By Shreya Prabhu
Now that it’s summer, you may be tempted to spend hours surfing the web, but don’t forget about your reading. Reading can help to slow down your life and create focus during a time where days can seem to blend together. I have compiled a list of some of my favorite reads that are perfect for your TBR list (to be read). These books are all different, but the main thing they share is female protagonists, which I always look for in my books. Happy reading!
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
This well-paced journalistic novel follows the life of Henrietta Lacks, a poor African-American woman who died of cervical cancer in the 1950s. Without Henrietta’s knowledge, doctors took her cancer cells, which had spread to every corner of her body, to do research. They were the first immortal cells, proving to be revolutionary in treatments for cancer and other deadly diseases. Author Rebecca Skloot took the hard facts of Henrietta’s life, combining them with beautiful language and chapters of her own experience investigating the life of Henrietta, creating a masterpiece that cannot be overlooked. Although this book is a quick and easy read, it provides the intricacies of a high school novel and deals with issues such as race and class while also tackling the biology behind cancer. It is so different from most of the books I’ve read both in and out of school because it discusses both themes of science and racism. Additionally, the author’s writing style is inquisitive and bounces between the past and present, creating a more lively read. This engrossing book is for ages 12+ and is one that should be treasured for years to come!
The Nightingale
This timeless tale of World War II covers an intimate part of history that is often overlooked: the women’s war. This work of historical fiction tells the story of two sisters separated by years and circumstance, each embarking on their own journey of love and freedom in war-torn France. The Nightingale is a heartbreaking novel that tests the durability of women as well as the strength of sisterly bonds. Dashes of romance and mystery are carefully woven together by the melancholy facts of World War II. I recommend this book because it is emotional, raw, and unique. It provides the often overlooked point of view of the woman in WWII, while also providing important historical context. Kristin Hannah’s graceful writing style truly transports you into the world the main characters Vianne and Isabelle live in.This book will make you laugh, cry, and smile simultaneously. It has also been turned into a film which was released in 2019. Due to the more mature topics covered in this book, it is recommended for ages 15+.
Little Fires Everywhere
Heartwarming and relevant, Little Fires Everywhere is the perfect read for teenagers. Throughout the story, main characters Lexi, Pearl, Mrs. Richardson and Elena grapple with moral issues relating to motherhood and the topic of nature vs. nurture. This novel dives into the depths of human character and how we must choose between emotions and facts. Little Fires Everywhere reveals the weight of secrets and deals with heavy topics. I recommend this book because the choices in the book aren’t black and white, its characters take more unpredictable routes with many twists and turns along the way. There is diversity in character types and the change in perspectives from character to character is seamless. You fully understand each character’s perspective even if their actions are morally wrong. The story has also been adapted into a successful TV show starring Reese Witherspoon and other famous actors. This is the kind of book you will never forget. Covering some adult subjects, it is recommended to those 15+.
