by Claire Biggerstaff
Last semester, I made it a goal to read one book a month. At first, it was hard to reach for a book instead of Netflix, but now it is my favorite part of the day! Getting lost in a good book is one of the best ways to relax after a stressful day. A book requires your full attention, so there is no scrolling through Instagram and comparing your life to others or thinking about your schoolwork. Reading is a complete escape from your world into another. If you want to de-stress with a good book, these are five of my favorites that I read last semester.
- Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
If you like the Great Gatsby, you will love this book. The story follows Katey, a 20 somethings woman navigating her career, friendships, and love life in New York City. The story begins on New Year’s Eve where Katey and her friend, Eve, meet Tinker Grey. This chance encounter will change the course of Katey’s year in unexpected ways. This story has the glitz of the 1920s, romance, and drama without being predictable. There are surprises around every NYC street corner in this story!
- The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
This Pulitzer Prize winner follows the life of Theo Decker. After a tragic accident, Theo is left without his mother and with a big secret. Although this story can be quite sad at times, there is hope in the characters that support Theo along the way and the art that speaks to him.
- Victoria by Daisy Goodwin
Victoria is an inspirational historical protagonist. She takes on her role as queen with bravery, and refuses to let anyone tell her how she should run her country. With a love triangle, costume parties in the palace, and horseback rides along majestic British estates, this book is fun and educational. As you follow Victoria’s inspirational story, you learn more about history along the way. Best part about this read? When you are done you can watch the television adaption!
- Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis
Kisses from Katie is a memoir by Katie Davis, who opted out of college at 18 and decided to go to Uganda to teach Kindergarten instead. Now, 10 years later, she has 14 children and Uganda is her permanent home. The journey of how she got to where she is today is an inspiring story of trusting God with complete abandon.
- Where’d You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple
Honestly, there is no way to explain this story without ruining the fun. All I will tell you is that the story unfolds in a series of receipts, emails, and recollections that all lead up to solving a mystery in a hilarious and quirky way.