Whenever schedules start getting packed, recreational reading is often the first thing that falls off of our to-do lists. And while it’s possible to cram a few chapters in between classes, it often takes more time to find a decent book than it does to actually read one. Here are a few captivating reads to shorten your search:
1. The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd
Inspired by the life of American abolitionist and suffragist Sarah Grimke, The Invention of Wings is a complex depiction of slavery in the early nineteenth century. The narrative is told through the perspectives of both Sarah and Hetty “Handful” Grimke, an urban slave who Sarah was given ownership of on her eleventh birthday. Through Handful, we’re introduced to the absolute horrors of slavery, and the desperation for freedom drives many of the characters in her inner circle. Through Sarah, we understand the crippling pressures of society and the courage needed to step out and do what’s right, even if that means making significant sacrifices.
I’m generally not a historical fiction person, but Kidd’s writing style is so captivating that I found myself unable to put the book down. Both leads are fully fleshed-out and carry a complexity that puts plenty of other main characters to shame. There’s so much story packed into its 400 pages, and I highly recommend anyone interested in early abolition to give it a read.
2. The Center of Everything by Laura Moriarty
Told through the eyes of Evelyn Bucknow, a ten-year-old growing up in Reagan-era Kansas, The Center of Everything is a careful look at coming of age in a small town. Evelyn is raised by a somewhat negligent mother with a penchant for getting pregnant by men who refuse to stick around. The novel conducts a very thorough exploration of single parenthood, contrasting the love for family with the frustration that comes from watching those you love continually make poor decisions. Along with family drama, Evelyn must face first love, heartbreak, and the small confines of her hometown.
While not every character is likable, their motivations are investigated in increasingly fascinating ways. The consequences of people’s actions don’t necessarily impact them immediately, but every dramatic plot line has a realistic resolution that leaves the reader satisfied at the story’s conclusion.
3. White Oleander by Janet Fitch
If the last entry didn’t contain enough family drama for you, have no fear, White Oleander has it in spades. The novel follows Astrid Magnussen, a twelve-year-old girl whose mother, Ingrid, has been charged with the murder of her ex-husband. Astrid is placed in five different foster homes and struggles to balance all of her guardians’ worldviews, contend with her mother’s controlling tendencies, and find her place as an individual.
All of Astrid’s foster placements are unique and present drastically different living situations and perspectives. Every guardian leaves their own mark on her personality, and it’s interesting to discover what she brings with her and what she chooses to leave behind. Ingrid displays sociopathic tendencies but does show genuine affection for her daughter, albeit in her own twisted way, and the increasingly estranged relationship between the two is the backbone of this heartfelt narrative. If you do enjoy the book, I highly recommend checking out the 2002 film of the same name which stars Alison Lohman and Michelle Pfieffer in the lead roles.
4. A Long Way Down by Nick Hornby
It’s New Year’s Eve and four individuals find themselves on the roof of Toppers’ House – a building famously known as the most popular suicide spot in London. Martin is a television host who has recently been released from prison after having an affair with a minor, subsequently ruining his career and home life. Maureen has dedicated her entire life to taking care of her disabled son, Matty, a choice that has left her with no real life of her own. Jess is an impulsive teenager whose family is in shambles after the disappearance and believed suicide of her sister, Jen. And JJ is an American who’s become disillusioned with the music industry after his band broke up and his girlfriend dumped him. This motley band of misfits must find strength in each other as they try and find reasons to embrace life, or at least tolerate it.
This book is by no means for everyone. Some of the subject matter is a bit crass, and the constant use of foul language would be enough to give it an “R” rating in film form. The characters aren’t particularly likable, but they are strangely relatable, and they tend to grow on you if you manage to get past their prickly first impressions. If you like zany adventures and dark humor, then this is the read for you.
5. All the Missing Girls by Megan Miranda
This entry is for anyone craving a good mystery-thriller. After Nicolette “Nic” Farrell’s best friend, Corinne, disappeared ten years ago, she left her hometown and never looked back. Shortly after Nic’s ailing father brings her back to town, another girl connected to Corinne’s disappearance also vanishes, reigniting the initial investigation. Amongst the suspects are Nic’s brother Daniel, her ex-boyfriend Tyler, and Corinne’s ex Jackson.
One of the coolest aspects of this book is that it’s told backwards, with the inverted chronological order allowing the mystery to be unpacked more effectively. There’s a lot of threads connecting all of the major characters, and the plot twists are relatively surprising and satisfying.