A Season Of Growth: 10 Book Recommendations For Spring
Ada Lambert | March 21, 2024
1. “Anita de Monte Laughs Last” by Xochitl Gonzalez follows Anita, an up-and-coming Mexican-American artist who is found dead amidst her rising fame. Her death shocks the residents of New York City. Despite this dark fate, the novel delves into her life before and the challenges of love, career and cultural identity, Anita's journey is a poignant exploration of resilience and self-discovery in the face of adversity.
2. In “Circe” by Madeline Miller, the mythological witch Circe who is exiled to the island of Aiaia, discovers her power and agency as she learns about her innate connection to the land and how to use her magic. Miller's retelling offers a feminist perspective from the ancient classic “The Odyssey,” delving into the intricacies of motherhood as an immortal being, bodily autonomy and forming a mutual symbiotic relationship with nature.
3. Jane Austen's “Emma” follows the titular character, a well-meaning but misguided young woman who fancies herself a matchmaker in her small English village. As Emma meddles in the romantic affairs of those around her, she learns valuable lessons about love, friendship and humility, ultimately finding true happiness.
4. In “One True Loves” by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Emma Blair is forced to confront her past when her presumed-dead husband, Jesse, returns after being lost at sea for years. Upon Jesse’s return, Emma has to contemplate her current life with her fiance, Sam. If you want a thoughtful, non-cliche love triangle, this book is a great choice for you.
5. “You Deserve Each Other” by Sarah Hogle is a tumultuous romantic comedy about Naomi and Nicholas, a couple on the brink of calling off their engagement. Through hilarious schemes and unexpected twists, they learn to rediscover their love and appreciation for each other. This is an incredibly sweet and uplifting novel that is fitting for the season of growth.
6. “Letter to D: A Love Story” by André Gorz is a poignant memoir chronicling the author's deep and enduring love for his wife, Dorine. Through heartfelt letters and reflections, Gorz captures the essence of their relationship and the fulfillment that Dorine has brought into his life. This novel is evocative and will tug at your heart, but it is completely worth the read.
7. “The Book of Delights” by Ross Gay is a collection of essays celebrating the simple joys and pleasures found in everyday life. Gay explores aspects of his life through a lens of gratitude, connection and the beauty of the mundane, inviting readers to savor the richness of the world around them. While this novel is essentially about joy, Gay acknowledges that joy cannot exist without the pains and loss that everyone is faced with throughout their lives. This book embodies all that spring is made of and will leave you feeling open to all that life has to offer.
8. Dolly Alderton's “Everything I Know About Love” is a candid and humorous memoir that navigates the complexities of relationships, friendship and self-discovery. Through a series of personal anecdotes and reflections, Alderton offers insight into the universal experiences of love and heartbreak, ultimately finding meaning and fulfillment in the journey toward self-acceptance.
9. “The Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion is a powerful memoir that chronicles the author's experience of grief following the sudden death of her husband, John Gregory Dunne, and the illness of their daughter, Quintana Roo. Through raw and introspective prose, Didion grapples with the complexities of loss, memory, and the challenges of mourning loved ones. Didion’s grief is heart-wrenching, but being a witness to her resilience and effort towards peace is quite a joyous experience.
10. Vladimir Nabokov's “Speak, Memory” is a lyrical and poignant memoir that traces the author's early life in Russia, his exile in Europe, and eventual emigration to America. Through his journey, Nabokov recalls vivid experiences that go on to shape how he views identity, nostalgia and the nature of memory. This novel offers a profound meditation on the passage of time and the essence of one’s soul.