R E C O M M E N D A T I O N – B O O K S
Tasnia Shahrin
It might sound really weird but doing absolutely nothing takes up way more energy than staying busy with multiple chores. It is because when we have a plan, we are mentally prepared for the amount of effort that will go into it, but when we are bored—we have no other option than to just relax for some time, after which we will get immensely tired of doing nothing and look for something fun to do.
In such a case, books are going to be your saviour, as reading a book means going to a whole other world without having to move from your bed. Here are some books that you can read to kill your boredom.
1. Radio Silence by Alice Oseman
A heartfelt book that I would recommend to any person who has struggled with mental illness, academic pressure, and figuring out their own path. This story is about Frances, a girl who is dead set on going to Cambridge even though she doesn’t really seem to understand why it matters so much to her. But when she gets involved in a YouTube podcast that she loves, through making meaningful relationships and valuing art in a new way, she starts to understand that there isn’t one right option. In short, if you are someone who often feels insecure about the future, then this book will hit so close to home!
2. The Athena Protocol by Shamim Sarif
A very entertaining and action-packed young adult book aimed at a teen audience but the adults might enjoy it as well. This book is about a girl who is a part of the spy group called ‘Athena’, but some mishaps happen and she is thrown out of the group—after which she solves the unsolved mysteries on her own. (Full Ethan Hunt style!)
3. Saints and Misfits by S.K. Ali
A harrowing tale about a girl who is sexually harassed by a person from her Muslim community. It captures her struggle to deal with the incident and the way it impacts her view of the community. A very powerful book that will definitely wake you up.
4. The Exact Opposite of Okay by Laura Steven
Another powerful story of a young girl who gets slut-shamed because she was caught in a compromising position with the son of a political candidate. The reason this book is remarkable is because it shows her way of dealing with such a cruel phase all on her own—that too at such a tender age. If you love a good feminist book, then this is highly recommended to you.
5. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
A historical fiction book that takes place during WWII and follows four characters as they are seeking freedom on the Wilhelm Gustloff, a ship that promises safety to all. The writing style is so captivating that it also won the 2016 Goodreads Choice Award for Young Adult Fiction. Thus, it is highly recommended.
6. The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black
A very interesting take on a very common topic – vampires. It is a thrilling and dark story of Tanna who lives in a world where vampires are no longer myths but present and a threat. The story will make your heart race and if you love the mash-up of horror and romance, then this book is just for you.
7. Spindle by E.K. Johnston
This story is a retelling of The Sleeping Beauty with a few elements of Rapunzel thrown into the mix, and takes place in a Middle Eastern setting. The young princess Zahrah, called the Little Rose, gets cursed by a demon on her fifth birthday. Whenever she spins or creates something – a tapestry, a meal, or even a hair braid—she will slowly open her mind to be possessed by the demon, who will then use the princess to destroy her kingdom. With the lush setting and captivating writing style, Johnston succeeded in creating a magical fairytale with brave heroes that definitely will keep you spellbound when you are bored.
8. There Will Come a Darkness by Katy Rose Pool
For those readers who love character-driven novels, this is the book for you. It is set in an ancient Greece inspired setting and is also heavily influenced by the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but don’t let that fool you.
Although the inspiration is palpable, the world-building and history written in the story is its own thing, and wonderfully done. We follow five separate characters, all from different walks of life, as they come together to try and stop an ancient evil from destroying the world as they know it. In short, not only is this book an exciting read but also a master-class on how to write multiple POVs correctly.
Happy reading!
The recommender, a proud Slytherin, is a part of TDA Editorial Team.