With Winter Break approaching, there is now an opportunity to curl up, relax, and read a good book. Whatever your interests, the Stan State campus community has you covered with a wide range of (new and old) book recommendations!

Classics

“The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger

Recommended by Stan State English professor Dr. Kate Hope, this coming-of-age classic is a must-have for your repertoire. “The Catcher in the Rye” will reel you in with its wit and charm as well as its deep metaphors and approach to mental health. Many have tried to adapt this novel into a film but none have succeeded, solely due to Salinger’s wishes. There is, however, a 2017 film entitled “Rebel in the Rye” about Salinger himself that depicts Salinger as being quite similar to his famous teen protagonist.

“Frankenstein” by Mary Shelly

Stan State student Bernadette Bray (junior, English) says, “Halloween and the time for spooky stories may be over, but this book is still a classic that deserves a read all year ‘round! The language takes a little bit to get used to, but if you’re interested in science fiction definitely check out the book that started the whole genre way back in 1818.” Signal editor Bobbi Solano (senior, English) also recommends this classic. “Shelley is truly the ultimate for me,” Solano shares, “She wrote a book that has become canon during a scary story contest with some of her time’s greatest minds…at 18 years old. This book has so many layers and every time I read it, I notice something new. This book is the embodiment of why I’m an English major.”

YA Fiction

“Lotería” by Mario Alberto Zambrano

Recommended by Stan State English professor Dr. Stephanie Paterson, this book is not only rich in its narrative, but aesthetically pleasing in appearance alone. According to Goodreads (as linked above), “Lotería” tells the tale of a 11-year-old Luz Castillo, who is placed into the custody of the state with her father in jail and her older sister hospitalized. “Alone in her room, [Luz] retreats behind a wall of silence, writing in her journal and shuffling through a deck of Lotería cards-a Mexican version of bingo featuring bright, colorful images” as a way of sorting through her life and the truth about her family’s unraveling.

“Long Way Down” by Jason Reynolds

“Long Way Down,” recommended by Dr. Hope, is an immensely suspenseful and provocative novel. According to Goodreads, linked above, the story “takes place in sixty potent seconds—the time it takes a kid to decide whether or not he’s going to murder the guy who killed his brother.” If that doesn’t catch your attention then I don’t know what will! Written in free verse, Reynold’s writing is powerful and psychological in the best way.

“Turtles All the Way Down” by John Green

Dr. Hope and many others are in love with the work of John Green. Green’s style is profound and gritty in its approach to adolescence. Green’s writing will likely make you cry at some point, laugh at many others, and leave you pondering its messages for weeks after you’ve finished reading. “Turtles All the Way Down” is Green’s latest publication and it is uniquely captivating to read. The novel expertly conveys the effects of mental illness while also weaving a tale of mystery, romance and humor. You can’t go wrong with a good John Green book! Or a movie, as there are film/T.V. show adaptations of his books “The Fault In Our Stars,” “Paper Towns,” “Looking for Alaska” and “Let It Snow.”

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky

Suggested by Dr. Hope, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a beautifully memorable coming-of-age novel. Written in an epistolary style through a series of journal entries, the book tells the tale of protagonist Charlie Kelmeckis. Charlie is entering his freshman year in High School, and he does not have any friends. Charlie’s journey brings him new friends, exciting experiences, tragic revelations and struggles with mental health. Much like John Green, Chbosky’s writing is profound and will leave you thinking about the story long after it’s over. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” also has a film adaptation starring Logan Lerman, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller.

“The Scott Pilgrim” series by Bryan Lee O’Malley

Stan State junior Hector Yerena (junior, English) recommends this series of 6 graphic novels, which have also been made into a 2010 movie adaptation, written by author Bryan Lee O’ Malley.  Yerena says, “This series pertains to the character Scott Pilgrim and how he falls in love with a girl named Ramona Flowers. He wants to be with her but for that to happen, he needs to defeat her 7 deadly ex-boyfriends! I recommend this series for its humor and charm, the art style is also really nice, and the characters are very enjoyable too!”

“The Witcher” series by Andrzej Sapkowski

Yerena describes this series of 9 books, which have also been adapted into a series of video games and a show on Netflix, as following “the adventures of the main character named Geralt of Rivia, A Witcher who is known to develop supernatural-like powers early on in their lives and battle monsters and threats.” Yerena says, “I recommend this series due to the characters and the action that occurs in the story, it’s very exciting and enjoyable if you want to dive in and escape reality for a little while and just see how Geralt tackles his challenges and meets new and fascinating characters along the way!”

Historical Fiction

“The Essex Serpent” by Sarah Perry

Recommended by Stan State English professor Dr. Brian Psiropoulos, “The Essex Serpent” is a complex novel that grapples with gothic fiction, romance, science, religion and supersition. The premise is about a newly widowed woman who leaves London for coastal Essex with her son and his nanny. There she finds herself investigating the rumored presence of a beast named the Essex Serpent with a vicar by the name of William Ransome.

“Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen

You cannot go wrong with this suggestion from Dr. Hope. “Water for Elephants” presents a unique story about the circus during the Great Depression. This novel has it all: a captivating setting, a secret romance, a band of misfits and one disturbing animal trainer. Gruen’s writing will draw you into her world and you just might not be able to stop! There is also a 2011 movie adaptation of the novel.

Nonfiction

“The Best American Essays” by André Aciman

This recommendation by Dr. Paterson is an excellent option for those that want to read shorter works instead of full-length novels. According to Goodreads (linked above), the essays center on “people facing moments of deep uncertainty, searching for a greater truth.” This selection is guaranteed to be thought-provoking.

“Palestine” by Joe Sacco

Dr. Psiropoulos provides a work of great importance here that demands to be read. Sacco’s graphic novel is a painful depiction of Palestinian suffering that Sacco discovered through several months of research and an extended visit to the West Bank and Gaza Strip in the early 1990s. This novel is both historically and culturally enlightening. “Palestine” shows just how important it is to obtain every perspective within a narrative, as the entire story changes depending upon who tells it.

Mystery, Psychological and Science Fiction

“Roadside Picnic” by Arkady & Boris Strugatsky

Recommended by Dr. Psiropoulos, this science-fiction tale is a chilling insight into human nature. “Roadside Picnic” was written in Russia during the time of the Soviet Union and is about a future in which aliens have come to earth and left–leaving behind a dangerous “Zone” that offers both dangers and desires to humanity. Scientists and “stalkers,” or essentially thieves, alike travel into the deadly Zone for many reasons, but it is the final quest at the end of the novel that perhaps has the most impact on humanity. Long after finishing the philosophical and existential writing of the Strugatskys, you will be left pondering the ramifications of their dark and symbolic subject matter.

“The Gabriel Allon Series” by Daniel Silva

Bray shares, “This is my favorite series of all time. It follows the career of the reluctant Israeli spy Gabriel Allon. While there are upwards of 20 books in the series, I have found that each one can be read independently of the others due to the fact that Silva provides enough background information in each book for the reader to find their bearings. Prepare for quite a bit of bloodshed, but given that these are spy thrillers what can you expect?”

“The Prodigal Daughter” by Jeffrey Archer

Bray says that this novel was an interesting read, and “while it is a bit antiquated having been first published in 1982, the political intrigue aged quite well. I won’t give too much of the plot away (no one likes spoilers) but I will say that the main character’s final scene is one that may well come into being for a real life woman in politics that we all know.”

Romantic Fiction

“The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger

This suggestion by Dr. Hope is absolutely timeless, pun intended. There is also a 2009 film adaptation for this beautiful and tragic love story about a boy that spontaneously jumps through time outside of his control while he and his wife struggle to maintain a normal life and relationship together.

“The Little Paris Bookshop” by Nina George

Brays says this is “A great book for people who love reading, but even those who aren’t vicarious readers can get into the story. My favorite feature is the ‘Jean Perdu’s Emergency Literary Pharmacy’ in the back of the book, which lists all of the books referenced throughout the story in an adorable fashion. It’s like a built in recommendation of what to read next!”

“The Gargoyle” by Andrew Davidson

Bray shares, “I’ll be honest, I found the beginning of this book very unsettling in it’s vivid and detailed descriptions of the car accident that one of the main characters finds himself in. However, I stuck it out and I am certainly glad I did! I would call this somewhat of a modern retelling of Beauty and the Beast, if you were to give Belle the castle and the enchantment.”

Memoirs

“My Time Among The Whites” by Jennine Capó Crucet

Recommended by Dr. Paterson, this memoir tackles the life of a refugee, the American Dream, perseverance, culture, exclusion, self-discovery, individuality and empowerment. According to Goodreads, as linked above, the memoir is about “first-generation American Jennine Capó Crucet [as she] explores the condition of finding herself a stranger in the country where she was born.” There are few better ways to learn about life and obtain wisdom from others than to read their stories and hear what they have to say.

“The Best We Could Do” by Thi Bui

This memoir and graphic novel selected by Dr. Psiropoulos is a detailed and captivating tale of one family’s displacement in a country during wartime, their experience immigrating to America and the author’s discovery of her own identity through the lives of her parents. This novel is an illuminating tale of perspective, discovery and the complexities of family.

The Signal staff have also provided some contributions for your winter reading list (pictured above). Editor Bobbi Solano adds “More Than Enough” by Elaine Welteroth, “The Shining” by Stephen King and “Shrill” by Lindy West to the Signal list.  

“More Than Enough” Solano says, “takes a look into the success of a Black woman in her industry and her resilience throughout her life as she chases out her dream. Her story is incredible and so inspiring. The sky really is the limit.” King’s classic is, in Solano’s words, “So so good. I had seen the film before reading the book and it’s very much a slow burn like the movie. I also like that it’s not necessarily scary or too overly scary to where the reader can’t focus on the language, craftsmanship, and story. Despite this being a pretty hefty book in terms of its length, I got through it in less than three days.” 

“Shrill” is another memoir similar to “More Than Enough” in that it provides an inspirational and unique life story. “Being a plus sized woman is hard,” Solano says, “We take up more space than everyone else, but because we don’t fit society’s mold, we’re overlooked. A book that looks at multiple points in Lindy’s life and career, she shares her experiences, outlook, successes, and advice. She is so outspoken and not afraid to be truthful, and I can only hope to be like her one day. Bonus: this book inspired a Hulu series, so say hello to two of your winter break binges!”

The selection of good reading material out there is endless! Copies can be purchased online through sites like Amazon, Thriftbooks, Barnes and Noble and more. Not to mention, you can always request a copy from your local library! If your appetite for new books is still hungry for more recommendations after this article, consider joining the Signal book club. The previous Fall selections and this month’s pick can be found here.