Top Summer Reading Picks

With summer nearing and finals (thankfully!) as far from my mind as possible, I take this summer to unleash my inner, mousy haired, ten year old book worm. As much as I love analyzing The Republic of Plato and debating relevant texts in my college readings, I think even the most hardcore English majors feel that the school year doesn’t leave a lot of room for pleasure reading (otherwise known as “reading without the impending fear of a ten page essay”). In honor of the sunshine, sand, and stress-free days to follow, here are a few of my all-time favorite summer reading picks. 

1) The House of The Spirits

The House of the Spirits is arguably Isabel Allende’s magnum opus, and a jewel of magical realism. It narrates the life and events of three generations of the Trueba family, a Chilean family in the midst of the political and social upheaval of the country. The novel centers on the lives of Clara, Blanca, and Alba, (grandmother, mother and granddaughter respectively) whose lives are intertwined with the political ambitions of the men in their lives and the spiritual realm. Clara’s psychic connections, Blanca’s love story and social commentary on poverty and politics are just some of the many elements of the novel that connected me not only with the story, but forced me to reflect on my own notions of family and self-identity. Isabel Allende’s storytelling (though lengthy) leaves you breathless and irrevocably connected to the characters. 

2) And Then There Were None

Perfect for a rainy day, And Then There Were None is Agatha Christie’s timeless murder mystery of ten people who, after being tricked to stay on a deserted island, are killed off one by one. As a mystery novel, the development is more focussed on the plot rather than the characters, yet Christie inserts just enough commentary on crime and morality to get readers invested in the characters. I’ll say no more since I consider spoiling a Christie novel to be a major offense, but the book’s plot twists and narrative will keep you glued to the pages and are proof that Agatha Christie reigns as the “Queen of Crime”. 

3) The Adventures of  Sherlock Holmes

Though I do enjoy Benedict Cumberbatch in Sherlock, nothing really beats the charm and adventure of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic books. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes start where Watson and Sherlock meet and chronicle Sherlock’s work as an amateur crime sleuth. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (which are actually numerous short stories), are a bit of a shock to people who are only familiar with Sherlock Holmes through movies and television shows (spoiler alert, Sherlock actually does NOT say “Elementary, my Dear Watson”) and the format of the short stories are less fast paced and lighter than than portrayed in pop culture. However, Sherlock’s written mysteries are both brilliant and timeless and Watson’s relationship with Holmes is arguably one of the best literary bromances of all time. 

4) Eleanor & Park

I read Eleanor & Park last semester and, while my study habits suffered, it was totally worth it. Eleanor & Park centers on the romance between teenagers Park Sheridan and Eleanor Douglas during the 1980’s in Omaha, Nebraska. If the 80’s music references and nostalgic nods to mix tapes and comic books weren’t good enough, Rainbow Rowell’s novel has a beautiful mix of triumph over tragedy, teen love, and humor. An awesome young adult read that you should definitely pick up for the summer.

5) The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

Junot Diaz’s book The Brief Wonderous life of Oscar Wao tells the story of Oscar, an overweight, nerdy Dominican boy living in New Jersey with a love of Science Fiction and Fantasy that is only rivaled by his love for girls. Oscar believes his bad luck with women (and bad luck in life in general) is due to fuku, an ancient curse that plagues his family due to their defiance of dictator Rafael Trujillo. Alternately narrated by Oscar’s sister Lola and Lola’s boyfriend and Oscar’s roommate at Rutgers, Yunior, the novel’s use of magical realism, slang and humor are both hilarious and heartfelt. The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao is a brilliant example of storytelling and seamlessly weaves themes such as dysfunctional family relationships, identity, and the value of finding love in unexpected places.

6) Saving Francesca

Saving Francesca revolves around Francesca, a high school student attending St. Sebastian Academy, a recently coed school with a handful of girls and possibly the most awkward male students on the planet. When Francesca’s mother, the larger than life and at times resentful figure, develops depression, Francesca is left to contemplate life at St. Sebastian’s, her relationship with her mother, and her struggle to find her identity amidst all the chaos. Melina Marchetta’s writing is realistic, nuanced and contains the right blend of humor and reflection.

So, these are my top summer reading picks. Hope you enjoy the sunshine, grab a book and find the beauty of losing yourself in a novel! 

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