Barak's Virtual Bookshelf
General
Ten Global Trends Every Smart Person Should Know
Atomic Habits
James Clear
The Hobbit
J.R.R. Tolkein
One Shot
Lee Child
Shogun
James Clavell
Exodus
Leon Uris
Mastern and
Commander
Patrick O’Brian
What If?
Randall Munroe
Think a Second
Time
Dennis Prager
The Chronicles of Narnia
C.S. Lewis
Good for Vocabulary and Grammar
Eats, Shoots
and Leaves
Lynne Truss
Author
Michael Lewis
if you like
sports
Author
P.D. James
if you like murder mysteries
Ranger's Apprentice
(Series)
John Flanagan
Mistborn
(Series)
Brandon Sanderson
Economics
Wealth and Poverty
George Gilder
Freakonomics
Stephen J. Dubner and Steven Levitt
Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Peter F. Drucker
Jenn’s List:
2023 Reading Challenge
Fiction
Brandon Sanderson is an author of epic proportions who has put out multiple, fantastic series and a few standalone books. The Mistborn Trilogy is a great place to start if you want to try this fantastic fantasy author. Jenn says, "he is constantly coming out with new books, so there is always something new to read. His worldbuilding is incredible and pulls you in from the first page. I also have it on good authority that he is actually a nice guy."
Jane Austen may sound like the author of those books you have to read for school, but she is considered one of the best for a reason. She only wrote six full-length novels, but they are all gems that stand out for their comedy, self-awareness, and realistic, detailed portrayals of characters and their relationships that are still relevant and relatable today. Jenn says, "I first read Jane Austen for school, but I am so glad that I didn't use SparkNotes. I fell in love with her as an author and all her books hold a special place in my heart. Also, if you haven't seen the 2005 movie of Pride and Prejudice, you should read it and make it your book for the movie category of this challenge." Note, Jane Austen is a great introduction to the old-style of some reading passages on the paper-based SAT.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a multi-award winning novel set in Nazi Germany. Told from the perspective of death, it follows young Liesel as she saves books and the lives of a Jewish family. Jenn says, "this isn't just another Holocaust book. This book has such beautiful imagery and such an interesting and funny perspective, that the story takes on a different life and doesn't have the heaviness of so many other books set in WWII. Everyone should read this book."
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli won the ALA Best Book for Young Adults. It is a celebration of nonconformity and tells the tale of the fleeting, cruel nature of popularity, and the thrill and inspiration of first love. Jenn says, "I reread this book every time I need a little reminder to be myself and embrace my weird. I highly recommend this for anyone feeling like they don't quite fit in, or who aren't sure what to do with their lives."
The Alienist by Caleb Carr is the gritty story of a dangerous murderer and those trying to stop the killings from happening. It is fast-paced, gripping, and infused with a historian's exactitude. It conjures up the Gilded Age and its untarnished underside: verminous tenements, opulent mansions, corrupt cops, and flamboyant gangsters. Here is a New York during an age when questioning society's belief that all killers are born, not made, could have unexpected and mortal consequences. Jenn says, "take note - there is some gory and disturbing imagery, but if you love true crime or find killers fascinating, this is one mystery you don't want to skip. There's also a TV show, but definitely read the book first."
For the Winner by Emily Hauser is the story of Atalanta who sailed with Jason and the Argonauts. As a classicist and historian, Hauser brings this myth to life in a realistic portrayal of ancient Greece. Jenn says, "If you love mythology and a strong female protagonist, this book is for you. The more realistic setting made my archaeologist-heart happy and grounded the fantastic aspects of the myth which allowed me to really connect with the story and characters."
The Circle by Dave Eggers is the dystopian story of Mae Holland who is hired to work for the Circle, the world's most powerful internet company. Yet, not all is as it seems, and as her life outside the company grows distant and her own role becomes increasingly public, the novel raises questions about memory, history, privacy, and democracy. Jenn says, "this book was honestly scary. It's fiction, but so much of it is completely possible. It made me think carefully about the role of the internet and global power."
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle is the collection of short stories published in magazines about the famous detective that helped bring about his immense popularity starting in the late 19th century. Jenn says, "these short mysteries tease your brain and are classics for a reason. Don't read the 'Speckled Band' before bed."
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is the story of the competition and love affair between two young magicians who are destined to face each other in a magical duel to the death that is somehow beautiful despite its origins. Set in the real world, their competition takes place in a roving circus that only opens at night. Jenn says, "whatever you think this book is - it is something different and hard to describe. It is stunning, and moving, and yes, magical. It is one of the best books I have ever read."
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins in the dystopian novel of a future where Panem (North America) is divided into 12 districts, ruled from the Capitol. As punishment for a failed revolt, each district is forced to select tributes to fight to the death in the annual Hunger Games. The first in the series, it follows Katniss Everdeen as she competes for District 12 and is forced to choose between survival and humanity, life and love. Jenn says, "if you haven't heard of The Hunger Games, you've been living under a rock. The movies are great, but whatever you do, read the book first. They're even better."
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir is science fiction at its finest. Ryland Grace wakes from a coma to find himself on a spaceship in another galaxy with nothing but two corpses for company. As he slowly regains memory, he realizes that he is the sole survivor on a desperate, last chance mission to save humanity and the earth itself. Jenn says, "this book is hilarious. Weir is also a genius at incorporating real science into his incredible fiction. If you have any interest in STEM, you have to read Andy Weir."
Uprooted by Naomi Novik is a standalone high fantasy novel that follows Agnieszka who is taken from her village to serve the wizard who protects the kingdom. As the corrupted Wood threatens to overtake their valley, she comes into her own powers. Jenn says, "Novik builds an incredible world with a fantastic and flawed heroine and great characters. I love her writing style and I love that you can read this one book without having to read a 30 part series."
Murder in Mesopotamia by Agatha Christie: is a Hercule Poirot (arguably the greatest detective of all time) novel. In this one, an archaeologist's wife is murdered at their dig site in Iraq. Jenn says, “as an archaeologist I appreciated the setting. As a mystery buff I was happily surprised to not know 'whodunit' until the big reveal at the end. Christie is the queen of the genre for a reason. Don't let the slow pace or vocabulary discourage you. Every word is intentional.”
Jurassic Park by Michael Chrichton: is an electrifying technothriller that asks the question- what if we could bring back the dinosaurs? Jenn says, “Michael Chrichton makes even the craziest science fiction seem possible. Jurassic Park is a classic for a reason. I actually liked it better than the movie. I also highly recommend Andromeda Strain.”
Non-fiction
The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollen: explains the range of food choices we face today using four meals on a spectrum from highly processed to entirely self-gathered. Jenn says, “I don’t usually read books like this, but I couldn’t put it down. It made me think about food so differently, and he writes in such an engaging style that I cared about the farmer he was interviewing, or his friend when they went boar hunting. No worries though- this book won’t turn you vegan or force you to shop exclusively at Whole Foods.”
The Freedom Writers Diary by Erin Gruwell and the Freedom Writers: is a collection of real-life diary entries from students of Wilson High School about their various experiences dealing with hardships, and adversities. Jenn says, “this is a great book and fits into a few different categories! It is a collection, or if you haven’t yet seen the movie, you can read this first and check off that category instead. This book is eye-opening. It doesn’t gloss over the harsh realities in life (and this is your warning for language and some adult themes), but I think it also gives hope. Reading and writing really can change lives.”
Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen by Christopher McDougall: is full of incredible characters, amazing athletic achievements, cutting-edge science, and pure inspiration. McDougall sets off to find a tribe of the world's greatest distance runners and learn their secrets. Jenn says, “I am not a runner, and this book made me want to run. I never read non-fiction, but I literally could not put this book down.” *Jenn made Barak read this and he also highly recommends it.
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed: is an autobiography that powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in an attempt to face her demons and begin to heal. Jenn says, “This book was beautiful and thoughtful. I've seen all-out arguments about whether the book or the movie is better. If you read this and watch it, you'll have to let me know on which side you fall.”
Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly: is the never-before-told true story of NASA's African-American female mathematicians who played a crucial role in America's space program in the 1960s. Jenn says, “This book was so interesting. I was inspired by the stories of these women and how they overcame all the obstacles they faced. This is a must-read for anyone thinking about a career in STEM. The movie was also wonderful.”
StrengthFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath outlines 34 themes that make up people's personalities. There are different books in this series including ones about leadership or positivity and filling your bucket. At the end of each book is a code to take a personality test that can change how you perceive yourself and how your strengths can relate to the world. Jenn says, "this isn't just another personality test. I was given new vocabulary to describe my strengths that I have used on every CV and in every interview since I completed it. Though it is targeting workers, if you have college essays and interviews on the horizon, I highly recommend any of these books."
A History of the World in 100 Objects by Neil MacGregor is the companion to the 100-part radio series/podcast put out by BBC Radio 4 and the British Museum. The book takes an original approach to human history: exploring civilizations, both past and present, through the objects that defined them. Jenn says, "as an archaeologist, I love this book. It shows how interconnected we all are and brings new meaning to the objects we use every day."
A Teen's Guide to the 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman and Page Haley Drygas outlines the different ways that people give and experience love. This book applies the revolutionary idea of the 5 love languages to all different kinds of relationships, not just romantic ones. Understanding the ways in which you perceive love, and learning how to help those you love feel how much you care about them can change all of your relationships moving forward. Jenn says, "my love language is quality time. Learning that has helped me to structure my life so that I make more time for family and friends and feel more of the love they give to me. I've also been able to consciously and intentionally do acts of service for my mother to make her feel appreciated and loved even when that is not a love language that speaks to me."
How To Cook Everything: The Basics by Mark Bittman gives you essential recipes and easy-to-follow guidance to help you cook with confidence. This cookbook includes shopping tips, recipe variations, and even illustrations for complicated techniques like mincing garlic. Jenn says, "this is my go-to cookbook for all the basics from techniques and advice to simple but delicious recipes. If you know nothing about cooking, this is the place to start."