Five Must-Reads in Quarantine
Notable literature to distract you from the global pandemic
By Kinga Mozes
I know what you’re thinking- why would I read when I can watch shows and binge Youtube videos? The answer is that it simultaneously relaxes and educates you, so pipe down and rent some audiobooks. Reading is fun.
Daytripper: Fábio Moon & Gabriel Bá
WHY: Normally I don’t read graphic novels. I only read this book because I couldn’t find the poetry section in the library. But THIS graphic novel made me cry and then want to read it all again. The illustrations and story emphasize the fragility of life and the beauty that lies within that.
Brief Wondrous Life Of Oscar Wao: Junot Díaz
WHY: This hilarious novel follows Oscar, “a disastrously overweight ghetto nerd” whose adventures include the Dominican Republic and Lord of the Rings. There’s a hint of folklore with the looming fukú curse following Oscar, but above all this book is pure entertainment.
Twilight, Los Angeles 1992: Anna Deavere Smith
WHY: Although this play is a quick read, it’s impact on me was profound. I am horrified by the atrocities that occurred after Rodney King’s death and horrified about my prior lack of knowledge about an event that occurred here. A necessary read.
Night Sky With Exit Wounds: Ocean Vuong
WHY: Ocean Vuong simultaneously broke my heart and then pieced it back together again as I read this short collection of poems. As the daughter of immigrants, I identified with much of his confusion, but his message that true vulnerability takes strength will resonate with you no matter what your ethnic background is.
The Unbearable Lightness of Being: Milan Kundera
WHY: This is perhaps my favorite novel of all time because its philosophical musings about love are spot on. The story follows Tomas, a womanizing sucker who comes to realize the inseperable nature of love and sex.