Writing Life

Ready to hear stories from compelling voices? These books are all told from unique points of views. Take a walk in someone else’s shoes, and pick up one of these stories.

Rooms by Lauren Oliver

Amanda G. says: This book tells the story of a family that moves into the house of a recently deceased relative. It is told through the point of view of not only the ghosts that inhabit it, but from the house’s perspective, as well. Rooms astounded me. It never occurred to me to write a story told from the perspective of a non-living narrator, whether that be a ghost or an inanimate object. Lauren Oliver inspired me to push the boundaries of what is ‘normal’ in my writing. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a spooky, unorthodox read!

Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward

Alexis G. says: This is a powerful book that I’d best describe as delicately nuanced with the characters it explores, but also so raw and honest about the truths of the lives they lead. The novel switches between being narrated by pre-teen Jojo and his mostly absent mother Leonie. The thing that makes it so unique is that two ghosts, whose (after)lives are intertwined with characters living in the present day, are also given chapters of narration. The interaction of characters through generations allows the ideas of familial relationships and history to be explored in a way that I loved. The language of the story is so rich that it often feels like poetry, and Ward’s playing with perspectives leaves so much room for analysis and symbolism. I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for something that will keep you thinking even after you put down the book!

Open City by Teju Cole

Adrianna B. says: Teju Cole develops Julius’ character so expertly, the reader forgets that they are placed into a story where other people exist. Singularly told from the narrator’s perspective (Julius), the reader struggles to understand what to believe, what to dismiss, and even who our main character actually is. An art of ventriloquism on Cole’s part, Julius’ walks throughout New York, Belgium, and our minds interweaves histories with modernity and past with present. It is hard to discern where we end up!

All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg

Adrianna B. says: Jami Attenberg writes about family, corruption, and connections in her recently published novel All This Could Be Yours. Playing around with shifting perspectives and what it means to be a family, we follow along in the aftermath of Victor Tuchman’s heart attack. On his deathbed, his wife, Barbara, continues her affliction with silence, his daughter, Alex, questions her father’s dark past, and no one has heard from his son, Gary. Attenberg explores a web of toxicity in her characters. I was able to listen to a talk led by Jami Attenberg through my college in mid-October, which was actually posted about on our Instagram! A talented writer and inspirational orator, everyone should pick up her novel.

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz

Adrianna B. says: The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao traces the life of Oscar Cabral and his family from the perspective of an ex-boyfriend of Oscar’s sister, Yunior. Saturated with Dominican history, culture, personalities, and relationships, Junot Diaz does an incredible job of commemorating the cultural identity, while critiquing the ignorance of other countries. Yunior has a very unique and sarcastic voice, and offers his opinion in footnotes and specific chapters. The title is very telling of what to expect in the novel and Diaz beautifully convolutes what certain relationships mean by providing the readers with backstories for more than just our main character. A story for everyone, a story for the reader, and very evidently a story for Yunior, Diaz invokes fantasy, myth, curse, corruption, history, family, and love within the pages of this book. I cannot urge you all enough to go out and grab a copy!

The Largesse of the Sea Maiden by Denis Johnson

Adrianna B. says: Denis Johnson bids his readers farewell in the short story collection The Largesse of the Sea Maiden. Published after his death in January 2018, contemplations on mortality, the past, the universe and more jump off the pages and grab hold of readers. Johnson presents us with his last words, with beautiful prose filled with emotion and kinship. Five short stories come together as a eulogy for the late Denis Johnson and I implore you all to pick up a copy. It is not a long read, but the longevity of the emotions it will arise in you is endless.

Who said that novels have to focus on one character? Why can’t poetry incorporate visual art? These books ditch traditional genre standards and expand the world of storytelling.

Citizen by Claudia Rankine

Vivian D. says: Citizen is a poem. It is a multi-media, genre-defying work. It is a collection of racial aggressions. It is, as Claudia Rankine describes it, a true “American Lyric.” This book is truly exceptional—I really love Rankine’s use of the second-person, and the ways she weaves narratives with analytical writing. For me, Citizen changed what a poem could look like forever. I also can’t wait to read Claudia Rankine’s newest work, Just Us: An American Conversation.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Alex L. says: The Color Purple is a touching story of the injustices faced by a queer black woman, Celie, in the 1930s at the hands of the men and white people in her life. She falls in love with a woman named Shug and escapes the grasp of her husband to pursue her. This story shows how although America was built on ideals of freedom, everyone was not truly free. It is a shining example of how the human spirit can triumph even when put through the toughest of times. I would recommend this book if you are passionate about learning history through the eyes of the oppressed. This is a good read because of its loveable, well developed characters, and its captivating style, as the book is written through letters.

The Crying of Lot 49 by Thomas Pynchon

Adrianna B. says: Originally published in 1965, The Crying of Lot 49 follows Oedipa Maas, a seemingly normal housewife, as she finds herself in the middle of a historical conspiracy theory. After the death of her ex-boyfriend, Oedipa is pulled into this new reality, meets a sum of unique characters, and comes out of her journey potentially more confused than where she began. Thomas Pynchon does a groundbreaking job of portraying the postmodern with plays, songs, cartoons, and more all piled into his novel. It is a very fun read, and all the better—the more connections you make, the deeper you can dive into the story!

Life: A User’s Manual by Georges Perec

Amanda G. says: Each chapter in this novel focuses on a different person within one apartment building. As you go from chapter to chapter, room to room, you find out all kinds of bizarre things about these outwardly ‘normal’ people. Perec sprinkles various literary puzzles and allusions, mathematical equations, crosswords, and chess/logic problems throughout the text. I absolutely adored this book. It was crazy unique and really grabbed my interest. It helped me learn how to develop my characters a bit better in my writing. Perec hyper-focuses on the people in this story, giving the reader details about them that others may never even think to give. It showed me ways in which I can make my characters seem like ‘real’ people by giving them little quirks and curious aspects to their personalities. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in a character-driven story with some weird-yet-fun elements thrown in!

Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai

Lisa H. says: This groundbreaking novel-in-verse focuses on a 10-year-old Vietnamese girl whose life is turned upside down as she is forced to leave her home during the height of the Vietnam War. What really compelled me, aside from the style, was the way in which Lai was able to hone in on the smaller moments, sometimes making us readers forget a war is even happening because we’re so focused on the chick her brother tried to save while boarding the boat that took them from their home, for example. The childlike voice carries us through these universal as well as personal horrors, while still being able to find wonder and hope as everything around changes. In the Author’s Note, we learn that much of Lai’s true experience informed her fiction, which explains why this story felt so real and vivid and true. This is a book that breaks your heart and mends it again. I read the whole thing in one day—I just couldn’t put it down!

These books will stay with you long after you finish the last page. Read one of these brilliant stories, but fair warning: they might just change the way you view the world.

A Book of Common Prayer by Joan Didion

Adrianna B. says: Joan Didion released A Book of Common Prayer in 1977, which traces the life of Charlotte Douglas through the eyes and “neutral” narrator of Grace Strassner-Mendana. Two women’s lives overlap in the fictive Central American country Boca Grande, but how much of what we receive is delusion and how much of it is real? Didion takes the reader on a journey through loss, companionship, deceit, colonialism, and intimacy. Every time you read the book, something new pops to the surface and it is such an enjoyable and thought-provoking read!

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

Alex L. says: Tuesdays with Morrie is a memoir written by Mitch Albom that deals with accepting death and appreciating life. Mitch Albom pays weekly visits to his dying college professor, Morrie. Morrie teaches him the lessons that life has taught him. This book makes you think about what lessons you will take from your life, and that accepting death can free your mind. It makes you think about slowing down your life and appreciating the little things, because everyday is a gift. It is truly amazing to see Morrie’s upbeat spirit continue week after week, even as he is faced with the terminal illness of ALS. I would recommend Tuesdays With Morrie because everyone can learn something from Morrie by reading this memoir.

Who Moved my Cheese by Spencer Johnson, M.D.

Alex L. says: Although this plot is relatively simplistic, there is a deeper meaning about change woven into the story. There are four characters in this story—two mice named Sniff and Scurry, and two tiny men named Hem and Haw. The mice represent the simple parts of us and the people represent the more complex side to us. The characters go out searching for cheese in a maze. This cheese is a metaphor for what people want in life. The story starts up when Cheese Station C runs out of cheese. This book talks about the fear of change, and how it could prevent you from seizing new opportunities. You can think of change as bad and frightening, or an opportunity for something better. I recommended reading this book before going through a big change in your life. You can take advice from this book and apply it to situations in your own life.

Tropic of Orange by Karen Tei Yamashita

Adrianna B. says: Tropic of Orange’ takes place in Los Angeles and is told from seven different characters over the span of a week. Yamashita utilizes magical realism, a popular tool in Hispanic literature, to highlight the history of oppression inherent to the lives of all characters we meet in Tropic of Orange. The reader is presented with a diverse lineup of characters who eventually come together at the culmination of the week. A really powerful and subliminally comical story, Yamashita writes about something important that everyone should read.

A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein

Alex L. says: This book is a collection of poems written by Shel Silverstein. Shel Silverstein is a clever writer, and this shows in his quirky compilation of random poems. Some are funny, others are confusing. Some are scary, others have happier endings. Each poem has its own theme and corresponding illustration by Shel to help the poem come alive. If you have a creative mind and a large imagination, I would recommend this book to you. This is a worthwhile read that forced you to look at the bigger message hidden in the passage.

The Book of Barely Imagined Beings by Caspar Henderson

Adrianna B. says: This is a 21st century bestiary with a Victorian styled tone. Henderson throws philosophy into every species he writes about and really pushes his readers to question what it means to be human. He also comes off as a fierce advocate for Mother Nature and sheds light on the destructive relationship humans have with nature. It is unique and very different compared to what I normally read, but every chapter taught me something new!

Forget your school’s curriculum. Read the classics that actually live up to the hype. We promise—these books are classics for a reason.

Beloved by Toni Morrison

Vivian D. says: “124 was spiteful. Full of a baby’s venom.” So begins Toni Morrison’s masterpiece, Beloved. This story follows Sethe, who is born into slavery and later escapes to Ohio—but she does not feel free from the unthinkable things that happened in the past. She’s haunted by the ghost of her nameless baby, whose tombstone was engraved with the word: Beloved. In every way, this story haunts. By using elements of magical realism, Morrison captures an American reality. This book will never leave you. It shouldn’t.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Adrianna B. says: Charlotte Bronte eloquently draws the reader into the life of Jane Eyre as she struggles with marginalization, love, and independence. Jane Eyre, above all else, is so beautifully written. Bronte manages to make the ordinary into something mesmerizing. As the reader, you will cheer her along, hate those who harm her, and feel the pain and toils she suffers. In a world mixed with romance, responsibility, truth, family, and even a little madness, Bronte has given us a beautiful story.

On The Road by Jack Kerouac

Sophia W. G. says: A young writer, Sal, takes a road trip cross country with his friend Dean in the winter of 1947. On their journey, the men encounter an abundance of diverse people, jazz clubs, and love. This novel inspired an entire generation of beatnik artists and will leave you wishing you too could experience life on the road.

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Adrianna B. says: Great Expectations follows the life of Pip as he explores the realms of what it means to be a good vs. bad person. We encourage Pip along the way, and get worked up when he mistreats the people around him that actually care for him. This is a Victorian novel that explores the image of the self and criticizes what it previously meant to be a gentleman. Every character ends up connected in the end and Dickens throws plot twists at the reader left and right. When the story got slow, Dickens expertly knew how to draw the reader back in, if for nothing else but to see what comes of Pip.

Read these stories about overcoming adversity to provide context and hope as we all navigate life’s struggles. Even in dark times, these books are a source of light.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Koye O. says: In the summary on the back book cover: “Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime.” Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe gave me a rare summer feeling in the middle of March. Here’s something I quickly typed out after reading a chapter that made me feel like I was floating: “I’m getting a weird feeling. Like a good type of summer night, the speculative kind spent in star-lighted solitude. But I feel good. It’s telling me that I’m aging and the car I got for my 17th birthday, this bedroom I’ve grown with, will soon be empty.” It isn’t a feel good book, but it does something good to you. It’s making a good change in the way I think of regrets and how I see others. I’m sorry to say it’s a good book, but it’s hard to exactly pinpoint why.

Jasmine by Bharati Mukherjee

Abby F. says: In 1989, Bharati Mukherjee published one of her more popular books, Jasmine, which follows a woman going through numerous identities as she travels from her birthplace in India to a small town in Iowa. Her journey through shifting landscapes helps her shifting shelves. She encounters her own changes from girlhood to womanhood, showing beauty and darkness and revelation, which are essential to the journeys of all those who not only want to survive, but grow. I read this a few years ago, and I just remember how it gave me the sense of a girl lost in the world, trying to find herself through her transitions. With her relationships, her transition into motherhood as well as adulthood, and her ability to adapt, this story is a glimpse into a young woman developing her own identity. It’s a great book about growth and understanding oneself, especially when faced with having to completely adapt to new cultures and world views.

Bleeding Violet by Dia Reeves

Amanda G. says: This story follows Hanna—a biracial teen—who moves to creepy, monster-infested Portero, Texas to live with her estranged mother. Hanna struggles with hallucinations and bipolar disorder, making it difficult to fit in. This dark fantasy novel deals with a lot of things that are hard to talk about but important to discuss. It features both healthy and unhealthy relationships, death, mental illness, and characters who have issues with authority figures. I read this book when I was about 18 or so and it really helped me realize that I wasn’t alone in my difficulties.

My Father’s Chinese Wives by Sandra Tsing Loh

Koye O. says: For the spark notes reader, it’s a story about two sisters coming to terms with their cold, distant father’s decision to have an arranged marriage at age 70. For me, it’s about generational trauma, love lost (or love never experienced), and the strife of forgiveness. It’s well worth the 20 minute read.

A Mercy by Toni Morrison

Adrianna B. says: Toni Morrison strikes again with her book, A Mercy, that was published in 2008. She writes about a group diverse in race, history, and future, living in the 17th century, ripe with racism, slavery, prejudice, and severe discrimination. Each chapter shifts perspectives and the reader very quickly develops an attraction to the powerful female voices that tell the true stories of experience during this time. Genocide, assault, disease, family, identity, and freedom, Morrison sets out to do it all and does not disappoint. Although it is a very quick read, it is definitely not a light one. Because of the importance of its topics, everyone should grab a copy and follow Florens’ journey.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

Our teen writers says: The Hate U Give is an emotional, very real and downright important story following Starr’s life in an inherently racist environment. It mimics the problems of the world we are living in and begs the readers to question their own actions and contributions to racism in our own societies and communities. Thomas does a beautiful job of advocating for minorities and moves her reader through interactions of both blatant racism and equally impactful microaggressions. Everyone should pick up a copy.

Boo! Did we scare you? No? Well, these horror reads will. Pick up one of these spooky books during the Halloween season for a chilling read.

Dracula by Bram Stoker

Eric B. says: Count Dracula, one of gothic horror genre’s most notorious figures, originates from the Irish author Bram Stoker’s well-celebrated novel, Dracula, published in 1897. Dracula established many of the modern conventions applied to vampires in fiction and helped to usher vampires into our mainstream culture. The novel itself is told through journal entries written by the main characters of the story, who each recount their own personal experiences, allowing the reader to see through several different perspectives as the story progresses. The story is rather slow paced, and builds its horror through suspense. Although we know who and what Dracula is in our modern day, the book’s earlier readers didn’t, allowing the story to play on the human fear of the unknown. Although the book is quite aged, and reads rather differently than what many modern readers are accustomed to, I’d still recommend this book to anyone with an interest in horror or classical literature who has the time to give it a look.

Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado

Vivian D. says: Firstly—content warning for sexual assault & graphic imagery/language. This short story collection is true horror. Machado explores women’s bodies and the violence they experience—the result is queer, feminist, and unforgettable. Despite the genuinely terrifying situations, I love how these stories still play with genre—one is told in list-form. Another is a reimagining of every episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. This book scared me more than any Halloween movie ever could—these stories feel true.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Alex L. says: This novel tells the story of children with extraordinary abilities being cared for by the motherly figure who goes by the name of Miss Peregrine. These children have been purchased from society and are being sheltered from the dangers of being different. A young boy stumbles upon a wooden house filled with unique kids. As a dark force threatens to take over the consciousnesses of the children, Miss Peregrine shows that she will go to any lengths to protect her loved ones.

The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe by Edgar Allen Poe

Our teen writers says: This eerie compilation of Poe stories is sure to leave you frightened. This compilation includes one of Poe’s most famous poems, “The Raven.” Poe writes in such a way that makes you both scared but also wanting to know more. His creepy tales and language elicit fright and horror. This book also lets you immerse yourself in the life of Poe by reading a biographical text and letters written to family members. This is a great read to prepare yourself for Halloween! If you love horror, I would definitely give Poe’s work a try.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Alex L. says: Personally, this is one of my favorite books. It takes place in a poor town outside Germany during the Holocaust. Lisel moves there after being adopted by Hans and Rosa Hubberman after her mother and brother die. The small city takes the brunt of an expensive and deadly war, leaving scarce food and bomb threats. Lisel begins stealing books from Nazis and the mayor’s library. During the course of her stay, she befriends a boy named Rudy and harbors a Jew inside her house, which would mean certain death if caught. This novel is emotional and tear jerking, but also shows the triumphs of family, love and friendship even through times of great hardship.

Lights, camera, action! These books have all had a big-screen debut. Read one of these stories, then watch it come to life again on film.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Sophia W. G. says: Written in a series of letters, Stephen Chbosky takes the reader on a journey into the mind of fifteen-year-old Charlie. Charlie is grappling with grief, mental illness, and starting his first year of high school. Through the course of the school year, he grapples with an abundance of ups and downs along the way, but he makes some interesting friends to keep him afloat. This novel creates an emotional bond between the reader and narrator. Anyone who has ever felt alone or has stories they are afraid to share must read this book. It will make you laugh, cry, and leave you inspired to discover your infinity.

Where Rainbows End by Cecelia Ahern

Adrianna B. says: Cecelia Ahern adds her own twist to romance in this novel that follows the love between childhood friends Rosie Dunne and Alex Stewart. Told through emails, letters, and first person dialogue, Cecelia Ahern makes you laugh and smile as she expertly captures the coincidences of life paired with the curse of time. Somehow there is always something standing in the way, until … there isn’t anymore. A beautiful read for any season! Once you’re done, be sure to check out the movie based on it, too, titled Love, Rosie.

The Martian by Andy Weir

Alex L. says: The Martian follows the tribulations of astronaut Mark Watney after being left on Mars. He has to use his own intuition and will to survive if he is going to be able to have any chance of being rescued by a returning Mars mission. The Oscar nominated film is also worth a watch, including stars Matt Damon as Mark Watney along with stars like Jessica Chastain, Sebastian Stan, and many more.

The Boy In the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

Alex L says: This book is all about childhood innocence and how different the world can seem through the eyes of a child. This story takes place in 1940s Germany during the Holocaust. Bruno’s father is a dedicated high ranking Nazi in the German army, and Bruno and his whole family uproot their lives so they can live near the concentration camp he was patrolling. While there, Bruno meets a boy named Schmuel, who wears striped pajamas and sits on the other side of the fence. As time goes on, and their friendship blossoms, Bruno realizes that Schmuel is facing many inequities and being treated differently. Bruno wonders why this is, and his family tells him the people are Jewish. Being a kid, Bruno doesn’t see the issue with that and continues to visit Schmuel. The boys reflect on how they are so similar, yet being treated so differently. They question society’s treatment of people who stray from a designated social norm. This book is a heart wrenching read with many twists and turns that will make it hard to put this book down.

Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons

Adrianna B. says: Watchmen is a graphic novel about masked heroes in the DC universe. The story has beautiful artwork, but casts a very dark and jarringly familiar light on the dangers of our world and the human psyche. Despite its morbidity and chaos, it is an incredible read! You won’t want to put the book down once you start. There is also a movie out and a series that I believe is still in development on HBO Max!

The Outsiders by S.E Hinton

Alex L. says: The Outsiders is an incredible story about overcoming hatred and breaking stereotypes. Our story focuses on a group of boys called greasers, more specifically three brothers: Darry, Sodapop, and Ponyboy (yes those are their actual names). They are orphaned when their parents die in a motorcycle crash. A fight between the wealthy group of boys called Socs turns deadly and Ponyboy and his friend Johnny have to go into hiding. As the Greasers and Socs continue to fight, the three brothers experience the devastating effects of lower-class life and stereotypes attached to people in that class. Without their parents around, the three brothers must look out for each other. My favorite line in this book is, “It seemed funny to me that the sunset she saw from her patio and the one I saw from the back steps was the same one. Maybe the two different worlds we lived in weren’t so different. We saw the same sunset.”

Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Alex L. says: In this dystopian novel, the world of virtual reality is an escape from the horrid reality of what life has become. Life in the virtual reality server called OASIS allows people to escape and become different people. When the creator of the OASIS died, he hid a golden egg for control of the OASIS. Wade Watts is the first person to open the first gate to find the golden egg. He is hunted down by the large corporation IOI and when he refuses their pleas to help them find the egg, a wild goose chase ensues. Wade learns that this is no longer a game and the real threat is in the real world. My favorite line from this book is: “We’d connected on a purely mental level. I understood her, trusted her, and loved her as a dear friend. None of that had changed, or could be changed by anything as inconsequential as her gender, or skin color, or sexual orientation.”