Spring Break is such a good time to relax and finally take the time to read a good book. Here are some suggestions of books that I have read and enjoyed or were highly recommended to me.
"All The Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr
This is an extremely well-written and interesting novel that takes place during the time of World War II in Paris. The story follows a young girl, Marie-Laure Leblanc, and her father and the journey life takes them on following the Nazi invasion of their beloved city. I have read many books about this time period and this was most definitely the most page-turning, unique take I have read yet. This book has won the Pulitzer Prize and has been given stellar ratings by well-known magazines. While definitely on the heavier side, it is a relatively quick read.
"This Changes Everything" by Naomi Klein
I cannot recommend this book highly enough! I took a class on climate change this past semester and was tasked with reading a book with a perspective we were interested in pertaining to the subject.
In "This Changes Everything," Naomi Klein presents the issue of climate change through examples of what is being done in other nations to address the issue, primarily through the political lens. She addresses both sides of the spectrum in a well-articulated way and provided what I find to be the most comprehensive overview of the issue in a fascinating way. While the book is informative, it is not overly focused on the nitty-gritty science of things the way a textbook is written and feels like you're reading a normal book.
If climate change and its political, social, and economic implications pique your interest, search no more this is the book for you.
"America's First Daughter" by Stephanie Dray and Laurie Kamdie
This is a novel about Thomas Jefferson's daughter, Martha "Patsy" Jefferson, and her perspective on her father's accomplishments and what impact his choices had on her life. The book is true to history, though is written as a narrative, so it feels just like reading a historical fiction piece, though you genuinely learn along the way. Not only do I feel like I have a better understanding of the Jefferson family life, I truly enjoyed the book and had trouble putting it down.
"Becoming" by Michelle Obama
This book has been advertised everywhere — and for good reason.
If you have read my article on it, you know I cannot recommend it highly enough nor emphasize the profound impact it had on me. Michelle Obama somehow turned her biography into a source of inspiration, a seemingly fictional love story, and a journey of ambition and drive. She is an excellent author with an amazing story to tell. Her book is so fascinating that despite its length, does not take long to read.
"Quiet" by Susan Cain
I picked up this book after taking a psychology course because I became really interested in different personality types and the nature for someone to be extroverted or introverted. Cain provided an interesting perspective on the matter, with a focus on denouncing the stereotypes often associated with introverted personalities. As someone who is extroverted, I thought this book would help me understand other people a little better and it certainly did. No matter how you would describe yourself, you will get a lot out of this book and definitely don't have to be a master in psychology to understand it.
"Once Upon a Country" by Sari Nusseibeh
I don't recommend this book because it is a spring break "vibe" kind of novel, but more so that it is so fascinating that it really needs to be the one thing you focus on and spring break is an excellent time for that. This book is about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict from the perspective of a Palestinian that is a philosopher, a professor, and an activist.
I read this book because I had an interest in learning more about the subject because it is often in the news and I feel like I did not quite have a grasp on the issue. Without a doubt, this is the best overview I have read and would spend hours reading this book without putting it down.
