Reading Recommendations from Your Resident Bookworm
By Features Editor Chloe Barrett
I consider myself as a simple person. When I am not worrying copious amounts about my looming anxieties, or rewatching my comfort media (The Amazing Spider-Man, Twilight and Breaking Bad, if you were at all curious), you will most likely find me reading a book or two. I have unfortunately consumed an average of about one hundred books a year since 2020. Now, hold your astonishment, because the second thought that probably entered your mind was “Is that healthy?”. The answer is most likely not. Quite frankly, if you are teetering at under thirty books a year, congratulations, because I am assuming that you are well adjusted and doing mentally well (I am sorry if my broad assumption is untrue, I hope that you are doing well regardless). Anyway, I thought to myself that I might as well share some of my recent reads that on the ranked highly “Chloe scale”, standing at least four stars. For more articulate content based on literature, I implore you to switch over to our Arts and Literature editor, Luca, who writes some amazing pieces.
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh is a book that I was originally hesitant to pick up. Some very opinionated people online left scathing reviews that slightly frightened me off, but I was glad that I got around to reading it. The book is about a woman who takes an alarming quantity of drugs in order to put herself into a slumber that lasts an entire year, with the protagonist’s goal being to wake up rejuvenated and ready to face the world. The main criticisms about the book surround the unnamed protagonist, as she is, essentially, not a nice person. Empathy does not come easy to her, and you ideally would not want her as a friend. However, I would argue that this book would actually fall short if the main character was likable. Without the self-deprecating humour threaded throughout each sentence, the novel turns into an incredibly upsetting and bleak take on mental health. It offers a startlingly real perspective of depression and drug abuse, and without a humorous tone, I think it would exclude many readers from engaging with these topics. I was laughing at the antics that this woman was committing in order to simply get some shut eye, because honestly, if someone offered you the opportunity to sleep for an entire year, would you not be tempted?
Four stars out of five. Girl dinner.
Nicholas Eames wrote Kings of the Wyld after pondering the scenario: what if old mercenary groups were treated like some of the most famous rock stars out there? The group in question is known as Saga, and despite the fact that its five members are well into their forties and experiencing the aches and pains that come with old age, they are forced to reunite for one final adventure. Eames’ writing style is hilarious, and for his debut novel, he displays an exceptional ability to write characters. It is a very accessible fantasy: the world-building is not intimidating, despite it being genuinely well done. Littered with references to rock songs throughout, I would highly recommend picking this book up, either as a standalone read or with the intention to read its sequel, Bloody Rose, which is female led.
Five stars out of five.
Clara Kumagai’s sparkling debut, Catfish Rolling, is a young adult novel that focuses on Japanese mythology. Through the eyes of Sora, a teenager who has been directly affected by Japan’s infamous earthquakes, Kumagai, who has roots in Ireland, writes about the complicated bond between parent and child, especially when grief pulls the relationship string taunt. The book contains one of the most interesting family dynamics that I have read, and it interrogates the concept of what are you supposed to do when a loved one is seemingly damaging themselves.
Four stars out of five.
In The Lives of Puppets by award-winning author, T.J Klune is a loose retelling of Pinocchio, but with advanced robotic companions. Victor, the only human who has been raised by an android, is forced to leave his idyllic forest dwelling behind for the first time in his life as he embarks on a daunting adventure. The highlight of this novel has to be the adorable side characters: a bad-tempered medical bot and a naive cleaning vacuum, who both will have you giggling insanely. With incredible representation by Klune, who himself is asexual, this heartwarming read will leave you feeling undoubtedly cosy inside.
Four stars out of five.
If you happen to pick up any of these great reads, please let me know what you think of them! Who knows, I may have some more recommendations heading your way soon.
