Our staff book recommendations for National Read a Book Day – Reveille

Tomorrow, Sept. 6, is National Read a Book Day, and while some students might be wary of hitting the books outside of the classroom, others find reading a great way to unwind from campus stress. Whether you prefer an educating non-fiction read or an immersive science fiction story, our staff has picked the books they would recommend to any student looking for a page-turner to enjoy this Labor Day weekend.

Paul Tibbets

I understand that many of us are reading heaps of books for class, but trust me when I say that you will want to make room for “Hyperion” by Dan Simmons, a 1989 sci-fi space opera inspired by the poetry of John Keats and “The Canterbury Tales.” The story is structured quite similarly to the latter with each character recounting what led them to the remote planet that they meet on. Each tale is written with different genre conventions from detective thriller to body horror to action romance. In and between each captivating chapter are riveting and beautifully written discussions on the nature of the universe, religion, philosophy and love. This is a book that truly has everything; it is a no brainer that this is widely considered to be one of the greatest in its genre.

Kadence Hall

My to-be-read list is a few football fields long, so I don’t often reread books. The 2013 novel “Counting by 7’s” by Holly Goldberg Sloan has been my only exception to this rule. Now on my third read, the main character Willow continues to surprise me with her dedication to finding community while grieving both her parents. The novel is intended for middle school-aged readers, but I believe anyone can find strength in Willow’s commitment to persevering and building a life for herself. Sloan’s novel is both a reminder of the importance of community and a testament to how deeply one story can affect you.

Sarah Walton

It’s exceedingly rare for me to read out of my comfort zone. Having read over 40 books this year, I usually stick to classics, romance and fantasy. There are hundreds of fiction novels that are more than deserving to be read, but John Green’s “Everything is Tuberculosis” is arguably one of the best and most important books of this decade. As an anthropology major, I enjoy talking about the human condition, especially society’s relationship to the human body. Green’s novel is a look into the history, impact and science behind a centuries-old disease that still runs rampant despite the world’s capacity to eradicate it. It is a beautiful, yet heartbreaking look into a disease that affects millions but almost never gets the spotlight.

Paige Cheramie

To dive into the twisted mind of a young president Coriolanus Snow, pick up a copy of “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” by Suzanne Collins. A part of the Hunger Games franchise, the story follows Coriolanus through his final year of academy, where he is tasked to be a mentor in the 10th annual Hunger Games. To raise the stakes, the participating students are told that the best mentor will win the Plinth Prize, which would cover the cost of university. Snow will do whatever it takes to win that prize, stopping at nothing.

Lily Centola

The novel “A Little Life” is a book I believe everyone should read at least once in their life. By following four college best friends, it depicts how complex life is, the different hardships people go through and how that affects those around them. If you are looking for a good cry and a reminder that everyone is in this life together you should read this book. As protagonist Jude St. Francis slowly reveals his life to his friends, he begins to let them help carry his burden. Watching Jude’s friends show him unconditional love after his hardship is truly heartwarming; but be warned — this book is heartbreaking.

Mia Vizzi

With the U.S. Open in full swing, it feels like the best time to read “Carrie Soto Is Back” by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The novel follows a legendary tennis player who comes out of retirement to reclaim her record, broken by a younger, spryer athlete. Carrie isn’t without her faults — she is often cold and cunning to anyone in her path, including those close to her. In her journey to once again become a top-performing athlete, Carrie learns that winning isn’t everything and love isn’t just a zero on the scoreboard.