Reconnecting With Reading

Let’s be real y’all, college looks very different this year. Between the majority of online classes (whether you’re doing classes from home or on campus) and a lack of typical social events,  we have all needed to find new and creative ways to fill our time. We also all need to find ways to decompress and recharge. As someone who reads upwards of forty pages a week for school, I rarely have the time to read for my own personal enjoyment. This summer, I made it my goal to read for fun. And let me tell you, my quality of life has improved drastically. So, if you’re looking for book recommendations, you’ve come to the right place!

If You Want to Feel Nostalgic

Okay people, Harry Potter is a literary masterpiece that defined an entire generation. (And no, you can’t change my mind.) The books are full of detail and pull you into a magical world that you’ll wish you could actually be a part of. (To be honest, I’m still waiting on my Hogwarts letter, but that’s a conversation for a different day.) Everything is so well thought out, and witnessing the character development of all your favorite witches and wizards truly is awesome. Also, there are so many powerful and prevalent quotes that can be taken and applied to our present day lives. I think we can all agree that Dumbledore really has a way with words. Even if this will be your second time reading them, I can confirm that you will enjoy it. And, yes, I know they’re long. And, yes, I know there are movies too. And if you don’t like the books, I promise not to take it personally. 

If You’re Into Fantasy

I remember when I was in fourth grade, we had a book club at school that meant once a week. One of the books we read that school year was The Lightning Thief, which is a part of the five part series Percy Jackson and the Olympians. However, for some reason, I never completed the series when I was in grade school. Fast forward to this past summer of quarantine, and my sister and I were unpacking boxes of books into our house. Low and behold, we discovered we had the entire series. (It really is hard to imagine a world where I didn’t use my kindle.) And, to say I enjoyed it would be an understatement. 

Rick Riordan combines Greek mythology with present day culture, making it both an educational and exciting series. As a double major in History and Studio Art, I loved learning more about mythology and the mentions of artifacts and sites I have studied in my classes. You’ll fall in love with the characters, and be rooting for them every step of the way as they battle monsters and corrupted demigods alike. I am currently reading the last book of the follow up series Percy Jackson and the Heroes of Olympus, another five book series. This series is when the Greek and Roman demigods meet, making for another tumultuous tale of saving the world. Also, Rick Riordan announced earlier this year that he will be working directly with Disney+ to create a much more accurate spin off series, in comparison to the earlier movies. 

For All of the Hopeless Romantics Out There

For those of you who have been on Netflix in the past year, you probably saw the trailer for To All the Boys I Loved Before, an adaption by the three book series written by Jenny Han. The movies star Lana Condor and Noah Centineo, and I would say they do a pretty good job. The premise of the story is this: Lara Jean and Peter start “fake dating” in order to make Peter’s ex girlfriend jealous and create the ultimate high school love triangle. And like any Young Adult book, things don’t go necessarily as planned. This is a light and heartwarming read, and I can guarantee the happy ending will make you smile. 

If You Want to Cry, Laugh, and Reevaluate Your Life

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Steven Chbosky is truly a timeless book. It is a coming of age story that follows a high school freshman as he navigates his life in the Pittsburgh suburbs. This book will make you laugh, cry, and rethink how you view yourself and interact with others. There are many famous quotes, especially this one, “We accept the love we think we deserve.” Chbosky is completely correct, the way we view ourselves plays a deeper role in how we treat others and how others treat us. Once you love yourself fully and unapologetically, the love of other people will follow. There is also a movie adaptation with Emma Watson that came out in 2012. (I haven’t watched the movie so I can’t speak to its credibility; however, I’ve only heard good things.) 

For All My Fellow Literary Friends

My last recommendation is Harper Lee’s Go Set a Watchman, published posthumously in 2015. This was the initial precursor to To Kill a Mockingbird, a literary staple exploring both racism, social inequality, the power of literacy, and innocence. (To name a few key ideas.) Although you probably read To Kill a Mockingbird in high school, Go Set a Watchman is very controversial and worth the read, especially the difference in key characters in the later book. Although many readers feel this book lacks the mastery displayed in To Kill a Mockingbird, it serves as an historical document and grants a unique storyline. 

Hopefully, after reading my Goodreads style book reviews, you might consider delving into something other than a textbook. Also, many books can be found as Audiobooks, which are easy to listen to walking across campus or even workouts! Reading can be an escape, and in times like these, that can be exceedingly necessary. 

xoxo,

Mary Lena Taylor 

Rochester Institute of Technology 

 Zeta Tau Alpha

@marylenataylor