Spring Reads For Staying At Home
Written by Gylf Forsberg, Culture Staff Writer
I always hear so many college-aged kids saying, “Ugh…I wish I had more time to read” or “I used to read so much in high school, I just have no time anymore.” Well, you’ve got your wish and now you have ample time to stay at home—let me repeat this emphatically, stay at home—and take some time to get into a book.
The following is a collection of books which exude the ideas of spring—or at least allow you to transport to a different time and place.
“The People in the Trees” by Hanya Yanagihara
Following the critical acclaim and success of her first novel “A Little Life”, Yanagihara creates a completely new world and cast of characters in “The People in the Trees”. I first read “A Little Life” about three years ago, and I immediately picked up my copy of Yanagihara’s sophomore novel when it came out. When I first began to read it, I was confused and didn’t think it was by the same author—the style and subject matter are so distinctly different.
Written as a manuscript of an unpublished biography, “The People in the Trees” follows the expedition and research conducted by a fresh out of medical school academic in the lush wilderness of U’ivu, a fictional island nation. It tells of a medical disorder that results in the immortality of the afflicted, but only the physical body remains youthful, while the mind ages rapidly. The story is full of intense detail and a created set of mythologies and societal structures, so much so that one may believe that they are in fact reading an actual work of nonfiction.
“Christopher and His Kind” by Christopher Isherwood
Published nearly forty years after Isherwood’s other works—“Goodbye to Berlin”, “Lions and Shadows”, “All the Conspirators”—“Christopher and His Kind” sheds new light on the events taking place in the former titles.
Chronicling Isherwood’s life from 1929 to 1939—predominantly his stays in Berlin—this memoir follows the young author’s travels and interactions with friends, acquaintances and lovers. Isherwood paints the picture as it actually happened, referring to characters in his earlier novels who were based on actual individuals he crossed paths with and correcting the inaccuracies which may have been presented in earlier works.
Like Isherwood, we become so invested in his personal life—the fights and makeups—that we don’t pay much attention to the mounting situation of political upheaval and the rise of Nazism steadily growing around him. This memoir is an incredible way to look back on another time of uncertainty, and forget about the one we are living in.
“A Room with a View” by E. M. Forster
When thinking about spring and books that so incredibly represent the season, it would be wrong to overlook E.M. Forster’s “A Room With a View”. Following the life of a young English woman, the novel is equal parts romantic drama and humorous critique of Edwardian England.
The vivid imagery of Italy and the English countryside paint a picturesque view of a time gone by. The ups and downs of Lucy’s life are reflective of spring’s representation of rebirth and renewal. Oh…and if you can, try and grab a copy which contains the appendix, “A View without a Room”.
“East of Eden” by John Steinbeck
I would say that most people have heard of John Steinbeck, and likely have read “Of Mice and Men” or “Grapes of Wrath”. I’m not so certain, however, of the number who have heard of, or read, “East of Eden”. I believe this to be the best of Steinbeck’s works—maybe because it hasn’t been toiled over for weeks in AP Literature. I think, however, it has to do with the genius storytelling of a family saga that spans years.
The novel is set in the gorgeous Salinas Valley, and the imagery is sure to cure you of the April shower blues. Filled with symbolism, most strongly of the Adam-Eve story, “East of Eden” will keep you sucked in while you’re stuck inside.
“The Metamorphoses” by Ovid
One of the first things that I think of when I think about spring is the abundance of changes occurring, transforming the gray slush of Wisconsin winter to a landscape that is a bit more green. This work is just the same, abundant with changes as the name suggests.
Ovid’s “The Metamorphoses” has stood the test of time, with his lyric poetry being just as beautiful now as it was 2000 years ago. Each one of the stories told in this collection incorporates some form of transformation or metamorphosis, and each explores different themes—aging, love and lust, wisdom and arrogance. While you could read this in its original Latin, I’d recommend Melville’s 1986 translation.
“Nine Stories” by J. D. Salinger
If you’re like me and you sometimes don’t want to fully commit to a total novel, collections of short stories are always a great option. One of my favorites is “Nine Stories” by J.D. Salinger.
Everyone likely read “The Catcher In The Rye” in high school—or at least pretended to read it. Salinger’s matter-of-fact voice is ever-present in this collection of short stories, each one introducing a new set of players who are incredibly described. These can be read in any order and are a great option for a break between the back-to-back Zoom lectures. Not sure where to start? I’d say it’s “A Perfect Day for a Bananafish”.
“Know My Name” by Chanel Miller
One of the best works of nonfiction published in 2019, Miller’s memoir “Know My Name” sheds light on some of the worst parts of American society. In 2016, a woman then known as Emily Doe recounted her heartbreaking experience in the trial of rapist Brock Turner. With this memoir, Miller reveals her true name and identity in an incredible work which shows the ways in which tragedy and sorrow can be transformed into art.
Once you have selected your next read, please think about supporting a local bookstore before ordering from Amazon. Madison-based bookstore A Room of One’s Own is still providing shipping, find more information at their website.
Or if possible, consider donating to your favorite local bookstore by buying a gift card that you can use in-store at a later date.