what's on my bookshelf

Something you should know about me is that I love to read. 

Unfortunately, during the school year, I am drowning in class readings, and the very last thing I feel like doing is opening a novel after hours of studying economic theories and social development processes. 

So, when Summer comes along, I go wild on books. I read quite a lot in the past few months, from new releases to classics, fiction to memoirs. 

It was so hard to narrow it down to just five books... I will certainly be keeping other ones for future blog posts, notably faith-based books and French literature! For now, here are some recommendations for the Fall. 

The Girl on the Train, by Paula Hawkins. 

Man oh man. This thriller was unsettling, gripping and, well, thrilling. 

It's the story of a woman, Rachel, who takes the same commuter train before and after work. Every day, when the train stops at the signal, she watches the same couple on their deck. She comes to feel as though she knows them. One day, she sees something horrifying from the train, and is pulled into the real life of this couple, entangled in a terrifying investigation.  

This book was filled with suspense, secrets and three narrators that you just can't let yourself trust. So good. 

The Golden Son, by Shilpi Somaya Gowda.

The Golden Son is the kind of book that you get completely swept up in. 

You meet Anil Patel, an aspiring doctor from a small Indian village, heading to Texas to begin his medical residency. We learn of his journey through cultural barriers, family expectations, grief and love. Back home in India, Anil's childhood friend, Leena, adjusts to life as a newlywed in a traditional arranged marriage, which proves to be immensely troubling. In a series of deeply shocking and tragic events, their paths cross again, allowing both to challenge their identities, hopes and dreams forever. 

Gowda is truly a brilliant storyteller, plunging readings into a juxtaposition of cultures, and captivating us through credible, attaching characters. I was honestly sad to finish this book! 

Night, by Elie Wiesel. 

Wiesel's autobiographic oeuvre, Night, is emotionally raw, vulnerable, bloodcurdling and poignant. 

In this short memoir, the Romanian-born writer describes his survival as a teenager in the Nazi death camps. His account is horrific and deeply troubling, but I would go so far as to say this book is an important book for all to read. To me, Wiesel puts a human face on a genocide that could too easily become but a historical event or memory. 

This book stands as a blunt reminder of the atrocities humans are capable of, but also of the hope found in solidarity, fraternity and love. 

Milk and Honey, by Rupi Kaur 

My dear friend gave me this book, and I am so thankful she did. Milk and Honey really was a powerful read. 

I am not one to love poetry, but I really appreciated this collection of poems and prose. With boldness and vulnerability, Kaur addresses themes such as love and loss, violence and trauma, femininity and womanhood. It is both a political statement and an emotional cry for change. 

The book itself is beautiful, with simple and delicate artwork filling its pages. I can't say I understood the entire content of this work, but I would suggest its ambiguity made it all the thought-provoking. 

A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman. 

I would have to say this is one of my favourite tales of all times. 

Meet Ove, a grumpy, rigid and strict old Swedish man. He dislikes most everyone and most everything and is known as the bitter neighbor from hell. Then come new neighbours, a lively couple with their two young girls. On moving day, their U-Haul hits Ove's mailbox, which fosters this charming story of unlikely friendships, healing, love and finding life after loss. 

I laughed out loud at some of Ove's ridiculous musings and cried (unexpectedly!) as I delved into the heart of the characters. I have yet to find someone who has read this book and did not become totally attached to Ove and his little community. 

I hope this helps you fill up your bookshelf in coming weeks. Read on, enjoy!