2022 has already proved to be a bigger shitshow than 2021 but in times of crisis, the one thing that can always provide us with an escape or perhaps even some lessons to cope with the world and not make the same mistakes again are books. So, here are a few books that you’d like to add to your summer reading list.
The white album by Joan didion
Published in 1979, the White Album contains Joan Didion’s most famous and often misunderstood line ‘ We tell stories in order to live.’ Didion examines and dissects the prominent figures and trends of the late 60s and early 70s including Charles Manson, the Black Panthers and the shopping mall with her razor-sharp intellect, writing with her signature detached and lucid prose.
SLOWS DAYS, FAST COMPANY BY EVE BABITZ
The 1960s-70s L.A., told through the eyes of former ‘It’ girl, Eve Babitz. Consider an antithesis to Joan Didion, Babitz, the hedonistic chronicler of L.A., has recently received a resurgence due to the republishing of some of her work and is finally getting the spotlight she deserves.
Chilean Poet by Alejandro Zambra
Chilean poets follows Vincent, an aspiring poet and his relationship with the person he inherits the love of poetry from- his stepfather, who once dated his mother and forms a sort of impromptu family with the mother and the child after a chance encounter with the mother. His love of poetry leads him to discover more about his chosen art form and his stepfather.
Harlem Shadows by Claude Mckay
Harlem Shadows, published in 1922, by Claude Mckay is a collection of poems that examines the plight of Black people in America while encompassing issues such as nationalism, freedom of expression, class, gender and sex. It is considered the harbinger of the Harlem Renaissance.
BUNNY BY MONA AWAD
A twisted and dark version of Heathers. Bunny follows Samantha, a student in a highly selective MFA programme at Warren University. It is a fascinating peek into the twisted terrifying aspects of female friendship.
Radio silence by alice oseman
Radio Silence follows Frances who is very academically oriented and her friendship with Aled, the creator of her favorite podcast. The book engages with themes such as identity, academic pressure and the freedom to choose your own path.