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Five Books That Got Me Interested in Reading

Reading used to be a chore for me. I used to cringe every time I had English/Literature class through my elementary/middle school years. I sat in the back and rarely raised my hand. I had done the reading required for that day. I had pretty good "reading comprehension" skills even though I didn't know it was even called that at that age. That wasn't the problem. I just was never interested in the books they had us reading at that time.

Slouching Towards Bethlehem

Books of 1968

1968 was one of the most eventful and tumultuous years of the 20th century. Here are a few books of lasting relevance that were published that year.  

Sweetbitter

Delicious Fiction

Novels Set Around Kitchens and Food

Novels that feature food often make us put down the book and get in the kitchen...or at least grab a bag of chips. Likewise, these same novels are often hard to put down as they stimulate not only our imaginations, but our appetites as well. Here’s a list of delicious novels to celebrate the brand new Starz series Sweetbitter.

Stranger

Life and Living

Philosophical Texts Centered on Existence

We've all asked ourselves the pivotal questions at some point in our lives: Why are we here? What is my purpose in life? Is their a true meaning of life? Existentialism is a philosophy that helps us begin to understand these things. Existentialism is the analysis of existence. It is a philosophy concerned with finding self and the meaning of life through free will, choice and personal responsibility. These books' philosophies have helped me develop a better understanding of myself and life. 

StrangerintheWoods

Solitude

A Life Apart From The World

Everyone, at some point or another, seeks out some alone time—to get away from the noise, to escape the pressures and stress of everyday life. Solitude has a healing quality that renews, strengthens and fortifies. There are some people that choose a life of solitude for any number of reasons and others that find themselves alone through no choice of their own. The following are some recent and classic accounts of the solitary life.

Wuthering Heights

Gothic Fiction for the Whole Family Part 2 (Teens and Adults)

A celebration of old-world-style scares

It's never too late to develop a taste for Gothic reads. This glorious genre explores negativity in a manageable package. With supernatural elements and an exploration of feelings like unhappiness and loneliness, both Gothic and Modern Gothic literature provide a unique opportunity for readers to explore and discuss some of the more challenging and gruesome aspects of life, and in such, to find ways to cope with scary and negative feelings in their day-to-day lives. Find a comfy chair and get ready for some shocking, fearsome and morose reads.

Fifty Shades of Grey

Guilt and Pleasure

Twists on Familiar Classics

Whether it’s a guilty pleasure or a great work, a well-told story of romance sought, found or lost is a joy to read repeatedly and, for some exceptional fans, to be imitated. For the month of love, revisit some enduring page-turners and tales they inspired (check out the movies as well). Tess of the d’Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy (1892)

Presidents

The Great Oscar Nominee Book Swap

Like this movie? Try reading this...

Who doesn’t love a great story? Whether it’s told on the page or on the screen, there’s nothing quite like curling up under a fuzzy blanket, popping some popcorn and falling into a well-told tale. Or sharing an epic cinematic experience in a dark movie theater. The best movies can inspire a fervent passion for similar storytelling and luckily, this year’s most buzzworthy films have plenty of read-alikes out there, whether you’re craving more guerrilla journalism, World War II heroism, or the awkward bumblings of life and love as a teenager.

The Joy Luck Club

Join the Club

Novels Centered Around Clubs and Groups

The literary premise of a themed or activity-based club is a surprisingly diverse sub-genre. Modern classics such as The Joy Luck Club and Fight Club not only became critically and commercially popular books but also gained popularity for their film adaptations. The plot device of “the club” can bring a diverse group of individuals together. It not only impacts their daily lives but also allows the reader to learn about each character and their backstory.

the doubtful guest

Gothic Fiction for the Whole Family (Part 1: Children)

A celebration of old-world-style scares

It's never too early to introduce your child to Gothic and Modern Gothic literature (or to develop a taste for it yourself). This glorious genre explores negativity in a manageable package. With supernatural elements and an exploration of feelings like unhappiness and loneliness, both Gothic and Modern Gothic literature provide a unique opportunity for readers to explore and discuss some of the more challenging and gruesome aspects of life, and to find ways to cope with scary and negative feelings in their day-to-day lives.

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