Read Out of Your Comfort Zone

I know how tempting it is to pick up an easy-going, simplistic, archetypical book and just let yourself be lost in it, away from the looming stress of the real world. Regrettably, though, I never thought much about those books after turning the last page. While they were entertaining, the way I perceive the world remained unchallenged.

If you're up for questioning and examining the complexities of human nature, here are a few good reads:

If it wasn't for my English class, I would have never discovered this 19th-century Brazilian novel, and even if I did, I would have dismissed it with a cowardly excuse about the time period and location not being relatable enough. As I began to read, though, I became captivated by this story of a hysterically unhappy man retelling his past.

The intriguing characterization of the narrator could alone hook you to this novel, but, as his the plot comes to a head, you will find his neurotic tendencies spiraling into bizarre allegations against other characters.

While the author leaves it up to you, the reader, to decipher the truth, I encourage you to take the opportunity to step back and consider both the naive and cynical perspectives and then, for good measure, ponder the complexities narrator's mind. Finally, approach life with a more enlightened prospect of life and its truths.

Most of you have probably heard this title if you watched the Oscars, or any other academy award show, for that matter. But, to sing that familiar tune that we all know and — well, sometimes hate — the book was better. Although I loved the movie in all of its nonchalant, European summer vibes, the narration throughout the novel is the most relatable, yet most inexplicable thing I've ever read.

In Call Me by Your Name, Aciman beautifully crafts a story of self-discovery through an intimate and romantic plot. Elio, the narrator, will both comfort you and entertain you. In his anxious stream-of-consciousness fog, you will discover the relatability of first love and fidgety doubt.

Also, the book will definitely leave you craving a peach or two.

"Is guilt innocent and innocence guilty?" That is the one question that will leave you questioning everything.

In this post-World War II novel, Mulisch explores the effect of the war on Anton Steenwijk, a Dutch boy who was orphaned after Nazi forces raided his household one night. As Anton grows older throughout the story, he, in several different instances, meets people who were somehow involved in that fateful night, unraveling the mystery for both Anton and the reader.

However, in hearing the accounts of that night from different points of view, you begin to wonder who holds the true blame for the death of Anton's entire family. And even if blame is assigned, who is really guilty?

"Is guilt innocent and innocence guilty?"

So, if introspection isn't really your thing, then feel free to close this tab go ahead and continue reading your fun and frivolous stories. Trust me, I've been there. But if you're looking to expand your outlook on life, and maybe have some stimulating entertainment while doing so, these books are for you.

And never hesitate to leave a book suggestion for me or any other readers! Because remember,

“There are things known and there are things unknown, and in between are the doors ofperception.”― Aldous Huxley