My to-read list is miles long. I’m a reader, and as a reader I like to share my literary findings with anyone who will listen. To continue a series started last year at Her Campus Kenyon, here are some book recommendations from my bookshelf to yours!
1. The Mad Masquerade – Kenyon Gambier
Yes, you read that author name correctly. This novel was written by a man named Lorin Andrew Arthrop, the grandson of Kenyon’s former president Lorin Andrews. Arthop (who holds an honorary Doctor of Letters from Kenyon, received in 1925) wrote under several pen-names. This particular novel follows the complex adventures of several young people in France. With a Parisian setting, the hero of the story is one Stanton Drew of Mt. Vernon. At one point in the book, the following occurs: “‘I was at Kenyon College in Ohio,’ his lordship explained, ‘and they’re pretty good Americans there and I suppose I got tagged… it’s a college tucked in among the most beautiful trees in the world and the place gets to you.'” I feel like this novel is a hidden gem of Gambier just waiting to be discovered by more Kenyon readers.
2. Winesburg, OH – Sherwood Anderson
Also known as “A Group of Tales of Ohio Small-Town Life,” this book is less of a novel and more of a series of interconnected short stories set in the same rural Ohio town. This struck a chord with me, despite the book being almost a hundred years old. Its portrait style and tales of isolation may not be for everyone, but it was an influential book of the time and carried an over-arching coming-of-age theme, which stands the test of time.
(This book was also a gift from Mr. Fitz to Aria on the every beloved ABC Family show, Pretty Little Liars.)
3. Boy, Snow, Bird – Helen Oyeyemi
Published just this year, this was by far the most recent book I read over the summer. The author juxtaposes three narrative voices, blending interesting plotlines with ideas about identity, especially focusing on gender and race. Based roughly on the tale of Snow White, this book takes interesting turns and displays exquisite language that should not be taken for granted.
4. The Glass House – Daniel Mark Epstein
Although not a novel, this book of poetry from a Kenyon alumnus has been my favorite for a long time. The poems are relatively short and sweet, but they always bring me a sense of ethereal comfort and have inspired me in my own poetry. Keep this book mind the next time you peruse the Kenyon Author’s section of the bookstore!
5. One Day – David Nicholls
This novel messes with form in an interesting way. The story follows two best friends every year on July 15th. At first the concept seemed strange to me, but the delivery is intriguing and effortless. I was hooked by this book’s emotional power and reliability for people of all ages. This was also made into a film starring Anne Hathaway.
6. The Future of Us – Jay Asher and Carolyn Macker
The idea of this Young Adult novel is fairly straightforward. Two teens in the novel somehow stumble upon their future Facebook pages (fifteen years in the future!), and the rest is history. Or is it? Given this power, will the future be manipulated or will it make them realize truths about their present? This book is a thought-provoking YA, but also a really fun read.
Take a break from studying to pick up one of these books, or maybe add reading for fun to your list of relaxing things to do over Thanksgiving break. Either way, happy readings!