Sometimes the best way to escape reality is to curl up in your room on a rainy day with a good book and a blanket. Books are easily one of the best ways to relax in a world revolving around stress and anxiety. Everyone at Ridge, and around the world, has different tastes in genre, whether it’s old-fashioned classic or action-packed science fiction. Here are just a few of the many different books kids are reading at Ridge.
Rick Riordan is no stranger to the spotlight. Ever since his first book, Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, came out, his books have been considered instant classics. These novels, centered on Greek mythology, deserve a spot on everyone’s shelf. The last book in the Heroes of Olympus series, a continuation of the incredibly popular Percy Jackson series, was released recently, sending fans into frenzy. In this book, The Blood of Olympus, Riordan stuffs in his well-known humor, captivating writing style, and flawless action scenes.
Kina Qiu ’17 praises the book, stating, “It’s beautiful. That’s all I have to say.” This book is definitely a must-read, especially if you’ve followed Percy Jackson and his friends since the beginning.
While some people enjoy more modern books, others prefer to relax with the classics. Caroline Carr ’16 states, “I like reading different books from everyone else. Recently I’ve read a lot of Shakespeare and Kurt Vonnegut. They’re really good books, but not very many people seem to be reading them lately.”
Of course, nearly everyone knows about Shakespeare – perhaps they’ve even read a few of his plays in English class. His plays range from comedic to dramatic, so there’s a play for everyone to enjoy. If you don’t like the romantic drama of Romeo and Juliet, try the humorous Twelfth Night instead. Also, if you haven’t read any of Kurt Vonnegut’s short stories by now, you’re missing out. Known for his short stories that criticize the society he lived in, Vonnegut’s stories tend to be humorous, intriguing, and thought provoking. Classics may have a reputation of being “boring,” but it’s unfair to not give them a chance.
Most people have heard of author John Green by this point in time; he’s a star in both the literary world and the realm of YouTube. Known especially for his best-selling hit The Fault in Our Stars, which recently released on the big screen, Green has certainly made a name for himself. In the novel Paper Towns, Green masterfully crafts another intriguing novel that’s impossible to put down. Soon to be a major motion picture, Paper Towns tells the story of the rebellious Margo and her friend, Quentin. Hannah Wilkinson ’17 loves the book, calling it, “Extraordinarily entertaining and interesting.” If you’re a fan of The Fault in Our Stars, be sure to check this one out before the movie comes out this summer.
Everyone has their own taste in books at Ridge High, ranging from fantasy to realistic fiction to classics. No matter what you prefer, books always remain the perfect way to unwind after a long, stressful day. So whenever you’re looking for something to read, try one of the suggested books above, or even try something new!