Whether you’ve jetted off on a vacation or are enjoying your week of free time at home, Spring Break is happening now. The time away from classes is perfect for doing the things you wish you had the time for in your everyday schedule, like picking up a new book to read. Getting lost in a book is a great way to break up the time spent on an airplane or enjoy a lazy afternoon at the park, and while I love physical books the most, having a digital version on my kindle saves me money and space when I’m on the go. So no matter how you’re enjoying your spring break, here are some recommendations for books that are available in tangible copies and for your Kindle!
Non-Fiction
I am Malala
Authors: Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb
March is Women’s History Month, so there’s no better way to start out this article than to highlight the memoir of the world’s youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Malala Yousafzai wrote for the BBC while attending school in her home country of Pakistan, where she was eventually shot in the head by the Taliban for her advocacy of women’s rights. She survived and continues to advocate for education and women’s rights. Malala’s story is compelling, insightful, witty, and full of tumultuous ups and downs.
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer
Author: Michelle McNamara
Fans of true crime will want to get their hands on a copy of this book immediately. The Golden State Killer terrorized California from 1976-1986, committing the murder of twelve people and sexually assaulting forty-five. He successfully evaded several police departments as well as the FBI, and was never caught. The author, Michelle McNamara, was a true crime journalist who researched the case extensively in an effort to uncover the identity of the Golden State Killer once and for all. This thriller is sure to keep you on the edge of your seats from start to finish.
Fiction
The Last Days of Café Leila
Author: Donia Bijan
This novel explores the concepts of family, food, and culture as a part of one’s identity. The story follows the life of Noor and her daughter Lily, who travel from San Francisco to Tehran, Iran to visit their family. By returning to Tehran and the restaurant that her family has owned for generations, Noor begins to question and explore her personal identity. This novel is full of vibrant imagery and explores the complexity of character. If you aren’t traveling somewhere, this book will certainly make you feel like you are.
Girls Burn Brighter
Author: Shobha Rao
Set against the backdrop of a bustling Indian village, Girls Burn Brighter explores the lives of two girls, Poornima and Savitha, who make life in their village a little more exciting. Both yearn for a life outside of the strict societal rules regarding marriage and woman’s place. After being separated by a tragedy, Poornima is compelled to leave home and travel wherever it takes to reunite with Savitha. While this novel contains heartbreaking and nearly unbearable struggles, the theme that persists is the undying tenacity within Poornima and Savitha.
Seen on the Silver Screen
The Handmaids Tale
Author: Margaret Atwood
The Golden Globe winning TV series was based on this bestselling novel by Margaret Atwood. Set in the dystopian future where much of the world has become infertile and environmental disasters have riddled the earth, The Handmaid’s Tale tells the story of the remaining fertile women known as handmaids. Offred, the heroine, continues to figure out the rules of this new world and find a way to escape life as a handmaiden and reunite with her daughter, who was taken from her when Offred was forced to join the handmaidens. Offred’s wit, determination, and persistence in the face of the darkest of situations make for an engaging read that showcases the importance autonomy.
Call Me By Your Name
Author: Andre Aciman
There’s no better place to fall in love than in Italy, which is exactly what happens in this novel. Call Me By Your Name takes each reader along for the ride of a budding romance between teenage boy and his family’s guest at their Italian summer house. The author unabashedly captures the feelings of tension, passion, and true human connection. The simple innocence of love against the setting of the Italian Riviera will leave you sighing and daydreaming for weeks to come.
No matter how you decide to spend your free time, cracking open a new book to read is always a good idea. Try these recommendations out if you’re looking to add some value to your spring break experience, I promise that you won’t be disappointed.