School has introduced me to countless books I would have never picked up on my own, and honestly, most of them felt like a chore. But every once in a while, a professor assigned a book that surprised me.
Jesus and John Wayne by kristin kobes du mez
I was actually assigned this book for a class I am taking this semester, Religion and Politics, so I am still in the process of reading it. While I thought the book would be interesting, I didn’t expect myself to become so invested in it. The book focuses on the intersection between evangelicalism, politics, culture, and masculinity. I was genuinely surprised by how many different ideas the book connects, showing how they influence each other and how they have shaped politics and voting habits. The book is extremely topical, and while I wouldn’t have picked it up on my own, I’m glad it ended up on my syllabus.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Although many of us grow up knowing the basic story of Frankenstein, the book is very different. What surprised me most were the themes that the book explores. Loneliness, ambition, and the human condition are central themes that add to a far more complicated story than a scientist making a monster. This book also made me realize that classics can, and should be, enjoyable and relatable. Although it was written 200 years ago, many of its questions still feel relevant.
The Design of everyday Things by Don Norman
This book is different from the other two because it isn’t a novel. Instead, it focuses on how people interact with objects around them. Although this doesn’t sound interesting, the more I read, the more I looked at the design of simple objects I use daily. This was an extremely helpful and unique experience in my user interface design course.
While I usually perceive a book on a syllabus as another thing to add to my never-ending to-do list, making this list reminded me that sometimes assigned reading can be as enjoyable as it is educational.