Hi all!! I used to read books all the time in middle school and high school (turning 30 this year) and have been meaning to get back into reading but have been struggling to find books I enjoy, so would love any and all suggestions:)
Some books I have read recently (in reverse chronological order, and a rating out of 5):
- The Stranger by Albert Camus (enjoyed it! 4.5)
- Lord of the Flies by William Golding (thought it was ok, 3)
- The Woman in the Dunes by Kobo Abe (enjoyed it, 4)
- Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner (couldn't get past the first few pages… felt the writing was a little incoherent but probably just not for me)
- The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (excellent!! 5)
- When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (AMAZING, solid 5)
Growing up, I had tons of fun reading the Hunger Games series, the Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz, Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk, tons of Roald Dahl books, a few of the books from A Series of Unfortunate Events.. many teen/YA books…except Harry Potter… couldn't get past the 2nd book.
Just some more info, I am an architect/designer and during grad school I had read a ton of architecture books, papers, and essays dissecting art and architecture history/theory/culture which was definitely interesting and I can't see myself doing that again. BUT I would love a good story that somehow incorporates these themes in them.
by baby_yoga
1 Comment
Albert Camus is typically viewed as a hallmark absurdism writer. To combine that with the dystopian aspect stemming from your enjoyment of *The Hunger Games*, I present to you *Player Piano* by Kurt Vonnegut.
Dystopian is the only shared characteristic to *The Hunger Games* lol, it is not a fight to the death battle royale in any way. But I found it to be an alarmingly realistic portrayal of a dystopian society which is framed through the lens of humankind’s degradation of purpose through being replaced by technology in the workforce and at home.
There are probably other recs out there which fit the themes of your 5/5 books you listed better than what I’ve pieced together here. But I had to jump at the opportunity nonetheless, as *Player Piano* quickly became a favorite of mine after I read it last month!