If I’m not with my friends or in class, chances are I am in the library or my room reading. As an English major and an avid reader, I don’t go anywhere without a book in hand. Last year, I read over forty books, and I plan to read fifty this year. Here are my suggestions.
1. “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn
As the idea of feminine rage becomes more and more popular across social media, this book becomes more and more relevant. It follows Nick and Amy Dunne’s tumultuous and tense marriage and then Amy’s sudden and tragic disappearance on their fifth wedding anniversary. All signs point to Nick Dunne, but he denies the allegations, even as the police make him the main suspect. So, what happened to Amy Dunne?
This book is full of twists and will keep you on your toes every time you turn the page. The movie is an excellent adaptation and perfect to watch when you finish the book.
2. “A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams
To be fair, I did only read this to pass my Advanced Placement Literature class, but it was a great read regardless. The play follows the main character, Blanche DuBois’ descent into madness. She is tormented by her brother-in-law, Stanley Kowalski, during a visit to her sister’s house. His animalistic behavior and treatment of women are portrayed, and how it affects Blanche is truly fascinating.
This play is short but interesting. The themes of the play come alive between scenes and the symbolism makes for an incredibly colorful read.
3. “It’s Always the Husband” by Michele Campbell
I picked this book up off a clearance shelf at Target and am incredibly happy I did. This murder mystery follows three college friends and what, or who pushed one of them to suicide. The novel switches from narration during their college years, early adult life and now. The tense relationships the women have with each other and their husbands make for a very juicy read.
4. “Female Chauvinist Pigs” by Ariel Levy
I don’t read a lot of feminist literature, and this book is why. Ariel Levy preaches to every modern feminist. She criticizes America’s normalization of “raunch culture,” which she says pushes women to objectify themselves, objectify each other, and allow themselves to be objectified.
This book is incredibly political and controversial, but Levy provides a knowledgeable take on modern pop culture and how women have been treated over time.
5. “The Things They Carried” By Tim O’Brien
I think about this book at least once a day. Tim O’Brien recounts his intense experiences in the Vietnam War through a collection of individual heartbreaking memories. He discusses the friends he made and lost and living with the war trauma at home. His best chapters feature a conversation with his young daughter and describe how he dedicates his life to his family while also dealing with his own PTSD.
Happy Reading!