When winter arrives, many people have different reactions: some are excited for winter sports, snow, and the holiday season; others just want it to be over as fast as possible. No matter your feelings in December, as the months wear on, everyone needs some good novels to get them through the long nights. Even if you do not consider yourself a reader, it can help you relax and learn while giving you a break from screens. Reading is proven to help memory, increase focus, reduce stress, and enhance empathy and creativity. The following are five books that represent a couple of different genres.
The first book fits into what Netflix would call the “sword and sandal” genre. Lesley Livingston’s Valiant series takes place during the time of the Roman Empire and follows the journey of a young northern princess named Fallon as she is captured and taken to be a gladiator in Ceasar's arena. This series, a trilogy, is comprised of The Valiant, The Defiant, and The Triumphant. Action packed and filled with adventure, the Valiant trilogy is a great way to pass the time and learn a little history in the process.
In the next novel, we jump into the future. War Girls by Tochi Onyebuchi is a futuristic book set in post-apocalyptic Nigeria. The story follows two sisters, Onyii and Ify, who are separated in battle as they try and navigate a civil war tearing their country apart. This book is followed by Rebel Sisters, the second book in this duology. Fast paced and dramatic, Onyebuchi’s words really makes the reader think about the future of the world around them, and what one can do to help prevent the worst.
If you are a fan of a bunch of French kids running around and stealing stuff, then the next selection is right up your alley. The Wiz Mob and the Grenadine Kid by Colin Meloy is a fun adventure story depicting the adventures of a young American boy named Charlie Fisher. Charlie has not found anything to interest him since moving to France with his ambassador father until one day when he sees a gang of kids pull off a heist in the middle of the street. He defends one of the pickpockets in return for lessons in crime, until he finds out that they are a part of a worldwide child-pickpocket organization. Charlie soon realizes that he might have gotten in over his head, and that there are more dire consequences than he could ever imagine. A stand-alone book, this story will bring you into a fascinating world where children are the boss.
Everyone has heard of all heard of murder mystery legends such as Agatha Christie, Sir. Arthur Conan Doyle, and Stephen King. However, there are hundreds of just as captivating mysteries authored by others just waiting to be discovered. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley is the first book in a series, telling the stories of deadly mysteries happening in the small-town of Bishop’s Lacey. Eleven-year-old Flavia de Luce is a chemical genius living in the 1950s English countryside. When her father is accused of murder, she must use all her brilliance to prove him innocent. The second book in the eleven-part series is The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag. The Flavia de Luce novels will keep you on the edge of your seat, never knowing what is around the next bend and still wanting more.
This final recommendation is one of the most critically acclaimed fantasy novels ever written and is akin to champions in the industry such as The Lord of the Rings and The Stormlight Archive. The Name of the Wind is the first book in The Kingkiller Chronicles trilogy written by Patrick Rothfuss. The second book, The Wise Man’s Fear, was released in 2011 and the last book in the series, The Doors of Stone, has no release date yet. The plot follows a young bartender as he tells his life story to a chronicler, with the first book being the first day of storytelling, and so on. Follow along as the protagonist, Kvothe, tells of his childhood tragedy, journey into genius, and quest to avenge his family.
Let these books take you to a whole new world and experience the unimaginable. Other suggestions include The Mysterious Benedict Society, The Stormlight Archive, The Renegades, and Wildwood, along with classics like The Lord of the Rings, Pride and Prejudice, and Murder on the Orient Express. If you want more suggestions, you can always ask the lovely librarians for advice.
Comments