I have studied literature for 5 years. Now I'm in marketing and haven't read a book completely in 2 years. I look back at my reading list, and I see long, boring books that I'm sure I would have loved when I was at the beginning of my academics. But I don't want anything to do with them now. In the course of finding unique, diverse, and acclaimed books to read, I have lost the love of reading somewhere.
I want to feel the same way I felt when I read The Fault in Our Stars, The Bookseller of Kabul, or The Kite Runner. Something a bit 'deep' but readable. Something unique where I learn about different cultures or art forms and writers. It can be anything as long as it's not too difficult.
by New_Tart5484
4 Comments
Hi! Lit prof here that specializes in alternative canon. There’s no shame in abhorring your old academic reading list— they probably are boring as you said, especially if they are part of the long established traditional canon.
What do you like to watch/play now in your post academic space? I’d love to try and offer some suggestions based on what you do currently enjoy.
True Biz by Sara Novic
The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Donna Tartt’s 3 novels are interesting and literary.
Barbara Kingsolver’s “The Poisonwood Bible” is a favorite of mine.
Abraham Verghese “The Covenant of Water” and “Cutting for Stone”.
David Mitchell’s “Cloud Atlas” “Bone Clocks” “ Slade House”
The Milagro Beanfield War. Granted, it takes place in the States, but perhaps the most interesting things about the book is how these two cultures that have coexisted for years build up tension…
Well, actually, no. The best thing about the book is the characters. But it’s still a great book — just the right amounts of pathos and humor.