Three Easy Reads

Bored of just reading ubique? I know I’m not but if you are, check these great books out! (you traitor)

-editors note

Three Easy Reads

By Zaara Khayer

It- Stephen King

I recently read It this summer, only a couple of days before I went to school. Stephen King is a very renowned author and I felt that such a famous novel should not go unread. I loved the enrapturing realism Stephen King incorporates into his novels which blur the lines of reality and fiction. The overall uneasy tone and descriptions of his monsters make the reading experience even more immersive. For example, “The Werewolf suddenly swam out of the dark. Its forehead was low and prognathous, covered with scant hair. Its eyes were a dark brown, filled with horrible intelligence, horrible awareness.” The reason I decided to include this book was because it made me discover my deep love for horror novels and I think it could help others too. One lesson I learned from his books is that the scariest monsters are within us. I think anyone who loves childhood fears taken to a new level will enjoy It. 

1984- George Orwell

I read 1984 late last year. I decided to read it because I loved his book, Animal Farm, and thought 1984 would be a good read too. I loved the satirical tone used in 1984 and the symbolism in the novel. The book is fascinating to me because it represents the division between the rich and the poor in life, making it very relatable and interesting. The way George Orwell portrays Winston's character arc shows us how the government can make you believe that captivity is freedom if you are afraid enough.  For example, “The long-hoped-for bullet was entering his brain. But it was all right, everything was all right, the struggle was finished. He had won the victory over himself. He loved Big Brother.” One lesson I learned is that people are not what they always seem to be. People who love bittersweet and poignant novels would love 1984. 

The Freedom Writers Diary- Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers

I read Freedom Writers last year because of their renowned adaption, Freedom Writers on Netflix. I loved the nonfiction aspect of it and the emotion conveyed in the diary. This book also made the cut because it's very passionate about the racial and social views, conveying it in an entertaining and gritty manner. In the collection of diaries, we are taught about the struggles of drugs, gang activity, discrimination, abuse and violence that each adolescent has had to face from their own lives and how the safe space in their classroom (made possible by their amazing teacher) allowed them to persevere through school and graduate. Despite coming from poor backgrounds, they have managed to succeed in life. A key lesson in this book is that racists are not born, they are made and the only way we can live happily is to retaliate with trust and acceptance. People who love true, heartwarming stories will love Freedom Writers.