“A Million to One” by Adiba Jaigirdar
Following the journey of four girls aboard the Titanic, this book is an intriguing exploration of friendship, courage and finding one’s sense of belonging. Witty Josefa, daring Hinnah, charismatic Violet and observant Emilie team up, using their unique talents to steal the Rubaiyat, a priceless book of Persian poetry being transported on the famed ship.
There are so many things to love about the story: its three-dimensional characters, fast-paced plot, romantic subplot and unforeseen conflicts. Because it is centered around a historic tragedy, it does deal with heavier issues like loss, but its approach still leaves room for fun, lighthearted moments. This balance makes it a great option for new readers of historical fiction. Another appealing feature is the multiple perspectives the book offers. The chapters switch POVs between the four girls, fostering a unique connection and relatability between the reader and each character.
These elements, combining heart and history, make for a tender but thrilling addition to your bookshelf.
“Wilder Girls” by Rory Power
Hetty, Reese and Byatt were normal girls before an illness took over their boarding school and the island it rests on. After Byatt goes missing, Hetty and Reese do whatever possible to get their friend back, unraveling more of the mysteries of their school and illness than they ever thought possible.
This was a book I was extremely excited to read, and once I flipped to the last page I was begging for more. Rory Power’s “Wilder Girls” is a powerful feminist story, filled with beautifully imperfect characters that keep you engaged with every sentence.
There is a great level of detail in the writing that doesn’t shy away from the terror these girls experience. With that in mind, I would warn more sensitive readers that this is a book containing a good share of body horror, graphic violence and other mature themes. This is a book about survival, thrilling secrets and strong friendships that was a delight to read. If you’re a reader who likes being kept on their toes, this is a book for you.
“Legendborn” by Tracy Deonn
“Legondborn” follows Bree Mathews, a girl who wants to leave the tragedy of her mother’s death behind and pursue a residential program for high schoolers at UNC-Chapel Hill. But her dreams of a quiet life away from her past are destroyed when she witnesses a magical attack on her first night at campus. Now Mathews has to enter the world of Legondborn, a secret society of students who hunt monsters and uncover the mysteries of her mother’s death.
This is a character-driven story that focuses on how grief affects Bree and her actions. While this story is character-driven, the plot is also well-developed and fast-paced. The worldbuilding is so thorough and well-written that it felt like I was in the book. The characters are also fully fleshed out with clear goals and motivations. People who enjoy mythology will also like this book because it is based on Arthur and the Round Table.
“Where the Crawdads” Sing by Delia Owens
Delia Owens’ “Where the Crawdads Sing” is an emotionally riveting fictional tale that follows Kya, a young girl left to fend for herself in the Carolina marshes. Kya learns to live immersed in nature, but her simple life is interrupted by her interactions with the more ‘civilized’ lives of those in her hometown. Although the story does deal with heavier topics at times, Owens gracefully discusses the natural biases that lead Kya into situations that will change her life forever.
This story is at the same time a mystery, romance and coming-of-age novel, but the overarching theme is the conflict between nature and civilization, which Owens captures beautifully in Kya’s character arc. As the story progresses, readers are left with a deep empathy for Kya as she faces the judgment and prejudice of her hometown simply because she appears different.
I had been wanting to read this book for a long time, and it did not disappoint. Owens’ writing style was captivating and allowed the quiet power of Kya’s story to shine through. “Where the Crawdads Sing” is not just a compelling story, but one that will also make you think deeply about the wild beauty of nature and the role it plays in our lives.
“My Body” by Emily Ratajkowski
Being the first celebrity memoir I’ve read, I honestly didn’t know what to expect when I bought Emily Ratajkowski’s “My Body.” I had expectations of superficial writing, a title slapped with a famous name to sell better to the market.
However, it did not disappoint.
Ratajkowski’s storytelling made me finish her novel in only two days. I could hear her voice in vivid detail in every essay, and I was hooked from one chapter to the next. She immerses you into her whirlwind life, from becoming a model to discovering how corrupt the industry is.
Even for someone as successful as herself, she had to start somewhere. And she learned to understand how to take advantage of the career opportunities from powerful men, even if it hurt her pride. Commodifying her image and body was her work of trade, and she relates it to the capitalist society in which we live.
Model or not, lots of women can relate to how their looks can gain rejection, attention or money. Ratajkowski addresses that while speaking of her struggle trying to take control of her commodification of who she is.
As a young woman, I understand how beauty standards have especially shaped how girls, perceive themselves, starting very early at a young age. For Ratajkowski, this was no exception. In her first short essay, she explains how she grew up with a mother who idolized beauty and was only a little girl when she prayed to God each night to be the most beautiful woman. It spoke volumes of how she viewed herself before entering the modeling industry.
