Born a Crime by Trevor Noah 

CW: Rape, depictions of racism, violence, murder, sexism and misogynistic language, child abuse. In New York Times No. 1 bestseller Born a Crime, famous comedian and writer Trevor Noah shares his life story and experiences, from burning down someone’s house with a magnifying glass to being thrown out of the window of a moving car by his mother. He sheds light on typically taboo topics and offers both amusing and profound insight into the effects of apartheid on the people of South Africa. Whether you’re looking for thoughtful, philosophical commentary or a witty, comical depiction of a person’s life, this book is for you. As noted by Newsday, “Noah has a real story to tell … A little scary, but trust me - it’s funny.” 

Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett (1983) 

CW: language, violence, depictions of eating disorders You may have seen the TV series, but have you read the book? Good Omens is a humorous, irreverent tale with a colorful cast of characters, the world’s only book of entirely accurate prophecies, and an apocalypse scheduled for next Saturday, just after tea time. New York Times bestselling authors Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman follow the account of a demon and an angel who, having lived on Earth since The Beginning and gained an affinity for mortals, are not so thrilled about the coming of Armageddon… and they may have lost track of the Antichrist along the way. “What’s so funny about Armageddon? More than you’d think … Good Omens has arrived just in time,” says Detroit Free Press, and many others are raving about the book as well. Even if you’ve seen the show, this book still has much for you to discover and relish. 

Dark and Shallow Lies by Ginny Myers Sain 

CW: vomit, violence, self-harm, suicide ideation, domestic abuse, drowning Seventeen-year-old Grey had known that something would be different upon her return to La Cachette, a small bayou town in Louisiana and the self-proclaimed “psychic capital of the world.” Her best friend went missing during her visit six months ago and hasn’t shown up since. In this thrilling tale, Grey and her friends must decide how to come to terms with the loss of a friend, but more importantly, who to trust, for not everything is as it seems. Lies are revealed and local horror stories come to life as Grey moves closer to a dangerous truth that perhaps should have stayed buried. Diana Urban, author of All Your Twisted Secrets, describes the book as “[e]nchanting and chilling at once, you’ll instantly get sucked into this atmospheric tale of kindred spirits brimming with secrets that could tear them apart.” 

Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse 

CW: graphic violence, suicide, mutilation, alcohol and drug use, language Serapio is a young man with a great destiny - or so his mother told him before she threw herself off a cliff to her death. When Serapio was young, his mother carved ritualistic symbols across his body and sewed his eyes shut, saying that someday he would go to the capital city and become a god. Xiala is a rabble-rousing, debt-ridden sea captain with a special connection to her craft: one she keeps hidden for her own safety. Being of the Teek people, Xiala is considered to be a mystical creature and her body parts can be sold as talismans. Naranpa was once a common girl who had the unimaginable fortune to be elevated to the land’s most powerful priesthood, a conclave of holy people known as the Watchers. She recently gained the title of Sun Priest, and as a great celestial event approaches, she feels the pressure of her position more acutely than ever. These three lives converge in the city of Tova during a solar eclipse - but to what end? The author of Black Sun has received much praise for this award winning novel, the first book in a trilogy. The New York Times claims that “Rebecca Roanhorse … [is one] of the Indigenous novelists reshaping North American [literature].”

Good Girls Die First Kathryn Foxfield - “Eight o’clock. Portgrave Pier. Can you keep a secret?” So reads the mysterious invitation that summons Ava to an abandoned amusement park at dusk - but why? Soon she encounters nine other people, all of whom she is acquainted with, who have been brought to the pier by a similar invitation. Over a night of mind games, deception, and murder, Ava realizes that each of the ten has come to keep a part of their dastardly history hidden… Can she truly trust the people she thought she knew, and how far is she willing to go to survive until morning? Kathryn Foxfield spins an enchanting yarn wrought with dark magic and characters whose faults, fears, and flaws bring them bewitchingly to life. Described as “Stephen King-esque” by The Irish Times, Foxfield’s book is packed with intrigue and makes the supernatural seem just a little more real.

The Prestige Christopher Priest - Andrew Westley is a reporter for the Chronicle, but when he receives a personal request that he should cover a particular story, he comes face to face with the past that he has never cared to investigate. He uncovers the odd circumstances of his heritage, as well as the fraudulent history of his predecessors: two old rivals, two versions of history, one dangerous theatrical apparatus. We follow the parallel accounts of the two magicians’ feud and the tangled web of their legacy, as their descendants attempt to unravel the puzzle left to them. Christopher Priest’s The Prestige challenges the reader to think between the lines: not everything is as it seems - the trick you see performed on stage is not actually a miracle. “A dizzying magic show of a novel… A brilliantly constructed entertainment!” as described by The Washington Post, Priest’s World Fantasy Award-winning novel is “smoothly diabolical” - and not one to miss.

Cemetery Boys Aiden Thomas - Yadriel’s family has always had trouble accepting him as a transgender man, and the strict gender roles that his relatives adhere to don’t help. Neither does the fact that Yadriel’s family has the ability to wield the magic of the dead: brujas use their powers to heal the living, while brujos have the ability to summon the dead and help them find peace on the other side. Eager to prove that he is a brujo to everyone including himself, Yadriel decides to perform the ritual of summoning and releasing a spirit unaided - a rite of passage which only brujos are capable of. However, Yadriel’s lack of experience and instruction cause something to go wrong: while he is successful in summoning a ghost, he summons the wrong one - who has he summoned and what other dark forces are at work? Aiden Thomas follows Yadriel’s journey as he delves into the spirit’s past and tries to set things right. As said by TeenVogue.com, “the novel perfectly balances the vibrant, energetic Latinx culture while delving into heavy topics like LGBTQ+ acceptance, deportation, colonization, and racism” and for fans of paranormal romances, Thomas’s story will be utterly captivating.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe Benjamin Alire Sáenz - Aristotle feels that he could not be more different from Dante, whose open and unique perspective on life contrasts so starkly with his own. Ari feels that this confident, self-assured boy could never consider him a friend - against all odds, when the two boys meet one hot summer day, they form a stronger relationship than Ari has had with anyone in a long time. He is challenged and baffled by his friendship with Dante as it takes the two of them out of their comfort zones and down their illuminating paths of self-discovery. Sáenz’s novel is profound and introspective, while being narrated from a fifteen-year-old’s point of view. This book will connect with freshmen and seniors alike and wrap them up in the lives of Aristotle and Dante, two young boys struggling with their identities as Mexican Americans in 1987 Texas. The book is the winner of several awards for literary merit and diverse representation - described as a “lyrical novel about family and friendship” by Gissellereads, this heartfelt story is sure to take readers’ breath away.

The Republican Primary

By Clarence Fernando

About the Race

There is less than one year to go before the 2024 Presidential Election. Some argue that it could be the most influential election of the century. The winner will have the power to change America’s future. The two big parties, the Republicans and Democrats, have already started turning the gears of the campaigning process. Current President Joe Biden looks like the most likely Democratic Nominee. But on the right side, a fray of candidates have thrown themselves into the GOP primary race, hoping to win the hearts and minds of voters. This is important, as only 40% of Americans approve of Biden’s presidency. This gives a republican candidate a chance to take back the white house. But it is not an easy process. The Republican party has to choose one individual, to represent and lead their party into what could be the most tumultuous election ever. As voting for these candidates begins in some states, let’s look at the top candidates and where they stand. 

Donald Trump

He may easily be one of the most famous people alive in the US today. His potential involvement in the historic January 6th Riot and having 4 separate indictments, which no past president has ever had, has vaulted him to the top of American political coverage. But despite this, it hasn’t stopped republican voters from backing the former president, who promises to “Make America Great Again.” His base extends far and deep into the Republican bloc, as more than half of the Republican base supports him. His goal: is to lead our country back to Safety, Prosperity, and Peace. Trump’s extremist views on key republican issues have many Democrats worried. His loud rhetoric on “Crooked Joe Biden” has had many Republicans cheering his name. Trump’s stronghold on the republican party has never been more powerful, with even some people claiming that they’d sacrifice their lives for Trump. But not all Republicans like Trump. There’s a small group of Republicans that could manage to strip the former president of his power and glory.

Nikki Haley

Besides Trump, Nikki Haley is the only other candidate who has seen a boost in support. Nikki Haley has proven herself to be a formidable adversary and a strong leader. An Indian American and the only woman in the primary field, she has set herself apart from other candidates. But only polling around 15%, she has a long way to go to overtake Donald Trump. But her support is growing and gaining momentum. With solid debate performances under her belt, many Republicans have been expressing interest in her campaign. Her past experiences in the UN have given her a strong background in dealing with foreign affairs and her unique stance on abortion has appealed to many voters who don’t want Trump. Despite being behind the front-runner, Trump, she has refrained from directly criticizing him. Her background has appealed to many voters, especially women.

Ron Desantis

Once thought to be a potential challenger to Trump, Ron Desantis is slowly falling into the shadows. The Florida Governor has been trying to sell himself as a more modern version of Trump without the Trump drama. Unfortunately, his campaign has had a few stumbles as it tries to sway voters back to him. While his landslide win in the 2022 Florida governor’s race showed that he could get the job done, the chances of winning the nomination seem to be diminishing. Donors have been turning towards Nikki Haley. In his time as governor, he has signed controversial bills involving people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. Desantis has been part of Trump’s jokes, such as Trump referring to him as “Desanctimonius”.  But Desantis could win if he can break the barrier between him and the voters. 

Vivek Ramaswamy 

And there’s Vivek, the newcomer to the political world. Like Trump in 2016, Vivek hasn’t held a political office before his candidacy. Out of the candidates, Vivek is the youngest. He claims that he is the next generation of leaders. He’s running with an anti-woke focus and has advocated for more radical measures. Other candidates have shown their disapproval of the 38-year-old, with Haley being the most vocal. His cocky attitude has drawn voters in but has also caused some to leave. His policies mirror Trump and have even praised the former president. As president, he has promised to eradicate several federal agencies, including the Department of Education, build a wall on the US borders of Mexico and Canada, and end Ukrainian support. He also claims that the climate agenda is a hoax and it is the biggest threat to our country.