By Juliana Pagano ’29
Looking for your next read? Below are just a few of our favorite genres and books to read in the coming cozy months!
Dystopian has become a popular genre in literature, revolving around a flawed, oppressive, and nightmarish society. One recommended series is Unwind, by Neal Shusterman. The pentalogy features three teenagers at risk of becoming ‘unwound,’ a process in which their bodies are harvested for organ donation. The story follows the kids’ journey in their fight for survival against an unjust system, ending on a cliffhanger to keep you wanting more!
The thriller genre is perfect during the winter months. The style can be executed in a variety of ways depending on the author’s technique. One fascinating and quite popular mystery is The Shining by Stephan King. The main character, Jack Torrance, becomes the winter caretaker for an isolated hotel. But as his son becomes plagued by psychotic visions which grow more and more disturbing, the secrets of the hotel and the family’s descent into madness unfold.
Searching for a picture-perfect love story? Romance can be a broad term for the many subgenres that fall beneath it. The novel Year On Fire by Julie Buxbaum features a group of friends in high school as their relationships are tested by a kiss, a lie, and a school arson. The book explores themes of first love, friendship, family secrets, and lies as tensions rise and the individuals must deal with the consequences.
Nonfiction is ideal for all the curious individuals. Based on factual information, these books can give you knowledge on just about any topic of interest. The 57 Bus by Dashka Slate recounts a true story following an agender teenager named Sasha, who was set on fire by another teen on a bus in Oakland California. The book explores the court case and aftermath of the incident, discussing issues such as gender identity and the justice system.
Fantasy books can transport you into an alternate universe where magic is a part of everyday living. Dragons, wizards, and castles all combine to allow escape into a mystical world in your mind. Eragon is the first book in the Inheritance Cycle series, written by Christopher Paolini. The novels focus on the adventures of a young teenage boy and his dragon as they attempt to overthrow the evil king.
