With the sun shining and days of nothingness beckoning, reading a book seems to be the last thing anyone wants to do this summer. But did you ever think that you could read for fun? I know, it seems unbelievable, especially after a semester of what felt like never ending assigned readings. However, there are tons of amazing books just waiting to be read. We at the Clog suggest you give reading a chance. Here’s some of our book picks for a day at the beach or an afternoon picnic — trust us, these are worth the read.
A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan.
A daring story cycle that acts as a commentary on pop music and the technological age, this novel stitches various stories together to create an interesting narrative about coming of age and the power of music. Featuring a chapter that is entirely powerpoint slides, this book will charge your creative juices.
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
One woman’s journey of self discovery, this memoir follows the author as she treks across the Pacific Crest Trail with no training and nothing really but the force of her sheer will. Each page is dusted with humor and wit, and captures the spirit of Strayed’s healing journey. Who knows? Maybe you’ll want to go hiking after the read!
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
This mystery novel is told in the voice of a 15 year old boy who’s at times aided and at times hindered by his mild form of autism. The story follows him as he looks into the murder of his neighbor’s dog, which makes for an unpredictable and captivating story-line, as interesting for the protagonist as it is for the reader.
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
This book is narrated by a dog. Need we say more? Adorable and surprisingly complex, this novel follows Enzo, a dog who’s highly interested in the life of his master, an up and coming race car driver. Insightful and creative, you’ll be talking about this book long after you finish it.
State of Wonder by Ann Patchett
Set in the Amazon rainforest, this exploratory tale is a gripping account of the decisions we make in the name of love and mystery. Beautifully written and layered with accounts of the past and present, this novel is nearly impossible to put down. A perfect companion for your morning coffee!
With a lack of required reading, we hope these novels can offer something interesting to read and maybe reignite a lost love of books! Happy summer, Bears, and happy reading.
Contact Gillian Perry at gperry@dailycal.org.