Nothing is more enriching or worthwhile than reading a good book just for the pleasure of it. Being guilty of frequently judging books by their cover, the trouble I ― and I would imagine many others ― most often run into is in the search to find something that seems professional, unique, captivating and thought-provoking. If you find yourself in a similar boat and are in need of some suggestions, look no further. The following is a short list of some of my recommendations:
- “A Thousand Splendid Suns” by Khaled Hosseini.
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This book was a #1 “New York Times” Bestseller, so I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re familiar with it already. If you’re not, however, the story details some of the major events and milestones in relatively recent Afghani history, such as the Soviet invasion and Taliban takeover. Through this lens, it follows the journeys of two women evaluating how their cultures and families shape them and their circumstances, and how sudden tragedies force their paths to converge.
The story is so poignant, beautifully crafted and filled to the brim with vivid language and imagery. Hosseini is such a brilliant and talented author, taking the audience by the hand and showing them the winding roads to Herat and the bustling streets and shops of Kabul. There’s so much warmth, soul, love and friendship and just a touch of romance, which makes this novel such an engaging and enthralling read. There’s a lot of heartbreak too, so I highly recommend keeping a box of tissues nearby.
If you’re sensitive to descriptions of violence, domestic abuse and sexual assault, I advise caution if you choose to read this book.
- “The DaVinci Code” by Dan Brown.
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I’m not sure where Guinivere Beck and Joe Goldberg find the audacity to make fun of Dan Brown novels, but let me assure you, Dan Brown is easily one of the most mesmerizing and enrapturing storytellers of this era. The man teaches a Masterclass, so you know he has to be good.
Although this novel is the second book of the Robert Langdon series, it (much like the rest of the books in the series) can be read independently. This particular story begins after the murder of a renowned curator for the Louvre. Robert Langdon, a symbologist and art history professor at Harvard University, is called by the police to evaluate the cryptic messages left at the crime scene. But as the situation escalates, Langdon finds himself intertwined with the conspiracies of an ancient cult, fending for his life and on the hunt for the so-called “Holy Grail.”
The amazing thing about Dan Brown novels is the incredible amount of history and detail that he offers regarding every city and location he describes throughout the book. I read “The DaVinci Code” last spring just before my trip to Paris, and I found myself searching for all the little nuances he recounted as I traversed the Louvre ― from the black and white checkered floor of the museum to the discreet gestures in DaVinci’s “Madonna of the Rocks.”
- “The Stranger” by Albert Camus.
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For students studying philosophy, I’m sure the name Camus is familiar. For those who aren’t as well-versed in philosophical theorists and thinkers, Albert Camus is most frequently associated with absurdism, a theory that is based on the idea that conflict comes from the search for meaning in an inherently irrational and meaningless universe. For this reason, it states that one should simply embrace what life has to offer.
Understanding the philosophical context makes reading “The Stranger” much more comprehensible and meaningful. The book is quite short, being just over 100 pages, and follows the relatively simple life of Meursault. The plot, however, is not what makes the book interesting, but rather it is the reactions and reasoning of Meursault in everyday interactions, moments of vulnerability and when he is confronted with his own mortality. He represents the epitome of an absurdist, and following his thoughts and rationales encourages you, as the reader, to think deeply about the relationship you have with the people and world around you.
I think that the experience of reading it may be even more enriching if you can follow it with some kind of discussion. Sharing and examining your own analyses with those of others can elevate your understanding, comprehension and overall interpretation of the book as a whole.
- “The Sun and Her Flowers” by Rupi Kaur.
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I often find myself flipping through once or twice every couple of months. Almost everyone has read or at least glimpsed at Rupi Kaur’s writing, whether it was on the explore page on Instagram or while flipping through one of her collections at Barnes & Noble.
What I love most about Rupi Kaur is the sheer power that she can carry in such simplicity. Her writing is clear and easy, and while lacking the nuances and complexities of traditional poetry, its directness makes you feel seen and heard. It recognizes the bigger struggles as well as the more mundane problems in our lives. It’s relaxing, liberating and feels genuinely cathartic to read.
As we reach a point that gives us more liberty to engage in our passions and interests, I hope something on this list sparks your interest. Stay strong, and I wish you the best of luck on all your finals!