Last year, I had a moment of loneliness that left room for introspection and reflection into who I was, what I wanted, and what the future could look like. During this time, I often remembered a quote from one of my favorite books: “That which we manifest is before us; we are the creators of our own destiny.” I wasn’t surprised when I realized I had turned to literature to cure my blues; it was a source of comfort in understanding the world and myself. So I continued spending the long days of summer reading books about friends, relationships, and the different experiences women have had. As we all struggle to navigate our 20s, let the books from the different genres below be a source of guidance (or escape) and remind us that we are all doing our very best:
- My Year of Rest and Relaxation – Otessa Moshfegh
Moshfegh’s novel has become an existential read on feminine rage, death, and identity. The story follows an unnamed protagonist as she decides to sleep for one year to reset her life, never having to worry about working because of the wealth she’s inherited from her dead parents. The novel’s most tender moment comes at the end, when the protagonist is watching the news and witnesses the events of 9/11.
- Heartburn – Nora Ephron
In this semi-fictional novel, Ephron tells the story of Rachel Samstat and the events that transpire after finding out that her husband, Mark Feldman, is having an affair with Thelma Rice, an acquaintance of the couple. Through anecdotes of her children, marriage, and therapy, Ephron weaves in recipes that, while do not detract from the serious tone of the novel, still provide light-hearted relief in suggesting that life moves on in the most mundane ways despite of what it throws at you.
- Her Body and Other Stories – Carmen Maria Machado
There’s so much that can be said about Machado’s short story collection, but it won’t do justice to its actual reading experience. Through eight different stories, Machado explores the nuances of being a woman, from queer identity and feminine desire to the objectification of women on TV. While these stories are often twisted and hard to read, they provide a raw reflection of what women go through, sometimes even daily.
- Conversations with Friends – Sally Rooney
In her debut novel, Rooney tells the story of Frances and Bobbi, a pair of ex-lovers who’ve remained friends and go to college together. After meeting a famous photographer and her gorgeous husband, the story centers on Frances as she starts an affair, bringing chaos to both her life and Bobbi’s. The novel was adapted into a show and became a huge success following Rooney’s other book-turned-series, Normal People.
- How The Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents – Julia Alvarez
Inspired by her own life, Alvarez’s novel is a coming-of-age story that centers around four sisters and their experiences growing up in 1980s New York. Told through each of their perspectives, the novel is made up of three parts in reverse chronological order, beginning with the different lives the sisters lead and ending with anecdotes from their childhood. While the structure may sound confusing, you shouldn’t let it deter you from reading an amazing story that uses memory to explore the power of sisterhood, as well as the changes that come with moving to a new country.