Let's be honest, after being quarantined for over a month, the Netflix show ideas are running dry. I don't know about you guys, but when it comes to reading for school I will do just about anything to get out of it. Sparknotes? Yes. Chegg? Yes. However, I always find that when I can choose the book I read, and do it on my own time, it can actually be quite enjoyable. So, make a cup
of coffee and cozy up in a chair outdoors with one
of the books below!
Book #1-In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
The first time I read this novel was in AP Language in high school, but it has continued to be my personal favorite. In Cold Blood is based on the true story of the 1959 murder of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas. The book is presented with three narratives, including the lives of the victims, the members of the rural community of Holcomb, and the murderers. Capote personally spent time with the murderers, interviewing them throughout the process of their trial. The book can be dark at points, which is understandable since it is based on a murder, but it will keep you wanting more. You will not be able to put this book down!
Book #2-When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
This is an autobiographical book written by Dr. Paul Kalanithi, who was an American Neurosurgeon who unfortunately lost his life at age 37 to stage IV metastatic lung cancer. The novel explores Dr. Kalanithi's life, and the difficulties he faced when his role changed from doctor to patient. He questions the purpose of life, God, and what makes a human life well-spent. Discussing both the past and present, Dr.Kalanithi creates a novel that is relatable for all individuals, regardless of if they are in the medical field. One of my favorite quotes from his autobiography is, "“There is a moment, a cusp, when the sum of gathered experience is worn down by the details of living. We are never so wise as when we live in this moment.”
Book #3-It’s Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
It's Kind of a Funny Story, written by Ned Vizzini, is actually a presentation of his life experiences battling with depression. The story takes place in New York City, where a 15-year old male decides to check himself into a mental-health clinic for suicidal ideation. Upon checking himself in, he realizes that the youth wing is currently closed, so he must remain his five-day stay in the adult wing. The story focuses on healing, acceptance, and the influence of peer pressure. Although Vizzini admits not all details in the novel are true, the overall plot was what he went through in his personal life.
Book #4-The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye is a classic novel that most people have read in high school, although it has been banned from some schools and countries. The novel takes place in New York City where Holden Caulfield was recently expelled from his school. The Catcher in the Rye focuses on the themes of innocence, mortality, and deceit. Reading this novel in the present day has allowed me to pick up on themes and details that I did not remember the first time I read through it. The novel is widely praised and may be in the top ten most famous novels to be written. So if you have not read this novel in a while, I recommend purchasing it!
Book #5-Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice is another classic novel, written about 150 years prior to Catch in the Rye. Jane Austen wrote this novel when she was only twenty-one years old! Makes you feel like you could be doing more, right? At least that is how it makes me feel! The novel contains romance, the difficulties of society and class, and the effects of wealth. Most importantly, however, it presents the early representation of feminism and women-empowerment, which was way ahead of its time. If you have not read this novel yet, you need to order it now! It is a classic novel that every one should read at some point in their life.
Book #6-Next Level Basic by Stassi Shroeder
For all you Bravo lovers out there, if you have not read this book, you need to...like NOW! Stassi Shroeder is the definition of a basic b*tch. Not only will Stassic make you laugh out loud, she will keep you truly entertained throughout. Don't panic if you have seen every episode of Vanderpump Rules, she dives deeper than any episode you have seen. Here is a quick snippet that is guaranteed to pull you in...."First let me say, despite what you might think if you’ve seen me on Vanderpump Rules—I am not an authority on life what-so-fucking-ever. But I am a premiere authority on being basic AF. I’m opinionated and judgy (which is one of my main skills, and if they gave out Academy Awards for judginess I would definitely need a trophy room), so I have some pretty strong opinions about what’s important in life: ranch dressing, ghost tours, cocktails, hangover patches, hot dogs, actual dogs, the perfect pair of Loubs, Game of Thrones, and Ouija boards, to name a few things."
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