BOOKS YOU SHOULD READ AT LEAST ONCE IN YOUR LIFETIME

Picture this: you're on a beach somewhere tropical, drinking a piña colada. You feel the sun as it turns you a few shades darker, finally concealing the paleness brought on by the winter months. Music thrums somewhere in the distance, and up ahead a plane flies with a banner reading: “Will you marry me?”. You hear commotion behind you and turn looking for the newly engaged happy couple, but you instead find your boyfriend of 3 years bent down on one knee with a ring in his hands, and happy tears in his eyes. You're frozen in place, plagued by guilt. As he looks at you with adoring eyes, tears start pouring down your cheeks, staining them with the black of your (awfully marketed) waterproof mascara. You know that this will never work. He will eventually find out who you truly are. His heart will be forever broken, eternally tainted by the betrayal no one saw coming. 

Where were you just now? You were with that character on the beach. You escaped into your imagination, forgetting the now, entrenched in the story, or at least I was. This escapism was a sanctuary from the current world, offering a new one that takes you places far and beyond our wildest dreams without us ever actually moving (unless of course you're reading on a plane or any other moving vehicle). This is why books, and also movies, are so important to me. But books specifically I find are a journey where stress dissipates as imagination takes flight. They have been a friend and escape to me in some of life's bleakest moments. Despite the lockdown during the pandemic in 2020, I traveled into my pages to the English countryside, fairytale lands, dystopian future America, and many more realms. This is why I want the same for you; a place to find solace, while also sharpening your literary minds. Here are some of Noushka and I’s favorite books: 

The Silent Patient by Alex Michealides

What it's about:

“Alicia Berenson, a renowned painter living a seemingly perfect life in London, shocks society when she inexplicably shoots her husband multiple times and falls into silence. Her silence turns her tragedy into a captivating mystery, propelling her into notoriety and seclusion in a secure psychiatric unit. Criminal psychotherapist Theo Faber becomes obsessed with unlocking Alicia's secrets, risking his own sanity in a gripping quest for the truth behind her chilling act of violence”. 

What we thought:

Who doesn't love a good thriller with a crazy plot twist that has you on the edge of your seat? Obviously many people don’t but if you are among the admirers of this genre, then this book is the book for you. I don’t want to say too much because the best experience you will have of reading this book is an ignorant one. Go into it with almost no knowledge and then reflect and soak in that twist that no one saw coming. 

Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

What it’s about:

"Daisy Jones & The Six is a captivating novel chronicling the rise of a legendary band in 1970s L.A. Daisy, a young girl, navigates the vibrant rock 'n' roll scene while Billy, the brooding leader of The Six, faces the challenges of impending fatherhood and fame. Their paths converge when a producer orchestrates their collaboration, leading to a whirlwind of sex, drugs, and music that shapes their destiny. Taylor Jenkins Reid skillfully captures the era in an unforgettable oral history, showcasing the allure and chaos of a bygone era.” 

What we thought:

It is one of the most captivating and truly engrossing stories you will ever read. Its ability to make something so fictional sound so very real and true and honest is genius. You root for characters so flawed yet so human, and despite how different your lives may be, YOU are the characters. 

Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton

What it’s about:

"Everything I Know About Love is a heartfelt and humorous memoir by Dolly Alderton, offering a candid exploration of the trials and triumphs of adulthood. From navigating relationships and careers to the enduring bonds of friendship, Alderton shares personal anecdotes, satirical observations, and heartfelt insights that resonate with women of all ages. With wit and charm reminiscent of "Bridget Jones's Diary," Alderton's debut captures the exhilarating yet uncertain journey of early adulthood, reminding readers that they are enough."

What we thought:

Only one quote truly encapsulates the beauty of this book; “Nearly everything I know about love, I’ve learnt from my long-term friendships with women”. This book captures the beauty of girlhood in its pages, the nuances and complexities of friendships,and flips the mundane on its head breathing new life into it and consequently cushioning us, the readers, in a cloud of gratitude because "One day we will sit in a nursing home, bored out of our minds, and all we will have to make us smile are these memories."

I Am, I Am, I Am by Maggie O’Farrell

What it’s about:

"I Am, I Am, I Am is Maggie O'Farrell's remarkable memoir, delving into the near-death experiences that have shaped her existence. Through seventeen gripping encounters spanning her life, O'Farrell vividly portrays moments of peril and vulnerability, from childhood illness to encounters with danger as an adult. With taut prose and raw emotion, she illuminates the fragility and resilience of life, offering a profound meditation on the beauty and mystery of existence."

What we thought:

A great and powerful memoir that explores mortality, especially the lessons learned from 17 brushes with death. With so many second chances at life, what does one do with life when it’s tilted on its axis? It was moving, beautifully written and very deserving of a spot on your TBR list! 

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus 

What it's about: 

“In the early 1960s, chemist Elizabeth Zott defies societal norms and challenges gender bias in her male-dominated workplace at Hastings Research Institute. Amidst professional struggles, she forms an unexpected bond with Calvin Evans, leading to a profound intellectual connection. However, life takes a turn, and Elizabeth finds herself as a single mother and unexpectedly becomes the star of a popular cooking show. Through her unconventional approach to cooking, she not only revolutionizes culinary traditions but also inspires women to challenge societal norms. Elizabeth Zott's journey becomes a daring endeavor to change the status quo, both in the kitchen and beyond.”

What we thought: 

This book made me laugh, cry and contemplate everything about life. It's heartbreaking in its simplicity and honesty. It’s also inspiring and really made me want to get off the couch and do something, anything. It made me want to go against the status quo, and rattle the shackles placed on our gender. Yet it also made me realize that I’m so privileged to live in the 21st century where the constraints placed on us as members of the female population are far less than what they used to be, where wearing pants isn’t the revolt it used to be. Nevertheless, there are still so many areas in society, especially middle eastern society where our gender restricts us -or rather the patriarchal domination of society does. This book is one I can proudly proclaim as my favorite book of all time. 

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

What it's about: 

"The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is hailed as the pinnacle of his literary career, capturing the essence of the Jazz Age with timeless appeal. Set amidst the opulent backdrop of Long Island, the novel follows the enigmatic Jay Gatsby and his passionate pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, amidst a backdrop of extravagant parties and societal excess. Fitzgerald's masterful storytelling unveils a portrait of America in the 1920s, where wealth, desire, and ambition collide in a tale of love, betrayal, and the elusive pursuit of the American Dream."

What we thought: 

This is an excellent book if you want to start getting into literary classics. It's short and sweet, and yet also modern in its storytelling. Gatsby would have been really great in reality TV. It's essentially 180 pages of gossip.

Dress Code by Véronique Hyland

What it's about: 

"Dress Code is a thought-provoking essay collection by Veronique Hyland, Elle Magazine's fashion features director, delving into the profound influence of the fashion industry on society. Similar to works by Jia Tolentino and Anne Helen Peterson, Hyland explores the history, significance, and complexities of fashion, examining why we wear what we wear and its implications for self-presentation. From dissecting the persistence of the "French girl" archetype to questioning the role of clothing in politics and the impact of social media on our style choices, Hyland navigates through a diverse range of topics. She argues that fashion is far from superficial, serving as a powerful tool for expressing identity, navigating social structures, and decoding cultural shifts. Through engaging analysis, Dress Code challenges perceptions of fashion as trivial, emphasizing its profound relevance in understanding power dynamics, sexuality, and class in contemporary society."

What we thought: 

This is a very intriguing and interesting nonfiction read that breaks down the fashion industry. As two girls who love fashion, the analysis of why we wear what we wear and how our clothes are are influences from our culture and vice versa was really thought provoking. Think Miranda Priestly’s “Cerulean” monologue from The Devil Wears Prada but so so much more. If you love fashion and want to know more about the inner workings of the industry, then this book is one you should pick up for your next read.

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt 

What it’s about: 

"After the death of her husband, Tova Sullivan finds solace in working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, haunted by the mysterious disappearance of her son, Erik, over thirty years ago. As she forms an unlikely bond with Marcellus, a wise and enigmatic giant Pacific octopus at the aquarium, Marcellus becomes determined to uncover the truth behind Erik's vanishing. Using his unique perspective and detective skills, Marcellus embarks on a mission to unravel the secrets of the past and bring closure to Tova before it's too late."

What we thought: 

Never did I think I would love a book written from the perspective of an octopus as much as I did. It was so warm, fuzzy and felt like a fat, big hug. No character was perfect, depicting the multifaceted reality of being human.What began as a casual read evolved into a profound meditation on love, loss, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. This book not only entertained me but also left an indelible imprint on my soul, reminding me of the beauty and fragility of the human spirit. This is right up there next to Lessons in Chemistry in my eyes. 

The Shift by Tinx

What it’s about: 

"In The Shift, lifestyle creator Tinx offers a fresh perspective on life, love, and happiness, guiding readers through transformative mindset shifts that lead to personal growth and fulfillment. With a blend of wit and wisdom, she shares personal anecdotes and revolutionary theories, encouraging readers to embrace self-discovery, prioritize their own happiness, and cultivate meaningful relationships. From overcoming scarcity mindset to navigating dating with her famous Box Theory, Tinx provides practical advice for living well, owning self-worth, and finding joy in every aspect of life. Through humor and candor, she empowers readers to make small but mighty changes that lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying existence."

What we thought:

Ok, so was this the best piece of literature to ever be written? No. Will this win the Pulitzer Prize? Probably not. Was this one of my favorite books ever written? YES. This was comfort in a book. I laughed out loud multiple times and will be coming back to this again and again whenever I long for elderly sister advice. It felt like one long FaceTime call or a DMC over matcha, coffee, tea or one spicy margarita. It was just good vibes. Every girl needs this book in their lives, and every girl needs to listen to Tinx and really own their shit and find themselves because “The point is not to get to the end unscathed. The point is to know yourself, discover what fulfills you, and have fun along the way.

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

What it's about: 

"When Breath Becomes Air is a poignant memoir by neurosurgeon Paul Kalanithi, who grapples with the profound questions of life's meaning and worth in the face of his terminal cancer diagnosis. From the perspective of a doctor turned patient, Kalanithi reflects on his journey from medical student to neurosurgeon to father, exploring the complexities of identity, mortality, and the human experience. Despite facing his own mortality, Kalanithi's words offer a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for meaning in life. Through his eloquent prose and introspective reflections, he imparts invaluable insights on love, loss, and the transformative power of confronting mortality head-on."

What we thought:

 If you gathered all the toilet paper in your house, tissue paper AND the leaves outside, it still wouldn't be enough to dry your tears. This was one hell of a tear jerker. It was a beautiful personal anecdote about mortality that really sets things into perspective, and that afterword… I'm tearing up just thinking about it. It's the type of book that gives you full body chills as you sit in awe trying to grasp the full beauty of this person who you do not know and will never know. I don’t want to dispel you by just saying it was a ‘sad’ book because by categorizing it into such simple terms is not doing his life or his words justice. I will leave you with a quote that seeps so much wisdom from a young man who had his life cut short by such a cruel and unforgiving disease: “There is a moment, a cusp, when the sum of gathered experience is worn down by the details of living. We are never so wise as when we live in this moment.”

Happy Reading :)

By Malika Elshorbagy

Published April 17, 2024.