By: Jenna Cajayon
When Breath Becomes Air
Memoir – Paul Kalanithi
Paul Kalanithi, an American neurosurgeon and author of When Breath Becomes Air, thoughtfully conveys his innermost fears and philosophy upon his transition from being the doctor to suddenly becoming the patient. After graduating from Stanford with degrees in biology and literature, Kalanithi set off to Yale School of Medicine, where he would meet his wife, Lucy Goddard. Having desired a future of stability and the pursuit of intellectual vitality, Kalanithi dove into the world of neuroscience, which deals with the complex organ that sustains us as humans.
He envisioned a future in which the fruits of his labor would come to fruition in his journey to becoming a full-fledged doctor. Yet, this would not become the case due to his sudden diagnosis of a terminal illness— ultimately, lung cancer had reshaped the trajectory of his life. Kalanithi would explore the doctor-patient relationship, while also deeply pondering the meaning of life amidst great suffering and grief.
Reading When Breath Becomes Air rocked me to my core. Before I knew it, tears would stain every page and my heart would feel heavy. Yet, I was filled with a profound sense of gratitude for embracing my own mortality. Kalanithi’s sensitivity and bravery permeated every passage. Despite taking steps closer to the end of his life, his actions, acceptance of fate and strong will to write a book that openly conquered his fears beautifully answered the uncomfortable questions of life.
One moment that genuinely struck me was when Lucy and Paul were deciding on whether or not to have a child and Lucy questioned Paul if it would make his death more painful knowing full well who he was leaving behind. Yet, Paul responded with “Wouldn’t it be great if it did?” I said. Lucy and I both felt that life wasn’t about avoiding suffering.” Kalanithi’s raw and impactful voice echoes the very essence of living– though we may experience pain and anguish beyond great measures, there is still a life to be lived that is up to our discretion. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the healthcare field, philosophy and reading memoirs.
By: Muskaan Adeel
“As I closed my eyes, I realized that the true magic of life lies not in the extraordinary, but in the ordinary moments when we choose to see the beauty and potential in everything around us.”
187
Into the Magic Shop
Memoir – James R. Doty
“Into the Magic Shop” by James R. Doty is an incredibly touching book that hit home for me. It’s a memoir about the power of compassion, resilience and the magic within each of us. Doty’s story about his tough childhood and his chance encounter with a woman in a magic shop is heartwarming and inspiring. Her teachings about empathy, mindfulness and the incredible potential of our minds stuck with me.
What made this book even more special is that it inspired one of my all-time favorite songs, “Magic Shop” by BTS. The song’s message about finding comfort and healing within ourselves, especially during tough times, perfectly mirrors the themes in Doty’s memoir.
Discovering this connection between literature and music made my experience of reading “Into the Magic Shop” even more meaningful. Doty’s storytelling is so honest and heartfelt, filled with hope and inspiration. It’s a book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page, reminding you of the magic that exists within every one of us.
By: Aliyah Ramirez
“Who was it? Who was he thinking of when he ran in the dark to meet me in the cane field? Somebody golden, like my own golden boy, who I never ever saw but who tore up my girlhood as surely as if we’d been the best of lovers? Help me God help me if that was it, because I knew him and loved him better than anybody… Standing in the cane, he was trying to catch a girl he was yet to see, but his heart knew all about, and me, holding on to him but wishing he was the golden boy I never saw either. Which means from the very beginning I was a substitute and so was he.”
97
Jazz
Novel – Toni Morrison
A remarkable story of love, rage, and obsession. Diverse voices play a significant role within the novel’s intertwined parts as they capture past and present perspectives. Each line reads as if lyrics on the page.
Centered around the delicate story of Joe Trace and Violet, their love is broken and reborn as their stories progress. Actions speak volumes as the reader understands each side of a passionate love affair in a small urban town while tackling profound themes of race, power, and structure in society. This Nobel Prize-winning story showcases a rollercoaster of emotions and shapes a bitter reality for these characters’ faults and humane desires. Above all, the shattered and cracked surface of Joe and Violet’s relationship shapes a profound message of humility.
The brilliant Toni Morrison creates a notable story that immerses readers in the beautiful atmosphere of art and life.
By: Rachel Lei
“It doesn’t have long to live free either, before being imprisoned itself under a dense layer of snow.”
320
Murder in the Crooked House
Novel – Soji Shimada
Surely, nothing would happen when the president of a renowned diesel company invites eight guests to his crookedly-built mansion for a Christmas celebration, right? Well, when the doors slam closed and a cliche blizzard traps all of the guests, a series of murders take place, inviting YOU, the reader, to solve each one before the investigation comes to an end – but remember, each one must be stringed together to understand the full case.
This contemporary locked-room mystery is a creepy, enthralling read. Each scene seems never-ending, with every detail in the mansion laid out for the reader to see. From the position of the vents to the details in the flower bed, you’ll be sure to note down everything you read. But, be aware of subtle red herrings, and follow your gut instinct for the perpetrator is hidden in plain sight.
This 1982 novel is better read as a case to be solved rather than a regular story. There is minimal character development, and the solutions to the mysteries themselves are somewhat far-fetched in motive and method. But, if you and your imagination are up to the challenge, the murder(s) in the crooked house await you to solve them all.
By: Muskaan Adeel
Every Word You Cannot Say
Poetry Book – Iain S. Thomas
In “Every Word You Cannot Say” by Ian S. Thomas, every page resonates with raw emotion. Thomas’s poetry delves deep into the complexities of human feelings, offering solace to those who have struggled to express their innermost thoughts. With a blend of vulnerability and strength, he navigates themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Each word is carefully chosen, creating an intimate connection with the reader.
This collection is a journey through the labyrinth of the heart, a testament to the power of words left unspoken. Thomas’s poetry is a poignant reminder that our untold stories can find their voice on the page. In the book, his poems are also visualized in art, such as a handprint, or emphasizing words in bold to add effect to the poem.
Many readers feel a deep sense of empathy when reading Thomas’s poetry. His words often touch on universal themes of love, loss, longing, and self-discovery, making readers feel that their own experiences and emotions are understood and validated. Despite the sadness, there’s often a comforting quality to Thomas’s poetry. It reassures readers that they are not alone in their struggles and that there is beauty in vulnerability and self-acceptance.
By: Aliyah Ramirez
“This new body got scars more permanent than any tattoo and calls them glorious. This new body got too many memories to hold up inside.”
265
Nightcrawling
Novel – Leila Mottley
How far would a person be willing to go to keep a roof over one’s head, food on the table, and retain the purity in their loved one’s eyes? This exquisite and chilling debut novel was inspired by true crime in 2015 revealing the internal corruption and exploitations of the Oakland police department. A courageous, beautiful story of security, power and understanding in one’s body.
Told through the voice of 17-year-old Kiara Johnson, her experiences paint a reality into the life of a woman of color, exploring society’s order and chaos. Her story sheds light on the sexual explorations of young girls by forces of authority and the severity of such acts simply unnoticed.
Throughout the story, the reader holds close connections and emotions toward Kiara as she paints her journey of survival in a man’s world.
By: Aliyah Ramirez
“Beauty meant that you were good. And being good meant being happy. Happiness can be defined all kinds of ways, but human beings, consciously or unconsciously, are always pulling for their own version of happiness.“
56
Breast and Eggs
Novel – Mieko Kawakami
What does it mean for a woman’s life to be content? Is she expected to marry and dedicate her life solely as a mother, because if not, she is only left alone?
Living in the sticky and hot summers of Japan, Kawakami portrays a delicate portrait of three women confronting oppression, struggles and hopes as they adapt to a life of their own.
The stories were beautifully written, capturing the joys and sorrows of womanhood, whilst defying feminine expectations. Within each chapter, the reader can learn about their past, told through raw and realistic experiences.
This is an exquisitely well-written novel, which allows the reader to reconsider the societal role of a woman, and instead, what defines an independent woman. A literary masterpiece.
By: Muskaan Adeel
“People don’t want to be a bit until, like an apple, to show you their core in one conversation. Sometimes you have to peel the skin away slowly.“
76
Just Haven’t Met You Yet
Novel – Sophie Cousens
A charming and heartwarming romantic comedy exploring the power of destiny and the unexpected ways love can find us. This novel is a perfect choice for anyone who enjoys uplifting and feel-good, funny and touching stories.
The protagonist, Jess, is a likable and relatable young woman trying to find her place in the world. Her journey is full of ups and downs, but her quirky and humorous personality keeps the reader engaged and invested in her story. The love interest, Leo, is also a well-developed and complex character who brings a unique perspective to the story.
Sophie Cousens has a talent for creating vivid, memorable, hilarious and heartwarming scenes. Her prose is both accessible and sophisticated, making the book an enjoyable and easy read.
The book reminds us that sometimes, the best things in life come when we least expect them and that true love is worth taking a chance on. “Just Haven’t Met You Yet” is a delightful and charming novel that will leave readers feeling uplifted and hopeful about the power of love.
By: Jenna Cajayon
“Never let anyone make you feel ordinary.“
207
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
Novel – Taylor Jenkins Reid
Who was Evelyn Hugo and why does she have seven husbands? She’s tantalizing, and mystifying and was the biggest star during Hollywood’s golden age. She’s refused interviews for years, and yet here she is, 90-year-old Evelyn Hugo is about to tell her entire life story. Brimming with secrets, scandalous affairs, and a deep glimpse into the horrors and glamor of the Hollywood industry— Hugo spills it all.
This book was an intensely emotional, brilliant piece of fiction that embodies the very definition of working hard for the things you love. You’ll laugh with her, cry tears and reflect on what it means to give your passion everything you’ve got. Utterly romantic and unfathomably raw, Hugo takes us on a ride we can never forget.
From the slums of Hell’s Kitchen, to the radiant roads of Beverly Hills, as the reader, we can’t help but be overjoyed by her success. But even the brightest stars eventually burn out…
By: Aliyah Ramirez
“Sometimes, standing over a six-top and reciting the specials, I feel like I’m breaking up in tiny fragments and don’t understand how phrases like ‘with a cranberry cognac glaze’ are still coming out of my mouth or why my customers watching me don’t signal to someone that I need help. There’s some thin covering over me that hides it all.“
214
Writers & Lovers
Novel – Lily King
This is a story following the life of a 31-year-old young writer as she struggles to overcome past traumas and new challenges, internally and externally. As a waitress struggling to pay her rent, she endures fallouts in romantic relationships. She attempts to step aside and better understand her highs and lows. Yet, even if it feels like the lowest point, things will turn around for the better.
When reading this novel, it became fairly easy to connect and understand the protagonist’s life because her story was real and something many of us can relate to. Author, Lily King, portrays her story with empathy, wit, and ambition; painting a simple, yet emotionally beautiful portrait of a young woman.
By: Aliyah Ramirez
“I am thinking of beauty again, how some things are hunted because we have deemed them beautiful. If relative to the history of our planet, an individual life is so short, a blink of an eye, as they say, then to be gorgeous, even from the day you’re born to the day you die, is to be gorgeous only briefly.“
238
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous
Novel – Ocean Vuong
Ocean Vuong’s debut novel tells necessary stories with captive illustrations and poetic storylines. As a reader, connecting with the characters’ experiences and understanding the realistic struggles is both heartbreaking and inspiring, as we travel through each step in their journey.
Written as a letter from a son to a mother who can not read. Captures the narrator’s experiences, and his ability to adapt and learn from untold family history, rooted in Vietnam. Alone in America, the character challenges concepts of masculinity amongst the underlying powers of race and social class.