New year, new books; at least that’s how it goes for me! For many people, the new year brings along a boost of motivation to try out new things or rekindle old hobbies. If reading is something you’ve wanted to get into, or if you wish to get back to it, here I bring you a list of book recommendations that will hopefully make you fall in love with this pastime!
[I added the link to Goodreads for each of the books but be warned: sometimes the reviews contain spoilers!]
“The Song of Achilles” by madeline miller
This book is one of the most beautifully written works I’ve ever read. It’s a retelling of ‘The Iliad’ by Homer, told through the eyes of Patroclus, the supposed lover and companion of the Greek hero Achilles. The book takes you through their lives, how they met, and the Trojan War. This book is compelling and the way it is told is honestly amazing. If you enjoy Greek mythology, the classics, or simply want a book that will stay with you forever, I recommend this one.
“Días sin ti” by Elvira Sastre
“This novel by the talented Spanish writer Elvira Sastre follows two love stories that get interrupted; one by life and the other by death. Dora, a teacher in times of the Republic, shares with her grandson, Gael, the story that has led her to be who she is. While she confesses her emotions and the different struggles she had to face, he finds himself falling in love and traveling through those paths that everyone, at some point, has to go through to understand that both life and love are sublime precisely because they have an end.
This novel will definitely teach you the importance of love in its many forms.”
-recommend by Ninoskha Ramos, chapter member.
“Mooncakes” by Suzanne Walker
“This graphic novel is just 256 pages of pure, wholesome, adorable content. It has an nonbinary character, a disabled main character, werewolves, and witches. Is there anything more you could want? If you’re looking for an enjoyable short read, go for it!”
-recommended by Julie, chapter member.
“Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo
This book was a very pleasant surprise for me! This fantasy book takes you along with a crew of thieves and criminals [the crows] that take on a seemingly impossible mission. It’s full of shocking twists and revelations, the world building is great, and it was such an enjoyable read. It is a bit long, but it honestly never felt like a hassle to read, which some books are guilty of.
- This book is part of a duology, the sequel being “Crooked Kingdom”. I read them back to back and I can definitely say the sequel is just as good! If you’re looking for an immersive fantasy tale, you definitely have to give them a try!
“I’ll Give You the Sun” by Jandy Nelson
I read this book for the first time when I was in the middle of finals and I finished it in only two days. It is a lovely coming-of-age story with teenage twins Noah and Jude as the main characters, and it’s full of beautiful and heartbreaking moments. With a healthy dose of cheesy bits (lets be real, who wasn’t cheesy at 16?) this book is one that I think many teens could relate to, or perhaps it may bring some memories of your younger self if reading as a college student. It’s sweet, artsy, and I recommend it!
Now, I know that picking books up can be intimidating, especially if you’re new to reading. So just remember: there’s no deadline! You can also start with short tales, poems, illustrated books, etc. You can give yourself small goals like reading one chapter a day. The point is for you to enjoy the experience, and hopefully fall in love with some books and characters!
Happy reading!