The year is coming to a close and autumn is finally in full swing. The wind howls outside as the patter of rain sings a song on your window. You’re inside, cuddled up with a warm cup of tea and a riveting book to keep you occupied during these chilly months. Flipping through the pages, you’re sucked into a completely different world. It could be one of fantasy, romance, mystery, or even all three! That’s the magic of reading; you can instantly teleport to wherever you want to by just cracking open a book of your choosing.
Moanalua High School is filled with readers. Several students shared some of their favorite books to encourage others to pick up this hobby and spread their love of reading.
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
Freshman Jeriah Lorenzo’s favorite book is A Court of Silver Flames by fantasy author Sarah J. Maas, “It was the only book that I’ve rated six out of five stars.” Her enjoyment of this novel stemmed from how much she was able to relate to the characters, “I saw myself in the main character, Nesta. She kept to herself a lot and she didn’t really express her emotions, she expressed them in rather more anger. I kind of went through the same situations that she did.” When asked who she would recommend this book to, Lorenzo said, “Definitely to people who are going through a tough situation, because Nesta went through a lot of heartbreak and a lot of people didn’t believe in her. People that have a mountain that they need to climb, I’d recommend it to them.”
Fifty Words for Rain by Asha Lemmie
Sophomore Sam Nipales’s favorite book is Fifty Words for Rain by Asha Lemmie, “It was a very compelling story for me. I usually read thrillers, but this was more of a coming-of-age type of book.” Nipales explains what stood out to her while reading this novel, “The story was very different from my own life. It was set during the 1900s and about an arranged marriage. The main character [is] African-American in a Japanese family and her own family kind of resented her because she came from her mother’s previous marriage. She goes through a lot.” She states that family also played a vital role in the story, “The family bonding part is also an interesting aspect of it.”
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Junior Connor Burgoyne’s favorite book is Red Rising by Pierce Brown, “The plot is great. It feels like the author really had a plan and there are moments that are so good and smartly written, yet still surprising.” He also comments on how a characters’ writing contributes to the story, saying, “The characters are so great.” Upon being asked who he would recommend this book to, Burgoyne replied, “Everyone should read Red Rising.”
Finding a wonderful book that truly appeals to your personal interests can be crucial to enjoying reading. Some may think that reading is boring, others say that they have better things to do, but it’s important to recognize the connection that reading offers people. From gossiping about the latest book you’ve read with your friends to bonding over an author with the cashier at Barnes and Noble, books bring people together. Picking up this new hobby during the winter season can foster new bonds and bring you even closer to your loved ones!
