his job assignment and challenges all that he knows. Jonas, the main character, goes through an identity crisis and questions whether or not he's doing the right thing. You never really know until you try -- right?
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2. The Little Prince
A literal adventure written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry that tells us that we should remember who we are and never lose our youth. The Little Prince was originally written in French, but the English translation is just as mesmerizing. This book reminds us that we should never abandon our sense of adventure, no matter what age we reach.
3. 1984
George Orwell writes about a Dystopian society where the government controls all and watches your every move (sounds similar to another popular dystopian novel, don't you think?). This was written as a prediction of the society in which we now reside -- what are your thoughts? Is big brother always watching or are we all just paranoid?
This is a classic case of "don't judge a book by the movie." I promise you that the book is worlds better than the movie, although Leonardo DiCaprio is a very convincing Jay Gatsby. F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote a beautifully tragic story about love, success, and the absence of real meaning -- which helps readers find theirs.
5. Catcher in the Rye
Banned books should be read and this is a prime example of why. J.D. Salinger creates Holden Caulfield, a teenage boy that harnesses all of the angst and alienation that many of us felt when we were around the same age. Holden goes on adventures, saying and doing things that readers would only imagine doing in their wildest dreams. Though this book was banned for Communist undertones, the book holds so much more meaning. It holds self discovery and acceptance, which is why it will always be such an important read.
There are so many great books that many haven't heard about -- or if they have heard of them, they haven't their pages. Most of these books are classics and some of them are incorporated into high school curriculum, but in order to be properly processed and appreciated, find your favorite blanket, a good cup of tea or coffee, and a comfortable place to sit so that you can get ready for the ride of your life.
