The end of the year is finally right around the corner, which means that, sadly, most of us will soon leave Ithaca for the summer. Without tests, quizzes and a steady stream of work to take up all aspects of life, what better time to pick up a book and read something for fun? Whether your summer plans include relaxing by the pool, commuting to an internship or traveling the world, you will not regret bringing one of these six amazing reads along:
1. Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld
Prep follows Lee Fiora as she leaves her family in Indiana to attend a prestigious private boarding school. Throughout her four years, Lee learns to navigate this new world, overcoming the difficulties of being a “scholarship kid” and often playing the observer of her better-off peers. Sittenfeld captures what it means to come of age, dissecting the angst, ambition and self-awareness accompanying this growth through Lee’s four years of high school.
2. Citizen by Claudia Rankine
If you’re looking for a more meaningful read, Rankine’s book will not disappoint. Citizen explores some of the most pertinent issues facing the United States right now regarding race, violence, and citizenship. A mix of photography, narration, and poetry, Rankine brings the reader into the mind of the disenfranchised and shows the true essence of what it means to be a citizen in the United States.
3. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime by Mark Haddon
This story follows Christopher John Francis Boone, a young boy who often has difficulty relating to humans due to his struggle with autism. However, Christopher develops strong connections with animals, as he is able to relate to them in a way that he cannot with humans. Haddon’s book is both captivating and fun, as it follows Christopher’s quest to investigate the suspicious death of a neighborhood dog. A fun read for the beach, this an unusual and quirky story.
4. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Satrapi’s novel is a memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, as the Shah’s regime was overthrown, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution, and the devastating war. This book is a wise, funny, and intellectual read – all told in the form of a black and white comic. Through the eyes of the innocent Marjane the reader sees the harmful impacts of daily life in Iran. Persepolis is a story of growing up, and a poignant tale on the harmful cost of war and political repression.
5. What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty
In this thrilling tale, the main character, Alice, must piece her life together, as she wakes up mysteriously in a hospital. She realizes that she is now 39, getting a divorce, and that her sister will not talk to her. As she pieces her life back together Alice must decide if this new life is truly what she wants.
6. Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda
Secret Daughter is a compelling tale that explores the themes of loss, motherhood and identity. The story is told through the lives of two different women, one American and one Indian. The stories of these two women intersect and intertwine, as the reader truly understands the difficulty of adoption, and what it means to be a mother.
So no matter what your summer plans entail, bring one of these six books along and you will not be bored. Each of these six novels are all wonderful reads for the upcoming summer – a great way to relax and unwind, as well as expand your knowledge.
