As a child, I was the biggest bookworm in all of O’Fallon. Whenever I would be disciplined my parents would not take away electronics, they would take away my books. As I have grown into a young woman, I have been able to grow in my reading and understanding of complex, nuanced ideas that are entwined in the literary world. Books have had the power to move me emotionally and allow me to connect with characters inside a story. Below are some books that helped shape me as a person.
“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
This book is a timeless tale of the struggles of being a woman in 19th-century America. The story follows the March family, who have four girls with a caring mother, housekeeper and a father at war. All four March sisters take different paths throughout their life, which introduces a theme of individualism and paints a picture of all the aspirations women had in a time when they were not given equal opportunities. I first read this book when I was in eighth grade, following the release of the 2019 “Little Women” movie. I was captivated almost immediately by the raw emotional story Alcott depicts and felt incredibly moved by the history of women in America. Even today, messages from this book are relevant to all members of society.
“Wuthering Heights” by Emily Bronte
This classic written in the 19th century follows a complicated love between Catherine “Cathy” Earnshaw and Heathcliff. It explores themes of grief, revenge and status in upper society. While reading this book I felt myself becoming emotionally drawn to Earnshaw and Heathcliff’s story. Needless to say, this book is the ultimate “will they, won’t they” story guiding readers through the thick trials and tribulations of two individuals in love.
“Solitaire” by Alice Oseman
If you have ever seen or heard of the “Heartstopper” book series and TV show, this book might be for you. It follows Charlie Springs’s older sister, Tori Springs, and her struggles with mental health and relationships. On paper, the book seems very basic and almost like every other teen coming-of-age story, but Oseman captures the essence of being an adolescent woman gearing up to take on adult life. She creates Tori Springs as a character that everyone can at least relate to once. This book made me feel seen and think, “Wow, I’m not the only one who has those concerns.”
“Daisy Jones & the Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reed
Set in the 70s rock ‘n’ roll era in Hollywood, this book stood out to me. Written in the form of interview transcripts, it follows the story of a legendary fictional band: Daisy Jones and the Six. It dives into the realities behind show business, the complications and nuances in everyone’s life, and creates a legendary love triangle. I read this book in one sitting and immediately had to re-read it. The story is so well written and easy to follow, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next.
