Ever since I was a child, reading has been one of my greatest passions. I read everywhere: in the car, in bed, on the couch. However, in the 21st century, Netflix and television have caused the reading to disappear. Here are some reading recommendations for you, so that you can help reading habits come back!
The first book I want to suggest is titled Divergent, it’s a science fiction novel, written by Veronica Roth, and it’s my favorite book. Divergent is set in the future, in a dystopian version of Chicago that has been divided into five factions: Abnegation, Candor, Amity, Dauntless, and Erudite. The protagonist and narrator is a sixteen-year-old girl from Abnegation named Beatrice “Tris” Prior. Throughout the story, Beatrice changes faction learns to be brave and rises against a tyrannical government, the head of which is the antagonist, named Jeanine. The reason why you should read this book is that it has multiple messages, such as bravery, selflessness, honesty, kindness, love, determination. It is centered around the protagonist’s determination to prove herself and to fight for her rights. It also teaches you many life lessons, such as not giving up, believing in love, and being who you truly want to be. I strongly recommend it!
However, sci-fi might not be a genre you enjoy. That is why the second book I want to propose is The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald: it’s a realistic fiction novel, and it’s a classic of all time (surely you’ve heard of it!). The book is set in New York, in the 1920s. It tells the tragic story of Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, and his pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, a wealthy young woman whom he loved in his youth. The reason why you should read it is that this is not just a love story. It’s a novel that revolves around betrayal, mistakes, truth, legacies, friendships. It’s about a man with a tragic background and an inexplicable thirst for love.
If you don’t like novels based on the past, wait for a second! I have another recommendation, which is much more contemporary: the book Sway, by Kat Spears. This is a realistic fiction novel, and it is about an amazing love story, based in the 21st century. Jesse, nicknamed “Sway”, is a senior in High School and specializes in getting things people want - term papers, a date with the prom queen, fake IDs. He never lets emotions get in the way. However, this changes once he is hired by Ken Foster (captain of the football team, leading candidate for homecoming king) to help him win the heart of the beautiful Bridget Smalley. Jesse is confronted with change, and a love for this girl once he gets to know her. This book talks about love, but most of all, of maturity. Jesse changes because of this girl. He becomes a better man: he learns to love, to enjoy life. This book is about how easy it is to fall in love, how hard it is to walk away.
Another book, which I think you, dear reader, could enjoy immensely, is Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen. It is one of my favorite books of all time, and the genre is realistic fiction/historical fiction. Pride and Prejudice are set in rural England in the early 19th century, and it follows the Bennet family, which includes five very different sisters. Mrs. Bennet is anxious to see all her daughters married, especially as the modest family estate is to be inherited by William Collins when Mr. Bennet dies. At a ball, the wealthy and newly arrived Charles Bingley takes an immediate interest in the eldest Bennet daughter, the beautiful and shy Jane. The encounter between his friend Darcy and Elizabeth is less cordial. The novel centers on the turbulent relationship between Elizabeth Bennet, the daughter of a country gentleman, and Fitzwilliam Darcy, a rich aristocratic landowner. This book provides insight into how life was like in the 19th century, and how hard it was for women to lead a life they truly wanted. This book talks about love, but also the difficulties that come with it. As suggested by the title, it also talks about pride and prejudice, two sentiments that strongly clash with each other.
Maybe, just maybe, you don’t like realistic fiction or historical or romance novels at all. Maybe you’re looking for a good mystery to solve. Don’t worry! I have what suits you just fine: Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie. Her detective novel featuring Hercule Poirot is set primarily in Egypt on a boat going down the Nile. Several murders are committed and Poirot, the well-known Belgian detective, is called upon to solve them. The mysteries revolve around the famous Linnet Ridgeway, her husband, Simon Doyle, and her best friend, Jacqueline de Bellefort. This is one of the best mystery novels I have ever read. Agatha Christie is a genius, all her novels are intriguing and amazing to read. It talks about love, betrayal, the determination to hold on to love. It talks about logical thinking, the ability to procure an answer and to organise thoughts inside your head. Give it a try!
Have fun reading!
Stella Chiappetta
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