To the me who...

now listening: "Take My Mind" by WizTheMc and bees & honey

 

A list of 10 books I hope will "take my mind to another place," to another world as I navigate all the new experiences, realizations, and emotions I will undertake this coming decade ☺︎ (WizTheMc and bees & honey, "Take My Mind").

1. To the me who feels pitifully out of place in new settings (ahem...college), read Pnin by Vladimir Nabokov. After all, there's nothing you appreciate more than a lovable, equally-as-awkward-as-you main character. But beware of a roller coaster ride of emotions - as comical as his journey may be, it is almost equally as tragic. Perhaps locate to be in proximity to a tissue box. 

2. To the me who wants her sister to stop nagging her, (finally) read You Wouldn't Dare by Samantha Markum. She has only been pestering you about this book for the past three years (mind you it was released three years ago). But really, if you ever need an easy, light read with everything you love - coming-of-age, realistic fiction, romance - look no further!

3. To the me in college who probably thinks one all-nighter won't hurt, read Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker. You have been and will continue to be surrounded by people who constantly burnout and sleep late every night. Hear it from your high-school self, but as prevalent as it is, such a lifestyle is seriously unsustainable in the long run. Please read this to remind yourself that sleep is not a weakness or an afterthought. Plus, contrary to what I wish to believe, eye bags do not fix themselves. 

4. To the me who may forget why she loves science despite its rigor (and wants an excuse to rewatch the Ryan Gosling movie adaptation), read Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. These coming years, you'll likely be challenging yourself to take on science in ways you haven't before (such as attempting to pass college orgo). I sense tears will be shed, but Rocky and Ryland's journey together will both rekindle your wonder for science and let you appreciate the power of companionship in the face of the unknown!

5. To the me who wants to venture into unfamiliarity, read The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini which deeply explores Afghan culture and political turmoil. Seeing as you've enjoyed Hosseini's novel A Thousand Splendid Suns as much as you did, this book seems like a natural next step. Plus, you've been meaning to (unsuccessfully, as of today) find it in yourself to enjoy historical fiction. Is this the start of a new character arc?   

6. To the me who is meeting people of diverse cultures and walks of life, read A Quick Ting On: Afrobeats by Christian Adofo. You've explored countless music genres, and Afrobeats and Afro-pop have come to be some of your new favorites for their addictive rhythms and sunny melodies (hence the song of today's blog, a #summerbanger btw). You haven't explored much non-fiction, plus this read will help you understand the roots and diaspora influence of one of your favorite genres.  

 7. To the me who is still navigating individual identity in today's ever-demanding world, read Black No More by George Schuyler. Not only is its sci-fi aspect down your alley, but it contains commendably sharp satire which is something you've been wanting to read more of since the ridiculously satirical play that is The Importance of Being Earnest. I also think this is a necessary read for you in a world where issues of race and identity are often oversimplified. 

8. To the me who may inevitably lose loved ones, read When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. I can't count how many people have recommended this to you, and ever since you read a passage from it in AP Lit you've been hoping to get your hands on a copy. I think this book will be an excellent reminder to embrace mortality instead of fearing it. 

9. To the me who is embarking on the journey of her own womanhood, read Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. Even though this novel takes place in the 19th century, I think its focus on diverse paths to womanhood and gender barriers in society are topics still very much relevant today. And there's no doubt you'll love this story's coming-of-age plot. 

10. And to the me who yearns for a bittersweet youth as she faces adulthood, read Lost in the Sun by Lisa Graff. This is probably the book defining your time in elementary and middle school. How many times had you perused this story in the span of just those years? If you want to read a painfully relatable main character, experience the magic of camaraderie, and be transported back to your living room's couch on a nostalgic summery day in 2019, pick this book up and get lost in the sun! Pun indeed intended.