In the wide universe of literature, students and faculty of WHS continue on the journey of finding the perfect page turner. From captivating tales to timeless classics, there is something to read for everyone, and many peers and teachers have recommendations to fuel the love for this lifetime hobby.
For many readers, the first step of their journey to identify favorite books comes with determining their preferred genres.
“I like realistic fiction because it has that perspective of reality but the stories are not real, and I also like historical fiction because reading history keeps me engaged and on the edge of my seat,” freshman Sammie Waxman said.
Others at WHS care less about how realistic the fiction is and more about how it helps them take a break from reality.
“I love the escape that fiction gives me, and the interesting characters and the surprising plots, beautiful descriptions, beautiful word choice,” English teacher Alicia Collins said.
Some of the more uncommon genres also appeal to readers at WHS, whether it be for the intellectual benefit or all for pleasure.
“I like science fiction. I’ve always liked science fiction from the time I was a kid because it just makes me think, and I learn a lot and it challenges me,” librarian Alida Hanson said. “I like literary fiction books where very little happens. I like books with a lot of description.”
Many students also appreciate how science fiction or fantasy books provide stories that are action-packed and emotionally engaging, making them too gripping to be put down.
“A book that left a lasting impression on me is ‘The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.’ The plot essentially follows Addie, a young teenage girl who makes a bargain with a dark deity called Luc for immortality, but in return she is forgotten by everyone,” freshmen Ainsley Fachner said. “This is such a memorable story because Addie is all over the place, both in time periods and in the world.”
Other students recommend books because they have engaged in them intellectually in different ways and offered them new perspectives.
“I recently read ‘The Stranger’ by Albert Camus, and the writing really resonated with me,” senior Noah Gilligan said. “The plot is riveting, the writing is refined, and it will take you on an interesting journey. It’s intense, and I frankly disagree with many of the philosophical points it raises, but I am so glad that I read it.”
WHS librarians have noticed one book in particular, an older novel, that has been very popular among students and faculty as it is checked out as soon as the prior reader returns it.
“‘The 48 Laws of Power’ is about lessons from history that the author uses to illustrate his philosophy of leadership,” Hanson said. “An old book will all of the sudden become very popular, and I’ll wonder ‘Why are people checking that out?’, and then it spreads. That’s what happened with ‘The 48 Laws of Power.’”
Many readers discover new books to read by using their past favorites to guide them.
“I would definitely advise that, if they’ve already found a book they like, they should go and see if that author has more books or go and look for authors similar to them,” Fachner said. “
The novels that students have found to have the biggest impact have been the novels that provide an underlying and deeper message for their readers.
“‘The Midnight Library’ [left a lasting impression on me]. The overall concept of the book was so creative, and I loved how it explored really heavy topics in an interesting yet engaging way,” sophomore Tanishka Singh said. “There were some really insightful messages in the book, and I won’t spoil the ending, but I think the story tied together really well in the end.”
The process of recommending literary resources and books to others has become one of the favorite parts of reading for many students.
“There are a lot of great lists [of good books] online and on apps, such as Goodreads,” said Fachner. “My personal recommendations would include ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,’ ‘Red, White and Royal Blue,’ and ‘These Violent Delights.’”
The connections students make through recommendations can also give a new light to an old book.
“I love sharing the entire experience of reading a book with a friend. Friends can help you see a book from a new perspective and add more nuance to your understanding,” Gilligan said.
Students’ love for reading extends beyond the book itself as they have found that recommending books can start a long lasting bond.
“The happiness that comes from [recommending books] is temporary, but the friendships I’ve made that started with books are many,” Fachner said. “I have many of these friends to this day and we still talk about books and continue to bond over them.”
