There is nothing quite like opening up the pages of a new book and getting lost in the story for hours on end. I have read a myriad of books and there are five, all by female authors, that I think about on the daily. As winter break approaches, these are great books to keep your mind busy during those two weeks:
1. “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins
With the recent movie release of “The Ballads of Songbirds and Snakes,” a “Hunger Games” prequel, many people’s “Hunger Games” obsession has returned. Mine never left. I have reread the series every year since fifth grade, discovering something new each time. “The Hunger Games” has all the makings to become a modern-day classic: well-developed characters, political and social commentary and an ever-lasting impact on its readers.
“The Hunger Games” tells the story of a post-war world divided into districts, all focused on a certain industry and a wealthy over-the-top capital modeled after the U.S.. The story follows Katniss Everdeen’s life in District 12 — the poorest district that specializes in mining — and her volunteering as a tribute in the Hunger Games. Everdeen is the perfect female protagonist; she stays strong but is not portrayed as perfect. The games consist of 24 teenagers who fight to the death until only one is left standing. The story does not end there, but, to learn what happens next, you might just have to pick up the book.
2. “Sharp Objects” by Gillian Flynn
Flynn is an absolute genius. Every book she has written has been a five-star read, but “Sharp Objects” is among her best work. Flynn has this magical ability to make every single character unlikeable, yet create an enjoyable story. This book is fast-paced; it pulls the reader in right from the beginning and does not let up. I read it in a day, but I wish it had taken me longer.
“Sharp Objects” follows the story of a troubled journalist, Camille Preaker, after a stay in a mental hospital. She is tasked with returning to her tiny hometown to cover the murder of two young girls. The entire book is an emotional rollercoaster full of family issues, sickness and mystery. It kept me guessing the entire time, even introducing a new twist at the very end of the book.
3. “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley
Despite this being a required reading in freshman-year English classes, “Frankenstein” has become one of my favorite books. This is in part due to the author; there is nobody quite like Shelley and this is reflected in her writings. Perhaps due to Shelley’s notorious proclivity for horror and gore — she carried around her dead lover’s organ — this is the perfect book of gothic and horror fiction.
This story follows Victor Frankenstein, an overambitious scientist, on the quest to find the secret of life. He creates a monster out of body parts, but once it is brought to life he is horrified by his creation. Following this, Frankenstein and the monster have a multitude of run-ins, involving murder and horror. The end of the book leaves you wondering: who is the real monster?
4. “The Grace Year” by Kim Liggett
This is perhaps the darkest book I have ever read, and I have trouble putting the way this book made me feel into words. I felt disgusted, angry, overwhelmed and yet, empowered. It has some of the same ideas as “The Handmaid’s Tale,” but Liggett makes the book completely her own. Set in a dystopian society, where men hold all the power, this book takes an interesting look at female relationships and the patriarchy.
Set in a world where girls are banished from society when they turn sixteen to rid themselves of “magic” so they can return to society pure and ready for marriage, the book follows protagonist Tierney James. As her “Grace Year” begins, James realizes that it is not necessarily the poachers who attempt to steal girls to sell on the black market that she has to be afraid of, it is the other girls. I cannot go into too much detail without spoiling the book, but this one is an absolute must-read.
5. “Caraval” by Stephanie Garber
Out of all of the books listed above, this is the lightest and most fun of the five. It is a young-adult book that is the first in the series; so, the adventure continues throughout the two books that follow. “Caraval” takes you on a magical adventure right from the very beginning. Out of every book I have ever read, this one is the most mystical; when I read it I could feel the magic of the book.
“Caraval” follows sisters Scarlett and Donatella Dragna. All her life she has dreamed of attending the famed “Caraval,” a magical, once-a-year performance, and it seemed as though her chance had finally come. When the Dragna sisters arrive at Caraval, they quickly realize that perhaps they are more important to the game than they previously thought. Tella is kidnapped, and the first to find her wins the game. From there, a tale of love, magic and plenty of chaos ensues.
