When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control the way you are responding to what is happening. Focus on what you can control and how you choose to deal with whatever life throws at you. I think we can all agree that reality right now isn’t the prettiest, regarding the current happenings. So The Nest has selected a few books that will take you on some amazing adventures and make you forget about this challenging times.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho:
Follows the journey of Santiago, a shepherd that has a recurring dream of being a prophet. He leaves Spain in the search for a mystery treasure and ends up all the way in the hot deserts of Egypt. The story is dazzling with a captivating simplicity and soul stirring-wisdom. It challenges the reader to consider the true purpose of a journey and what a treasure may look like. Next book is one of my personal favorites. Being part of a three part story.
Endgame by James Frey and Nils Johnson-Shelton:
Honestly this book has it all. Twisted, fun, addictive, shocking, confusing, diverse, gripping, action-packed. It forces you to read at a rapid pace, it steals your breath away and increases your heart rate. A complex plot that hooks you up right away and it is all in all addictive. At first it may seem as a tweaked version of the Hunger Games but that isn’t nearly true. This book follows the story of twelve descendants from twelve different civilizations so right away there is a lot of diversity. The goal of the hunt is to find three keys scattered across the world. There are no rules. What makes this book even more interesting is the incorporated puzzle that invites the reader to solve it. This book has so many mixed reviews that it’s hard to keep track but I truly think it’s worth it.
I’ll give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson:
Prepare to cry and get your heart broken. The story of twins Noah and Jude that were once as close as bound to the hip but now couldn’t be further apart. A half and half book told from both twins' perspectives. Showing how the same tragic event has such diverse effects on two different people. A book about art, people, humanity, emotions and flawed human nature. Makes you fall in love with the world and with a feeling you cannot describe. A story that would appeal to any heart no matter what type of person you are. This book is written in such an interesting manner, giving the reader the sensation that the words and actions flow like honey water all smoothly and well tangled. This award-winning novel will leave you feeling a certain type of way, breathless, crying, content and happy.
The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris:
A novel based on interviews conducted with the Holocaust survivors and Auschwitz- Birkenau tattooist Ludwig Sokolov. A touching love story that unfolds in the midst of a disaster. Lale (Ludwig) is the tattooist of Auschwitz, this position earning him more rations, better sleeping conditions and medication. His generosity saved lives that would’ve otherwise be doomed. One day while tattooing he comes across Gita who’s stone cold face and emotionless appearance attracts Lale in an indescribable way. An extraordinary documented story portraying resilience, survival, strength, dignity and how compassion and hope can take you through the darkest times.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde:
Written in Oscar Wilde’s fashionable manner, The Picture of Dorian Gray is the story of the radiantly handsome and wealthy Dorian Gray who makes a life altering decision after a grim conversation with Lord Henry Wotton. Dorian is pulled in this universe of aristocratic hedonism and believes that beauty is the only thing worth pursuing in life. After the stark realization that beauty is fleeting, Dorian sells his soul in return for eternal youth all the while the portrait created by his artist friend Basil ages instead and shows Dorian’s every sin. A gothic and philosophical novel that studies shallowness, vanity and selfishness.
Becoming Steve Jobs: The Evolution of a Reckless upstart into a Visionary Leader by Brent Schlender:
An unauthorized biography that has become a #1 New York Bestseller. It breaks down the myths and stereotypes about Steve Jobs. Portraying the journey of the genius-jerk that started an empire from his parents garage. This book contains stories never told before from sources that were close to Jobs. An inspirational story about human growth and how Jobs struggled to become more patient, to trust his inner circle and allow people to help him for the better of the company. A true insight on his life that will change your view of Steve Jobs.
Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur:
A beautiful collection of short poems and prose that includes themes of survival, love, loss, violence. Through thick and thin. Short lines that are meant to make you feel and think. Separated into four parts each with its own purpose. Empowering and emotional.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas:
Even if you saw the movie this book is worth the read. The story of Starr Carter who has to split herself between her home life and school. As if her life wasn’t difficult enough, the balance she tried too hard to withhold is shattered after her friend Khalil is shot by a police officer. Starr once again has to decide, will she stay silent and protect her family or speak up for Khalil. The Hate U Give talks about institutional racism and how flawed the criminal justice system reacts when marginalized communities try and stand up for their own justice.
Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything by Joshua Foer:
A book that exploded on the markets becoming an instant bestseller and said to stay a classic. It recounts Joshua Foer’s quest to improve his memory. Foer was a journalist who wrote a story on the U.S Memory Championship and his own work intrigued him so much that he decided to take up the challenge. He spent a whole year training to become a “ Mental Athlete “. It covers the history of memorization all the way to ancient Greeks. I definitely recommend this to high school students who are preparing for exams.
The Vital Question: Energy, Evolution, and the Origins of Complex Life by Nick Lane:
The work of English Biochemist Nick Lane explaining the evolution and origin of life on Earth. Exploring the black hole in biology that is why complex life is what it is and how it came to be. Nick Lane’s reframes evolutionary history. A real mind turner and one of the most popular science books. It has the ability to explain complex biology to even the most ignorant reader. A full biology lesson in a few pages. To my fellow nerds and bio-chem students I wholeheartedly recommend this book.
A tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens:
After eighteen years as a political prisoner in the Bastille, Doctor Manette is released and reunited with his beloved daughter in England. There the lives of an exiled French aristocrat Charles Darnay and the brilliant English lawyer Sydney Carton intertwine with their shared love for Lucie Manette. They strain away from the quiet streets of London and end up on the bloodthirsty and vengeful allies of Paris. A suspenseful, comedic work full of meaningful description and commentary about the French Revolution.
All in all we tried to choose a list of varied books that would keep our readers entertained and give them an escape from the new day to day life in confinement we are all forced to live. We hope to awaken your reading appetite or at least give you some books to add on your reading list.
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