During times where academic life can become too fast-paced or overwhelming, and most of our cultural consumption is via the repetitive social media apps we use daily, finding the perfect book to unwind with can be a welcomed escape.
In the sanctuary of well-crafted narratives and captivating plots, readers are able to step away from the stress of academic obligations and immerse themselves in the tranquility of a good story. Whether you’re seeking adventure, solace, or a temporary departure from reality, our staff’s book recommendations promise to be your guide to a literary retreat. Below is the Bulldog Times’ curated list of staff picks.
1) Madison’s Pick: If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin
If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin explores the journey of childhood friends Autumn Davis and Finn. The story begins with Autumn reminiscing about her past in the small town of Pineville. As childhood friends, Autumn and Finn developed an unbreakable bond, but as they grew older, Autumn’s feelings evolved, complicated by Finn’s relationship with Sylvie.
Tragedy strikes when Finn’s life is cut short in a devastating accident, leaving Autumn left to grapple with the immense amount of grief. If He Had Been With Me explores the intricacies of friendship, first loves, and dealing with the loss of a loved one. It navigates the “what if” scenarios, prompting Autumn to reflect on the possibilities they could have altered their paths. The alternating timelines, blending memories with the present, provide a deep and meaningful connection to Autumn’s character, and explore the profound impact one person can have on another’s life.
“I recommend this book because it really goes into depth about past regrets and self-exploration,” Madison ONeill said.
2) Madeline’s Pick: You’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Thao
Dustin Thao’s debut novel You’ve Reached Sam is a poignant, heavy piece, exploring themes of grief and learning how to let go of a love one. The story introduces the main character Julie Clarke, as she is learning how to navigate the death of her boyfriend, Sam Obayashi. Throughout what seems to be Julie’s never ending nightmare, she finds herself spiraling and attempts to erase all their memories by discarding Sam’s belongings and avoiding his funeral altogether. However, a twist of fate unfolds when Julie discovers a message from Sam in her yearbook, leading her to call his cellphone.
Miraculously, Sam answers, granting Julie a second chance at saying goodbye. As their otherworldly phone calls continue, Julie grapples with the emotional turmoil of keeping this connection a secret to spare Sam’s grieving family.
“I personally enjoyed this book because it delves into the main character’s journey of dealing with grief. Initially, she wanted to forget her boyfriend after his death, but as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the essence of the book is not about forgetting; instead, it’s about remembering him in a way that goes beyond just recalling the good things,” said Madeline Khoo.
3) Kaylani’s Pick: The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood centers around Olive Smith, a third-year Ph.D. candidate who dismisses the idea of lasting romantic relationships. However, in an attempt to convince her best friend Anh that she’s happily in love, Olive impulsively kisses the first man she sees, who happens to be the renowned and somewhat intimidating professor, Adam Carlsen. To Olive’s surprise, Adam agrees to play along as her fake boyfriend, keeping their charade a secret.
As their fake relationship unfolds, Olive and Adam find themselves entangled in a web of emotions that extend beyond the boundaries of their pretend romance. Suddenly, what started as a scientific experiment in love becomes a complex journey where Olive must confront her own feelings, putting her heart under the microscope.
“I would recommend The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood because the romance is really good and just watching the two characters fall in love makes me really happy as a romance reader,” said Kaylani Hsu.
4) Laila’s Pick: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig introduces readers to a unique concept – a library situated between life and death –where endless shelves hold books representing the countless lives one could have lived. Nora Seed, at a crossroads in her life, faces the opportunity to explore these alternate realities and undo the regrets that have led her to the brink of despair.
As Nora navigates the Midnight Library, she contemplates the diverse paths her life could have taken: pursuing a different career, mending broken relationships, and realizing her dream of becoming a glaciologist. The library becomes a transformative space where Nora seeks answers about what truly fulfills her and what makes life worth living.
Haunted by a sense of dissatisfaction and contemplating the value of her existence, Nora’s journey in the Midnight Library unfolds within a 24-hour period. The books offer glimpses into the myriad lives she could have led, inviting her to reevaluate her perspective on happiness and the meaningful choices that shape a life.
“I would recommend this book because it has a lot of different genres,” Laila Kumar said. “There’s some mystery, there’s some philosophical aspects, and there’s also some romance, so I think that it could cater to a lot of different audiences. I also think it’s really touching just to see how someone goes about different lives in their own perspective.”
5) Janelle’s Pick: Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
Crying in H Mart is author Michelle Zauner’s intimate memoir exploring her Korean American upbringing, fraught relationship with her mother, and the transformative impact of her mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis. As one of the few Asian American kids in Oregon, Michelle grapples with cultural clashes and high expectations. Despite growing apart in her pursuit of independence on the East Coast, her mother’s illness prompts a reckoning with identity.
The memoir delves into multiracial complexities, unraveling the blurred lines of Korean and American, white and Asian. Through care giving and impending loss, Michelle rediscovers the cultural gifts her mother imparted.
“I personally really liked Crying in H Mart because I thought it was really nice how it captured a lot of emotions that a lot of people go through, and her story was really unique in a way,” Janelle Lim said. “I really liked her connection with the title and how intimate it felt as you read further into the story.”
6) David’s Pick: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
In the dystopian world of Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard, society is divided by blood—Reds, commoners, and Silvers, an elite with god-like powers. Seventeen year old Mare Barrow, a Red from the poverty-stricken Stilts, believes change is impossible until she discovers her own deadly power while working in the Silver Palace.
Feared for her potential, the Silvers hide Mare in plain sight, declaring her a long-lost princess engaged to a Silver prince. Despite the danger, Mare secretly aids the Red Guard, a militant resistance group, aiming to overthrow the Silver regime.
The story unfolds in a world of betrayal, lies, and a dangerous dance between Reds and Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart. As Mare grapples with newfound abilities and conflicting alliances, she plays a dangerous game to save her family and friends, navigating a complex web of love, betrayal, and rebellion.
“I would recommend this book because of how unique the female protagonist is,” David Jung said. “You have this young girl who’s just trying to survive and you know, being thrust into this life is not always easy and it can take a long time to prepare.”
7) Elisabeth’s Pick: Heartless by Marissa Meyer
Heartless by Marissa Meyer is a prequel to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, offering a glimpse into the origin of the infamous Queen of Hearts, Catherine. Catherine, a talented baker in Wonderland, dreams of opening her own bakery with her best friend. However, her mother insists that such aspirations are unthinkable for someone who could be the next queen.
The story takes a turn when Catherine meets Jest, the mysterious court joker. Despite being desired by the King of Hearts, Catherine feels the pull of true attraction for the first time. In a land filled with magic, madness, and monsters, Catherine and Jest embark on an intense, secret courtship, challenging societal expectations and defying fate.
As Catherine strives to define her own destiny and pursue love on her terms, she faces obstacles from her parents, who prioritize image over her happiness, and the king, who adores her but is not the ideal match. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of Catherine’s dreams, societal pressures, and the looming presence of a monster. Marissa Meyer weaves a tale of romance, rebellion, and the transformation of a girl into the feared Queen of Hearts.
“I would recommend this book because it gives a backstory to a very prominent yet evil figure and it sort of makes you empathize with her,” Elisabeth Lee said.
8) Rachel’s Pick: A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
A Dog’s Purpose by Bruce Cameron is a heartwarming tale that follows the remarkable journey of Bailey, a lovable dog, as he searches for the meaning of his existence across several lives. Reborn as a golden-haired puppy after a brief life as a stray mutt, Bailey’s quest for purpose leads him to the loving companionship of 8-year-old Ethan. Throughout their adventures, Bailey discovers the joy of being a good dog and forms an unbreakable bond with Ethan.
However, Bailey’s journey doesn’t end there. Reincarnated once again, he continues to seek his purpose in various lives. The novel explores the poignant and often humorous experiences of a dog’s multiple lives, offering insightful commentary on human relationships and the enduring bonds between man and man’s best friend.
“I would recommend this book because it’s a tear jerker,” Rachel Dunn said. “I’ve read it, like, at least 10 times and every single time I’ve been bawling my eyes out. It’s great if you’re an animal lover and find yourself wanting to connect with characters more deeply.”
9) Stephanie’s Pick: There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins
There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins unfolds in the small town of Osborne, Nebraska, where Makani Young has sought refuge from her dark past in Hawaii. Having settled in with her grandmother, she begins to find new friends and experiences the stirrings of romance with the mysterious Ollie Larsson. However, Makani’s past is about to catch up with her.
A series of gruesome murders ensues at Osborne High School, targeting students one by one with increasingly grotesque flair. As the terror escalates and Makani’s feelings for Ollie intensify, she is thrust into a chilling confrontation with her own dark secrets. The town is gripped by fear, and Makani must confront the haunting shadows of her past to unravel the mystery behind the brutal murders.
In the midst of adjusting to her new life and forming connections, Makani becomes entangled in a harrowing hunt for the killer. The suspenseful narrative weaves together themes of love, fear, and the haunting impact of past secrets as the students of Osborne High face a relentless and gruesome threat that forces them to confront the darkness within.
“I recommend this book because it is really gripping and it leaves the readers on their toes trying to find out who the killer is,” Stephanie Lyn said. “I also like how the killer tailors their kills to certain victims. It’s just really cool and you just go along playing the detective with the main character to find out who the killer is at the end.”
10) Isabel’s Pick: An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
In An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green, April May, a twenty three year old New Yorker, stumbles upon a giant robot sculpture in the middle of the night. Together with her friend Andy, they create a viral video and unknowingly become the first documenters of the Carls, mysterious robot-like figures that simultaneously appear in cities worldwide. As April becomes an international sensation, she grapples with the consequences of fame, the Carls’ enigmatic nature, and their puzzling messages.
The story unfolds as April navigates her newfound celebrity status, relationships, and the urgent need to unravel the mystery behind the Carls. As April delves into the Dream, a shared virtual experience, and attempts to solve its puzzles, she discovers the intricate connections between humanity and the Carls. The plot takes unexpected turns, leading to a suspenseful climax where April must confront the consequences of her choices and the true purpose behind the Carls’ appearance.
“I personally really like it because it deals with modern issues,” Isabel Sim said. “So I think it’s really interesting to be able to read that in a science fiction book, and then to look or see similar patterns in real life or online, and just be like, ‘oh wow I never noticed that before.’”
