Books

Ever since I graduated high school in 2016, I’ve always set myself the goal of reading more books. Every year at the stroke of midnight on January 1st, read more is written in thick, bold black letters as one of my top ten goals for the new year. It’s usually nestled somewhere between spend less money and exercise more; two other goals I’m always trying to achieve. As someone who spent her pre-COVID days in libraries and bookstores for hours on end regularly, you’d think that I would have read hundreds of books between now and then

The Duchess of Cornwall released two recommended reading lists during the pandemic which were well-received by the public. Following the success of these recommendations, she has now launched a new literary project: “The Duchess of Cornwall’s Reading Room.”

Self- help books have grown immensely in popularity in recent years, but how helpful are they really? Critics of the genre have noted that the self-help industry capitalizes on you feeling shameful about your life and gives the ideas that one must constantly be looking inward and trying to optimize every aspect of their being.

While some may argue that Tuck Everlasting promotes witchcraft and goes against certain religious beliefs, it is still a timeless piece about the meaning of independence and love. Taking place in the 1880s, Natalie Babbitt beautifully depicts the story of Winnie Foster. As she escapes the reality of her controlling mother, she stumbles upon Jesse Tuck and his loving family.

In the past few years, a genre of poetry called “instapoetry” has become more and more popular among readers, with Rupi Kaur as the frontrunner for instapoetry authors. Instapoetry is named for its main purpose, which is to be shared on social media. It is mainly shared on Instagram, but also on other platforms like Tumblr and Twitter.

During the coronavirus pandemic, local businesses have suffered. Indie bookstores have also experienced this hard hit. However, with the holiday season approaching, there are a few things we can do to help.

Emma Chamberlain, a popular social media influencer who first gained popularity through her YouTube channel, has recently released a new planner. On the front of the planner you will find the unique title: Emma Chamberlain: The Ideal Planner.

Rupi Kaur, the author of Milk and Honey and The Sun and her Flowers, is undeniably one of the greatest young poets of our time. The vulnerability and the raw emotions displayed in her writing are courageous and relatable to many readers.

As was mentioned in a previous article by Helen Trieu on Sylvia Plath’s book, The Bell Jar, Plath is an incredible writer. It is amazing that her heartbreaking yet beautiful poetry is still around to captivate readers across the world today.

Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy tells the inspiring story of her aunt, Syvia Perlmutter. This beautifully crafted book is written in free verse and depicts the horrors of the Holocaust through the eyes of a young girl. The child-like diction shows Syvia’s innocence and adds to the tragedy of the story.

If I Stay, written by Gayle Forman, is a tear-jerking novel that has captured the hearts of thousands of readers. With a mix of tragedy, romance, and humor, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This book is part of a two-part series where readers follow the many twists and turns of this tragic romance.

The Monk Manual is so much more than just a planner. It is supposed to be a way for you to “live a more full life.” It focuses on the most important aspects of your life, whether that means prioritizing certain tasks or recognizing what you are most thankful for.