If the upcoming testing period is causing stress, using a phone could only make it worse. A book could be a much better distraction, as reading can provoke an academic mood, perfect for studying, or provide a sense of accomplishment that social media cannot. Accordingly, here are some great books to start with.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien is a classic fantasy novel and the precursor to the books in “The Lord of the Rings.” It follows Bilbo Baggins as he is, much to his dismay, brought along on an adventure through dangerous lands and tricky situations. Bilbo grows considerably during his journey, becoming more sure of himself and his decisions, those struggling with motivation can learn from one of his famous quotes, “‘Go back?’ He thought. ‘No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!’” Tolkien is unmatched in his ability to immerse readers in a new world, making a seemingly daunting read more enticing than ever. It is a book that can be re-read many times, and has the benefit of being part of a series for when a person is just not quite ready to let go of middle earth.
Notes from Underground, a novella by Fyodor Dostoevsky, is a short, but impactful book. It was originally published in the Russian magazine Epoch, run by Dostoevsky and his brother. Originally titled “The Confession,” the book follows the mind of a man who is simply too conscious. The narrator’s train of thought revolves around anticipating the thoughts of others towards his own, and taking to disproving them until he anticipates another thought. This cycle is suffocating in the first half of the novella, which is primarily monologue; the reading of which emulates the feeling of going deeper and deeper into a maze until you no longer remember the sequence of turns you took. The second half, while slightly subdued in the monologue aspect, is essentially the narrator’s overly conscious thought in action. While it may not seem stress relieving, it is rather short, allowing the reader to receive that feeling of accomplishment discussed earlier, as well as provide many points to think over.
The Nobel Prize Winning Human Acts by Han Kang is eye opening to a sequence of events that many are unaware of. In late 20th century South Korea, martial law reigned supreme and became stricter when a previous leader was assassinated and replaced by his protege. The book follows the bloody and malicious suppression of protests across the country, from the perspectives of people involved in all types of ways, but all connected by one young boy. The book does not hold back when it comes to descriptions of torture experienced by imprisoned protestors, which adds to the strikingness of the book. People typically view South Korea as a model of democracy and peace, however the book serves as evidence that it took a while to get there. The theme also addresses the humanity of man, which is alluded to in the title as well. Currency the topic of the book is increasingly relevant currently with the brief period of martial law enacted in South Korea recently. After reading the book, the response by citizens to the period is put into perspective, lending more understanding to the pain and violence South Korean citizens may associate with marital law itself.
Lastly, Mayflies by Andrew O’Hagen explorers the nuances of a lifelong deep and platonic friendship, ending in heartbreak. For fans of the 80’s British post-punk scene, the first section feels like a time capsule. The main character James, his best friend Tully, and their friend group travel from their self-described mundane lives in Scotland to a music festival in Manchester, sleeping wherever they can, and wreaking havoc within the town before going back to embark upon their futures. It is times like these that are reflected upon fondly in the second section of the book. The characters do not lose the attitude they possessed while young, despite their respective careers. The book explorers love and loss, as well as the extent of impact that we as humans have upon each other.
Before and during midterms it is important to remain calm, and what better way to do that than by reading? Books don’t always have to be read, CD’s, which are playable in many cars, can be found at libraries. The Hobbit can be found at the York Public Library, and other books can be listened to on audiobook apps while performing other tasks. With hope that these book recommendations will be taken into consideration, best of luck on midterms.
