Romeo and Juliet — William Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s tragedy, Romeo and Juliet, tells the tale of two star-crossed lovers whose demise leads to the convergence of their two feuding families. When I first read this novel in freshman year, I adored it, and that opinion still prevails. Simplistic in the plotline and transparent in the affirmations of love over hate, Romeo and Juliet provides a timeless theme that expands over generations. The play is a classic, a true treasure. While some tropes may seem cliched at times, the play’s timeless exploration of love overpowers those moments. Romeo and Juliet has held value for centuries, with different adaptations and interpretations still made to this day. The hopeless romantic in me will forever love this story due to its portrayal of love as an overpowering force that overcomes all obstacles. I feel everyone should read a Shakespeare play once in their life. His writing invites conversations on the world around, allowing students to utilize their critical thinking skills, drawing connections between the past and present.
Tuesdays with Morrie — Mitch Albom
Taught during sophomore year, Tuesdays with Morrie instantly and absolutely captivated me. As soon as I read the first page of the book, I was hooked. I read the entire book in one sitting; tears welled in my eyes as I did so. The true story depicts the relationship between the author, Mitch Albom, and his former sociology professor, who is dying from Lou Gehrig’s disease. The memoir recounts their reconnection after years of no contact, following along as they discuss topics ranging from greed and forgiveness to death and the purpose of life. With emotional appeal, Tuesdays with Morrie reminds us of what truly matters in life, homing in on the importance of cherishing relationships and staying true to yourself. This memoir has truly stuck with me over the years. I can still recount when I lost myself within the pages, creating a connection with Mitch and Morrie. The wisdom and insight they share cemented itself within my veins, making it a book I’ll never forget. Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to feel, as it is a reminder of the simple yet profound truths in life.
The Color Purple — Alice Walker
The Color Purple, a novel read during my junior year, follows Celie, an abused and uneducated black woman living in rural Georgia. The story is told through a collection of painfully honest letters to the individual Celie trusts more than anyone: God. As the story progresses, the reader follows her struggles with abusive men, teenage pregnancy, and a morose situation. Celie learns to overcome the stereotypes placed upon her in childhood, transforming into a strong, independent woman. One of my favorite aspects of this novel surrounds the way Walker presents Celie’s inner thoughts. To further emphasize that Celie is uneducated, Walker includes poor vernacular, adding errors within spelling and grammar. Overall, Walker’s captivating message in the novel is one that I feel everyone should hear. Celie’s journey to finding self-worth, while persevering against all the odds, touched my heart to no end. Moreover, I would recommend the The Color Purple to anyone in search of a moving, powerful story.
The Handmaid’s Tale — Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale is a brilliant yet terrifying book taught to seniors. Written with simplistic prose and sheer attention to detail, the story depicts women’s struggles in a world where America, in the not-so-distant future, has turned into a totalitarian theocracy. By exploring the ways a government can control people, the novel depicts a patriarchal society that suppresses women’s civil rights. The dystopian horror mirrors society by bridging the gap between the world we know now and the world we could become. Many novels have moved me in the past, but none have emotionally affected me to the extent this book did. If I’m being honest, I don’t have many words to describe this novel. It is deafening, with a palpable weight attached to the dullness of the handmaid Offred’s life. Nevertheless, the dullness is the point because once you have your rights stripped away, life itself becomes dull. I would a hundred percent recommend this novel, as it is a message all need to hear. The Handmaid’s Tale provides awareness, supplying an outlet for conversations surrounding the outcome of complacency and how one can unfairly wield power.
The Great Gatsby — F. Scott Fitzgerald
The first time I ever picked up The Great Gatsby was months before I was ever taught the novel in class during my junior year. I didn’t appreciate the book at first–to be honest, the plot went entirely over my head. However, on my second read, I found myself enthralled with the world Fitzgerald created. The novel centers around the lives of America’s higher echelon in the 1920s, primarily those in New York City and West Egg on Long Island. Fitzgerald’s poetic writing drew me in instantly, ingeniously stringing words together to create a deeply layered, well-constructed story. While on the surface, the story may present as an engaging tale of passion and pizazz, the symbolism interwoven throughout the novel reaches far beyond. Everything is a symbol, and that’s what makes the story so unique. As an English fanatic, I adore stories that require analysis, the ones that call for a deeper understanding. Fitzgerald’s writing allows you to treasure hunt as you go, pondering each sentence—especially those that seem inconsequential. Nevertheless, The Great Gatsby is excellent for purely entertainment purposes and only becomes extraordinarily powerful through deep, thorough examination.
