If you're anything like me, you probably have a long list of books you've been meaning to read for👏ev👏er and just haven't gotten around to yet. The New Year is a great time to recommit to reading that book that's been on your mind (maybe on back burner). Tackle one (or more!) of those books this year and bask in the feeling of accomplishment!
If you need a few suggestions, here are twelve books I've read that you might like as well, organized into four categories: classics, best sellers, notable biographies, and top picks for kids.
Classics
The Witch of Blackbird Pondby Elizabeth George Speare
(1958)
When she first gazes the cold, bleak shores of Connecticut Colony, Kit Tyler knows that her new home will never be like the shimmering Caribbean island she left behind. In her relatives' stern Puritan community, the only place where Kit feels free is in the meadows, where she enjoys the company of the old Quaker woman known as the Witch of Blackbird Pond (and on occasion, her young sailor friend Nat.) When Kit's friendship with the "witch" is discovered, Kit faces suspicion, fear, and anger as she herself is accused of witchcraft!
This book won the Newbery Medal of 1959, so it's been around the block. Despite being more than six decades old, the messages about xenophobia and mob mentality are still pertinent today for readers of all ages.
The Scarlet Letterby Nathaniel Hawthorne
(1850)
In early colonial Massachusetts, a young woman named Hester Prynne endures the consequences of her sin of adultery and spends the rest of her life in atonement. The novel shows the impact this act had on not only Hester but also her vengeful husband Roger Chillingworth and the tortured Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale. Hawthorne here explores humanity's unending struggle with sin, pride, and guilt.
Even older than Speare's The Witch of Blackbird Pond, the English of Hawthorne can be difficult at times to understand. However, this adds to the richness of the experience in reading it (and you can always double-check SparkNotes to make sure you didn't miss any crucial details.) Even if you hated it in high school, give it another chance; it's sure to fascinate.
The Crucibleby Arthur Miller
(1953)
Based on historical figures and real events, this play is set during the witch trials of 17th century Salem, Massachusetts. In a rigid religious society, rumors fly that women are practicing witchcraft; when a young girl accuses Elizabeth Proctor of being a witch, self-righteous church leaders and townspeople insist on bringing Elizabeth to trial. The ruthlessness of the prosecutors and the eagerness of neighbor to testify against neighbor illuminates the destructive power of socially sanctioned violence.
I realize that all three of these classics I chose are set in colonial America. I promise I didn't do it on purpose! If that isn't your cup of tea, keep reading for more suggestions.
Best Sellers
The Helpby Kathryn Stockett
(2009)
In 1962 Jackson, Mississippi, there are lines that simply are not crossed. With the civil rights movement exploding all around them, three women start a movement of their own, forever changing a town and the way women--black and white, mothers and daughters--view one another. Some lines were meant to be crossed.
Portraying the racial injustices of the Southern United States, Stockett incorporates humor, beauty, and humanity into the story of Skeeter, Aibileen, and Minnie. This story has universal elements, applicable to every walk of life. This book is excellent for a book club, and it has a brilliant audiobook edition from Penguin Audio.
And Then There Were Noneby Agatha Christie
(1939)
Ten strangers are summoned as weekend guests to a little private island off the coast of Devon. Their host, an eccentric millionaire unknown to all of them, is nowhere to be found. All that the guests have in common is a wicked past they're unwilling to reveal. When they realize that murders are occurring as described in a children's rhyme, terror mounts. One by one they fall prey. Before the weekend is out, there will be none. Who has choreographed this dastardly scheme? And who will be left to tell the tale? Only the dead are above suspicion.
This work by the Queen of Mystery is the best-selling mystery book of all time. It wasn't until I started working in libraries that I learned that And Then There Were None is rather unlike the rest of Christie's works; her typical stories are cozy mysteries, where an amateur sleuth (like Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple) solves a crime that occurred off page. My first experience with this suspenseful thriller had me up reading late into the night.
Salt to the Seaby Ruta Sepetys
(2016)
While the RMS Titanic and RMS Lusitania are well-documented disasters, the largest loss of life in a single ship sinking is the little-known 1945 sinking of the MV Wilhelm Gustloff, a German cruise liner that was supposed to ferry wartime personnel and refugees to safety from the advancing Red Army. The ship was overcrowded with more than 10,500 passengers: the intended capacity was only about 1,800. Sepetys crafts four fictionalized but historically accurate voices to convey the real-life tragedy.
This one is definitely a gut-wrenching roller coaster. Sepetys makes this story very accessible: you don't have to be a history buff or even know very much about World War II to appreciate this tragic story. The lyrical writing is simple enough to be completely understood without seeming overly simplistic. A beautiful and haunting gem of a novel.
Notable Biographies
Becoming
by Michelle Obama
(2018)
In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States, she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and raising two down-to-earth daughters under an unforgiving media glare.
Obama is a magnificent storyteller, taking readers on her journey from the South Side of Chicago through her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. She honestly and wittily describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private. A truly inspirational memoir.
They Called Us Enemyby George Takei
(2019)
This graphic novel recounts actor George Takei's childhood imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II. At the order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, every person of Japanese descent on the west coast was rounded up and shipped hundreds or thousands of miles to one of ten "relocation centers" in 1942, where they would be held under armed guard for years. They Called Us Enemy is Takei's first-hand account as a child who grew up behind barbed wire and faced legalized racism.
Like much of the public, I was unaware of Takei's story before Star Trek. It is eye-opening to see the injustices America committed against its own citizens, and to view it through a child's eyes makes it all the more heart-rending. This is a tough read, but absolutely necessary.
Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slaveby Frederick Douglass
(1845)
Born a slave in 1818 on a plantation in Maryland, Douglass taught himself to read and write. This book calmly but dramatically recounts the horrors and the accomplishments of his early years—the daily, casual brutality of the white masters; his painful efforts to educate himself; his decision to find freedom or die; and his harrowing but successful escape.
Douglass was a political activist and an eloquent spokesperson for the civil rights of African Americans. He lived through the Civil War, the end of slavery, and the beginning of segregation. He was celebrated internationally as the leading black intellectual of his day, and his story still resonates in ours.
Top Picks for Kids
Best Man by Richard Peck
(2016)
Archer has four important role models in his life: his dad, his grandfather, his uncle Paul, and his favorite teacher, Mr. McLeod. When he's asked to serve as the best man at his uncle's wedding, Archer's sixth-grade year becomes one he'll never forget. As Archer contemplates the people in his life and the kind of person he wants to become, he helps his uncle become his best self as well.
This novel portrays real life through the eyes of a kid, which is refreshing and realistic. Through an honest look at various elements of life, Peck respectfully reveals the depths of these experiences for all individuals involved. He addresses hot-button issues like xenophobia and gay marriage from a matter-of-fact way that models how the world should be at a level that children can understand, free of political and social stigma.
Property of the Rebel Librarianby Allison Varnes
(2018)
When twelve-year-old June Harper's parents discover an "inappropriate" library book, they take strict parenting to a whole new level. Her school's library is gutted, and all books on the premises must have administrative approval. As the rules become stricter at school and at home, June banned book library in an abandoned locker at school. The risks grow alongside her library's popularity, and a movement begins that could destroy June's reputation or save the freedom to read.
Maybe I'm a little biased as a librarian, but I thought this book was amazing. It explores the topics of censorship, activism, and freedom of speech without becoming preachy. Varnes paints June as a likeable and relatable character who doesn't like making waves, though she grows into leading a movement. We read about June's inner turmoil, and we get a taste of catharsis mixed with realism at the ending. Great for any kid who doesn’t believe one person can effect change.
The Miscalculations of Lightning Girlby Stacy McAnulty
(2018)
When Lucy Callahan was struck by lightning, she gained genius-level math skills and has been homeschooled ever since. Now, at 12 years old, she's technically ready for college. But Lucy's grandma insists on four prerequisites: Go to middle school for 1 year. Make 1 friend. Join 1 activity. And read 1 book. Lucy's not sure what a girl who does calculus homework for fun can possibly learn in 7th grade. She has everything she needs at home, where nobody can make fun of her rigid routines or her superpowered brain. The equation of Lucy's life has already been solved. Unless there's been a miscalculation?
This smart and thoughtful novel reminds us all to get out of our comfort zones and embrace what makes us different. The writing is approachable without being too simplistic, and the plot is engrossing, making this book a page-turner. The authentic characters ring true to life, and you know I'm always going to advocate for women in STEM.
If you're craving a book to read and none of these whet your whiskers, please let me know! I'm happy to recommend a title: it's literally my job. And for you, I'd do it for free. 😘
