Book Recommendations for Break
One thing I look forward every time a school break rolls around is getting to read lots and lots of books. For me, there's nothing more relaxing then curling up in my bed with my dog, a steaming mug of hot chocolate, and a good book. Whether you're like me and need to catch up on your yearly reading goal (Note: 52 books seemed much more attainable in January), or you just want something to do with all of your free time, here are some books to pick up over break.
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
Last year, when I was scanning my shelves to choose what I wanted to read over break, my eyes fell on this 720 page behemoth. When else would I have time to read such a monstrous novel then a few weeks without any academic obligations? I dived in, and what happened next involved a week of non-stop reading, and lots and lots of tissues.
If you like sad, ugly-cry inducing books, then this is the book for you. I will say, however, that this book features very vivid and painful scenes of abuse, so be cautious when picking this up. I can't accurately depict how much I love this book, so if If you think you can handle the heavy subject material, then you need to read it. Seriously.
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The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz
Junot Diaz's sophomore novel revolves around Oscar--an overweight, sci-fi obsessed, dominican teenager--and his family as they endure a family "curse" that leaves them in prison, in grave danger, and for oscar, an unendurably unromantic and lonely life.
If you want to read something completely enthralling yet devoid of overused literary tropes, pick this up. The combination of Díaz's humorous style and brutal narrative make The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao a triumph in storytelling.
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When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
At the brink of completing his training as a neurosurgeon, Paul Kalanithi learned that he had late stage lung cancer. In the midst of his dramatic shift from doctor to patient, Kalanithi wrote a memoir to tackle his questions on life, death, and leaving the people you love behind.
Though his memoir is short (just over 200 pages), Kalanithi's philosophy and general commentary has stuck with me since completing it. I recommend this to anyone who has a couple of hours to spare.
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Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
Okay, so technically, a large majority of the world has already read and loved Harry Potter. It is, however, worth mentioning that it is completely okay to re-read some of your nostalgic favorites as opposed to reading this year's Pulitzer Prize winner. For me, it's just not the holidays without reading or watching at least one Harry Potter.
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