Recommended Reads, Trends
There’s no judging here. You can read 10 books every week or 10 books every decade and still call yourself a reader in my book. But even if you’re in the 10-per-week lot, you’ll come across a book now and again that slipped through the cracks. As an English major in college, I was required to read more than was humanly possible in a 24-hour day. So much, in fact, that when I come across an unread classic, I think, "How did I miss that one?" Skipped class that day? Nodded off while reading? Surely, it was required at some point. But, I missed it. And whenever conversations arise with literary pals, I confess to nodding along, grousing about how long it took to read or even falsely claiming a badge of honor for getting through that tome.
I’m pretty sure I’m not alone. English major or not, all of us have claimed to have read a book that we just didn’t. Maybe it never sounded interesting, even though everyone else thought so. Or you tried, and just couldn’t get past the first chapter. Maybe you stick to a certain genre, and this one just ain’t it. Is it possible that you’ve been lying for so long that you forgot you actually didn’t read it? So many of these false conquests tend to be classic literature, so it’s possible that your high school English teacher skipped it. After all, teachers can’t reasonably assign them all.
Is this the year to finally come clean and read all those books you said you read, but didn’t? I’m not sure, because life’s too short to read books you’re not feeling. Regardless, it’s fun to take a look at some of the books that may have escaped us and consider if you’re finally ready to pick them up:
 | 1984 by George Orwell This 1949 dystopian novel has been referenced so often in popular culture, I feel like I’ve read it. But I’m here to come clean. So often, I’ve felt drawn to see what all the fuss is about, but I always end up opting for lighter fare. Although it’s been almost 8 decades since Orwell imagined 1984, there remains a haunting relevancy today. |
 | The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger Although originally written for adults, many teens have gravitated toward this novel, identifying with the main character, 17-year-old Holden Caulfield. If you missed this one during that time of adolescent angst, you might be feeling like a “phony” and ready to finally give this coming-of-age classic a read. |
 | Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling If you haven’t heard of the Harry Potter series, where have you been the past 25 years? This boy wizard captivated young and old readers alike in his wizarding world. I chose to listen to the audiobook (which totally still counts as reading, btw), but I can imagine the release of the movie series made liars out of some of us. Still, the series had many of us under its spell, and that likely won’t be broken. |
 | Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace This book is over 1,000 pages, so you have to be a committed reader to take this on. Among literary circles in college, reading this one gave you bragging rights, and actually understanding the complex work catapulted you to a godly status. I was never brave enough to have claimed to have read this classic work, but give all the credit for those who do. |
 | War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy Another book that will track a workout on your fitness tracker just by lifting it (thank goodness for the ebook version!). This behemoth will also earn you a seat on a high pedestal if you make your way through it. With the number of times I’ve seen this book displayed on a friend’s bookshelf, I always silently wonder, “Did you really read it?” Readers, if you’re looking for a challenge, you’ve met your match! |
 | Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Jane Austen is a treasure. That’s why it gives me no pleasure to say that I never read this book, and suspect that there are many others out there. Knowing the story so well, I never went back to read it when there are so many other stories to consume. But alas, being Austen’s most famous novel, there’s probably much to gain from reading the true rendition. |
 | Fifty Shades of Grey by E L James This book was polarizing. You either pretended you read it, or you pretended you didn’t read it. Either way, everyone was curious about the saucy book by an unknown author that skyrocketed to #1 on the New York Times bestseller list so quickly. Although I admit that I never actually read it, you can bet that I scanned through a copy for the juicy parts. A book that turned so many heads is worth another look... and a read. |
 | Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare Everyone knows this story, but how many of us have actually read it? Admittedly, I always had a hard time getting through Shakespearean writing and was grateful when the movie version came out to experience the magic without tripping up over some of the “proper” English phrasing (Shakespeare translator, anyone?). But a story that’s survived since the 1500s has some serious staying power, and that’s reason enough to read. |
 | Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Another one where you likely know the story, but have you read the book by Mary Shelley? Or even know that Mary Shelley was the author? She actually wrote the book at the age of 19! An absolute staple if you're a fan of the horror genre, but if not, you may have fibbed about reading this one. This might be the perfect read to resurrect for the spooky season. |
Ready to face the truth and tackle any of these titles above? Download the Libby app and read the ebook or listen to the audiobook from your local library.
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