Arcadia is one of the most memorable readings in the MAMS Humanities class, and with that unit right around the corner for the juniors, it feels like the perfect time to review another Tom Stoppard play, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. The play follows Rosencrantz and Guildenstern as they drift in and out of the main events of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The protagonists are wandering the void one minute, and find themselves thrust into another major plot point in Hamlet the next, confusing the audience as much as the characters. As the play goes on, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern grow tired of their unpredictable existence and lose their sense of control over reality. I would absolutely recommend Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, especially as a complement to Arcadia because they deal with similar themes in different ways and from different angles. I would also, of course, recommend Hamlet as a prerequisite. While you’re at it, why not make it a Hamlet-themed triple feature and listen to the This American Life story Act V, about a group of prisoners staging the play. Whether or not you choose to check these things out, you’re bound to enjoy Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.

 -- Cecilia Carbonell '25

The Tichborne Trial, a real historical scandal, serves as the backdrop for this wonderfully bizarre study of human relationships. In The Fraud, Zadie Smith spins a quirky and anachronistic tale out of characters that are infuriatingly human – you will hate them, you will love them, and they will remind you of yourself in ways that will make you beyond uncomfortable. Follow a sweeping tale that touches upon topics ranging from colonialism to suffrage to the art of writing itself, and let yourself be captivated by Smith’s caustic humor and poetic writing style. Head over to your local library and find yourself a copy of The Fraud today!

 -- Ila Chakrav '26

"I absolutely loved this book, as it made me really think about the fine line between human and machines. The plot is on the slower side, but it is worth it for the story and excellent writing."

 -- Isabella Palit '24

"In recent years, I’ve found it difficult to want to read, but The Da Vinci Code kept pulling me back in. Author Dan Brown ties in real world knowledge about famous inventors, scientists, and artists to bring ancient societies to the modern day. The various connections that are made immerse you alongside Robert Langdon and Sophie Neveu as they follow the clues on this high stakes hunt. In addition, for those readers who are in a slump, Brown utilizes multiple POVs to keep the reader engaged as he plants a cliffhanger at the end of each chapter."

-- Shuling Lin '24

"A Year in Provence is a cozy memoir detailing Peter and Jennie Mayle’s adventures as they moved to Provence, a rural region in southern France. The book vividly describes an unforgiving, harsh winter that gives way to a bright, warm season full of hearty dishes and long days tending to new crops. This book was such a pleasure to read, and I highly recommend!"

-- Kayla Vallecillo '25

"The stories are mostly narratives where the protagonist is in this bizarre situation, such as a guy waking up one day as a giant insect, in order to portray themes like dehumanization, isolation, anxiety, etc, and I find this so interesting to read. You never know what to expect when it comes to Kafka short stories and this makes the experience so much fun!"

-- Giang Pham '24

"I truly enjoyed this book and I would say that if you are going to read it, you should listen to Saint-Saëns The Swan—it sets the mood well, and it allows each emotional jump to be even more “jumpier” if you will.  Would rate this book 5/5 stars."

-- Kweku Akese '24

"Crime and Punishment is my favorite book of all time. I read it front to back a couple of years ago and I always find myself going back to read certain chapters or passages. I think it is one of the greatest pieces of literature to ever exist! It prompts me to ask questions I never knew to ask."

-- Riley Harn '24