The Death of Stalin is a darkly comedic masterpiece that hilariously chronicles the chaotic power vacuum following Joseph Stalin's demise. This action-packed film, though rooted in historical events, unfolds with a frenetic energy as high-ranking Soviet officials scramble for control, engaging in backstabbing, betrayals and farcical power plays.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is a realistic fiction novel loosely based on Alcott’s real life. It follows four young sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy on their journey from childhood to womanhood. They all have different aspirations and goals, and this book is a beautiful representation of the many facets of being a woman and just how complicated it can be. For one, Meg’s dream is to get married and have children. Whereas Jo longs to be a well-known writer and share her ideas with the world.
The Mona Lisa Vanishes is a nonfiction book about the theft of the most famous painting in the world. This book follows two different perspectives, one of the investigators searching for the Mona Lisa, and the other of Leonardo da Vinci before he even painted the Mona Lisa. There were several key points throughout this last part of the novel, and they all basically said the same thing: That true details were skipped over in pursuit of the shocking headline.
The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken takes place in a world where a virus called Idiopathic Adolescent Acute Neurodegeneration wiped out the majority of American children, the ones who survived got psychic powers. The government created “rehabilitation” camps for the children, which in reality were just work camps to hold them in one place. The main character, Ruby Daly, had the power of mind control but convinced the person testing her that she had a different power.
Paper Towns is an amazing novel that blends mystery, adventure and self-discovery. The story follows Quentin “Q” Jacobsen, a high school senior who has spent most of his life admiring his neighbor, Margo Roth Spiegelman. Margo is known for her rebellious and adventurous spirit, often pulling elaborate pranks and disappearing. One night Margo climbs through Q’s bedroom window and convinces him to come on a wild night of adventures.
In All My Rage, Sabaa Tahir explores what it means to be an outsider just because of the way you were born. I am not a big fan of books with multiple perspectives; that being said, Tahir nails it every time she writes a book with multiple Point of views (POV). This book explores Misbah, Salahudin’s mother, growing up in Pakistan under strict cultural rules. The other POVs include her son growing up with severe money issues and supporting his family in a small town.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus hit me hard because I am a woman majoring in a science degree. I have been told by teachers to be sure about wanting to pursue science in the future, as I will have a hard time getting ahead as a woman. Elizabeth, the main character, faces similar challenges of being undermined or underappreciated because of being a woman. She starts off at a science firm, but after the death of her boyfriend, she is fired for being pregnant and unwed.
King of Pride by Ana Huang is a contemporary romance that is closest to a forbidden romance trope. Kai and Isabella are complete opposites, with Isabella living life to the fullest and Kai tending to put work above all else. Kai has a big vote coming up in his family-run company, and he is worried about being able to rise to the challenge of being CEO. Isabella is a distraction to him, but he could be the answer to all of Isabella’s questions creating quite the conundrum.
King of Wrath by Ana Huang is a fun contemporary romance that has a universally loved trope: billionaire CEO arranged marriage. Vivian Lau is rich, but she is new to money, and therefore has certain social blocks. If she marries Dante Russo, though, she will be catapulted into high society as the elite of the elites. Dante only agrees to marry Vivian because of the fact that if he doesn’t, his younger brother will pay for mafia-related poor decisions.
Emma by Jane Austen is a beautiful period piece that follows a young matchmaker in a world of proper manners. Emma is young and single, living with only her dependent father, and takes it upon herself to match the people around her. However, she really never matches herself up with anyone. Her closest friend is Mr. Knightley and he discourages her Cupid-like tendencies. Emma’s matchmaking tendencies don’t always turn out so well, and her friend Harriet suffers the consequences which frustrates Emma.
