Sydney's Book Recommendations

Piranesi - Susanna Clarke

Piranesi is a fantasy novel written by Susanna Clarke. It feels like something you’d read in a high-level English class: a classic fit to be named with the likes of Shakespeare, the Brontë sisters, or other Greek myths, though it was only just published in 2020. Susanna Clarke manages to engulf the reader in the story with her use of vivid imagery, making Piranesi feel less like words on a page and more like an experience. The book follows the titular character, Piranesi, as he lives in a world unlike anything I've ever read. There's subtle chaos and uncertainty in this book, but the confusion you feel while reading just adds to the wonder. There's so much to love about this book: plot twists you never see coming, world-building like no other, and highly poetic writing. If you like fantasy and mythology, I highly recommend this book.

Never Let Me Go - Kazuo Ishiguro

Never Let Me Go, published in 2005, is written by award-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro. The story follows Kathy, a young girl who attends a boarding school. Throughout the story, Kathy traverses the different stages of life, love, friendship, and much more. I can’t say much about this book without giving away a very large spoiler, but I promise this book is worth it. Personally, Never Let Me Go is one of my favorite books that I’ve ever read, and Kazuo Ishiguro is my favorite author. His writing is unmatched- he’s even won a Nobel Prize in literature. This book is a beautiful showcase of his craft. From characterization to worldbuilding to dialogue to much more, this book takes you on a journey of both grief and joy. If you enjoy the book, it was also made into a movie! It stars Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, and Keira Knightley.

Station Eleven - Emily St. John Mandel

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel is a science fiction, post-apocalyptic novel published in 2014. It doesn’t follow one specific character, instead following many different characters as they navigate a strange new world. Station Eleven challenges humanity and begs the question, “How would you react to the end of the world?” As we follow characters like Arthur Leander, Jeevan, Kirsten, and many more, we see how each of them reacts when faced with impossible decisions and harsh realities, as well as stark comparisons to who they are pre- and post-apocalypse. Emily St. John Mandel is a wonderfully talented author, who has written other very popular books such as Sea of Tranquility and The Glass Hotel. The standout characteristic of this book is its characters. Every interaction feels real, emotions are understandable, and relationships feel substantial. Station Eleven shows an abundant value for the arts, with callbacks to Shakespeare’s works like A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and inspiration clearly taken from these classic works. Overall, this book is amazing. It’s an adventure: you empathize with the characters, you feel immersed in the world, and it is a great way to spend your time. If the book’s plot interests you, it was also made into a series on Max!