Concealed within the pages of a book lies something special for every type of person. Whether one is into fantasy, sci-fi or thriller, there is something out there for everyone, even if they have not found it yet. Readers often have a book they will never forget because of how good it was. These may be books with a plot twist, or a moment that makes them feel transported into the story.
Everyone has a different opinion on the books they deem as must reads. Sometimes, enjoyable books come from required reading assignments; other times, they can be something one happened to pick up at the library. In the last couple of years, English teacher Kristopher Majak has read numerous books. One he particularly enjoyed was All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. The book is set during World War II and details the story of a blind French girl who is staying in her great uncle’s house after Paris is invaded by Nazi Germany. Majak believes this book shows good character development and has a relatable theme.
“One of the messages in the book [is] no matter what you do in life, it’s never too late to do something good,” Majak said.
Throughout the course of high school, various books such as Born a Crime by Trevor Noah, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee could be assigned. These classics hold an important place in our curriculum; however, the books you find individually also hold just as much significance as the books students are required to read.
“I think there’s definitely a place for both,” English teacher Shannon McFarland said.
A book that left McFarland at a loss for words is As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner. This book takes place in a fictional Mississippi town. The story surrounds a family dealing with the death of their mother as they’re trying to bury her where she would have wanted. Physical challenges such as weather and family dysfunction made the burial difficult. McFarland read this book during her AP English class in high school and still goes back to see the notes she made.
“It is incredibly challenging as a book, and it’s one of the first books that made me enjoy literature,” McFarland said. The book highlights what American poverty can look like and how grief can impact a family and their relationships to each other.
Freshman Anisha Mishra wants others to experience Wonder by R.J. Palacio. This book focuses on a boy named August or “Auggie” Pullman who is entering 5th grade. Auggie has a facial deformity and is trying to fit in with the other kids despite his differences. Mishra believes people should read this book because it conveys valuable messages about not discriminating against others based on their appearance and the importance of adapting to one’s environment when faced with those who are different from oneself.
“You really get the feelings of the main character of the book. It teaches a really good lesson to people our age,” Mishra said.
From gothic literature like As I Lay Dying to fiction like Wonder, there is a variety of stories waiting to be read. Every book holds an important place to someone, whether it was discovered through school or through their own curiosity.
“I feel like the goal that we have [for] books in the curriculum [is] not only just to strengthen students’ comprehension, they should also have lessons in media that we remember and should also follow through in [their] lives,” Mishra said.
