By I-mei Ling
Perhaps you’ve never appreciated the power of nature in Wordsworth, or you’re still mystified about the value of T. S. Eliot’s works. Maybe you don’t even like literature. However, don’t despair. Forget about classics for a while and delve into the other world of popular literature/genre fiction. These books may not survive after a hundred years, but they can still be entertaining and enlightening. The following is a list of books which, hopefully, will provide a good read on a day when you don’t feel like studying: 1. Princess: A True Story of Life Behind the Veil in Saudi Arabia—“You must know me only as Sultana. I cannot reveal my true name for fear harm will come to me and my family for what I am to tell you.” Thus begins the story of Sultana, and her fascinating, yet chilling narrative of life as a Saudi princess. Imagine being able to purchase seventeen gowns of the same color at one sitting in London, but having to witness relatives, friends, or strangers circumcised, raped, imprisoned, or stoned to death. Chapter after chapter, Sultana relates her anger for victimized women and her struggles to prevent tragedies, though in most cases, in vain. Power does not come with wealth, as long as she is a woman. This book is no Nobel winner, but it is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. 2. The Other Boleyn Girl—In this book, Philippa Gregory pulls off a spectacular retelling of the history of Anne Boleyn , told from the perspective of her overlooked sister, Mary Boleyn (hence the title). Despite the historic setting, the author narrates the story in simple English, and succeeds in making the readers live and breathe in Tudor England. The characters are three-dimensional with their strengths and flaws, and their problems on love, lust, incest, and homosexuality are sprinkled throughout the book. A must for fans of historic fiction. 3. Crocodile on a Sandbank—If you like mysteries, you’ve probably read through Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, or contemporary works such as Sue Grafton’s alphabet mystery series. How about something that’s not your typical murder mystery? Featuring an unconventional Victorian gentlewoman, Elizabeth Peter’s Crocodile on a Sandbank will transport you to nineteenth-century Egypt complete with the Nile, mummies, tombs, and a kidnapper lurking in the shadows. The mystery may be weaker compared to the classics, but the plot is tight, the setting intriguing, and the characters well-delineated. There’s even a good dose of humor. And there are a dozen more books after this one, resulting in an unusual, remarkable mystery series. 4. The Nanny Diaries—If contemporary stuff is more your thing, take a peek at New York City’s wealthy elite through the eyes of an NYU senior working as a nanny. Former nannies, Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, have turned their experiences into fiction, using anonymous names for important characters, including the protagonist (Nanny), her employer (Mrs. X), and even Nanny’s boyfriend (H.H., aka Harvard Hottie). Underneath the glittering wealth lies a strong undercurrent of serious social problems, such as insane competition, extramarital affairs, overworked people, and most of all, children starving for love. Achingly painful yet managing to be side-splittingly funny at the same time, The Nanny Diaries will not only keep you turning the pages, but also cause you to think after you close the book. 5. The Blue Castle—You probably all know Lucy Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. However, Montgomery has also created a lot of hidden gems which are also worth reading, including The Blue Castle. Twenty-nine-year-old Valancy, unmarried and unattractive, has never experienced great joy or pain. However, when a doctor diagnosed that she has only a year to live, Valancy decides to change herself. Once a docile daughter, she starts to speak her mind, shocking her bossy mother and relatives. For example, when her mother reprimands her behavior, “Valancy, your poor father would turn over in his grave if he could hear you,” Valancy replies, “I dare say he would like that for a change.” Though the plot may seem cliché, the writing is exquisitely handled, the dialogue delightfully witty and humorous, and the characters stand out, from clownish Uncle Benjamin, hypocritical Mrs. Frederick, sweet Cecily, to the enigmatic Barney Snaith. A story that has a strong message without being didactic. 6. Redwall–When it comes to fantasy, you’d probably think about dragons, warriors, magic spells, and so on. Brian Jacques’ Redwall is your typical action adventure fantasy, a battle between good and evil, but this time the characters are all animals–mice, squirrels, sparrows, moles, and even a terrifying adder. The protagonist, a clumsy but good-hearted mouse, Matthias, will have you rooting for him to the end, and the villain, Cluny the Scourge, isn’t just pure evil either, he’s got brains. Oh, and there are about seventeen books in the series for those who can’t get enough of this imaginative universe. You won’t find any deep meaningful pearls of wisdom in this book, but if you like a good ol’ fashioned epic tale (featuring animals, for a change), then this is for you. If you’re interested, you may find any of these books at Page One bookstore in Taipei 101. Of course, you might discover a lot more exciting books, whether it be an action-packed thriller or a cheesy romance. Happy reading! a
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May 2024
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