Books you’ll actually want to read after class
Now is about the time of year where I drag myself out of my piles of textbooks and wistfully remember a forgotten pastime from summer days: reading for fun. After a day of class and homework, the last thing I want to do when I get home is read more, even if it’s not at all related to my schoolwork. However, whenever I do convince myself to read for fun, it’s often more relaxing than scrolling mindlessly through social media. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite recent reads to help you get inspired to find something fun to read.
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
Written by indie rock star Michelle Zauner (stage name Japanese Breakfast), Crying in H Mart is a memoir that explores Zauner’s childhood as a Korean American growing up in Oregon and her experience coping with grief after her mother passed away from cancer. It features mouth-watering descriptions of the Korean food Zauner turned to in hopes of connecting with her mother, as well as stories of discovering her identity and purpose that are sure to resonate with anyone in their 20s.
Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi
This book instantly sucked me into the world of Jayne and June, two sisters living very different lives in New York City. Jayne is a struggling college student and June is an accomplished, high-flying Wall Street professional - until she gets sick and needs her estranged sister’s help. It explores the boundaries of sibling relationships, the difficulties of dating as a young adult, and the complicated dynamics of returning home as an adult. Trigger warning: this book contains references to and descriptions of eating disorders.
To Shake the Sleeping Self by Jedidiah Jenkins
The debut novel of one of my favorite writers, To Shake the Sleeping Self details the true story of Jenkins’ transition from being a lawyer to cycling from Oregon to South America over the course of a year. He reflects on everything from the restorative power of travel to his inner conflict over being gay in a strongly religious family. This is the perfect book to read if you’re suffering from an itch to travel.
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger
Krueger is a well-known mystery novelist based in St. Paul. Ordinary Grace is one of his few stand-alone novels that takes place in the summer of 1961. As the Twins play their debut season and JFK takes office, a teenage boy investigates the mysterious death of his sister.
Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters
This novel follows Reese, a trans woman living in New York City, and her former partner Ames, a man who detransitioned and now has a child on the way with his boss. The two must navigate an uncertain future while dealing with their conflicted history. Debut author Peters writes relatably and intriguingly on love, family, and gender identity.
Buy local, or visit your library! Here are a few of my favorite local bookstores: