As a child, I spent all of my free time at my local public library, walking up and down the aisles in search of a new story. My mother had to create a limit on the total number of books that I was allowed to get a week; otherwise, I would have more books than I knew what to do with. Although my love of literature never left me, I now spend more time on TikTok than any human in history probably should.
One of my 2020 New Year’s Resolutions was to read 100 new books by the end of the year. Unfortunately, I am pretty far behind on my goal, only having read about two or three. During the rest of this online semester, I challenge you to put down your phone and pick up a new novel. Here are a few of my suggestions on what you could be reading.
1. Becoming by Michelle Obama
If you plan on reading this autobiography, I definitely suggest listening to the audiobook as well. I definitely understand why Michelle Obama won a Grammy for her work; her strong and comforting voice clearly explain the intimate details of her childhood and adult life. She openly shares her misfortunes with her audience, including her struggles with pregnancy, hardships of having a loved one struggle with multiple sclerosis, and hatred that she received while living in the White House. I highly recommend this novel for anyone who wants to feel a glimmer of encouragement during these tough times.
2. The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
The four Penderwick girls were crucial for my development into a young woman, as they were the first series that I fully read with my mother. Our character analyses over a breakfast of Cheerios are some of the most treasured memories of my youth. The novel tells the story of four sisters who spend the summer at Arundel Cottage, where they explore their new home and befriend a young boy. As they discover the perils of unrequited love, eat exponential amounts of gingerbread, and escape from an annoyed bull, they learn about what makes them individually special.
3. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
If you’re feeling annoyed about not being able to travel over these next few months, allow this book to transport you to Orïsha, a kingdom that functions on the caste system. Those with magic, who were blessed by the gods with pure white hair, are feared and treated with the utmost disrespect. Those without magic are treated as normal human beings and are put in positions of power. Although I have only read the first few chapters of this novel, I definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to be fully immersed in a world of mischief and magic.
4. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
If you haven’t read this book by now, you need to give it a try! Although I have read this novel approximately 40 times since I was eight years old, I still plan on If you haven’t read this book by now, you need to give it a try! Although I have read this novel approximately 40 times since I was eight years old, I still plan on re-reading it over the next few weeks. This novel tells the story of four young women who have to manage school, careers, and their love lives while dealing with the stresses caused by the presence of the Civil War. Also, go watch Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of Little Women, which beautifully encapsulates the heart of the novel.
5. The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
As it is Women’s History Month, I feel that you all need to read this series for the chance to experience Hermione’s brilliance and impeccable one-liners. She is truly the reason why I fell in love with these novels; seeing a young girl who loved reading and learning as much as I did meant a lot to me when I was a child. I recommend reading these books while cuddled up in warm blankets with a cup of tea or coffee in your hand. I also feel the need to let you all know that I am a proud Hufflepuff.
These five books are only a small fraction of the literature that I hold so close to my heart. If you have the time, give them a read! I’d love to know what you all think. Stay safe everyone! Please practice social distancing and wash your hands!
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