to read

1. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

Inspired by the bloody Second Sino-Japanese War and Chinese politics in the twentieth century, Kuang explores colonialism and classism through the perspective of a young orphaned girl named Rin. After successfully escaping her controlling adoptive parents by getting exceptionally high marks on Keju, a difficult standardized test that allows only the smartest to enroll in the most prestigious military school in the country, Rin thinks she is finally liberated. However, as the unknown holder of a special power, a moral dilemma between winning the war and protecting humanity haunts her — after all, in war, someone must sacrifice moral ground.

I'm interested in learning more about this book's portrayal of war, since I've only ever read historical fiction books from a Western perspective. I also love books which portray moral dilemmas in a realistic, rather than an idealistic, light.

2. Play It As It Lays by Joan Didion

Exploring American life (especially, as a woman) in the 1960s, this book encapsulates the milieu of disorder, pessimism, and senseless violence in contemporary society. It takes place in Hollywood, Las Vegas, and between the two, the Mojave Desert. Didion's prose is potent and sophisticated, and she flawlessly portrays the troubling climate of an entire generation.

3. Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh

Unlike many popular books, Eileen does not fall into the "strong female protagonist" trope. She is the self-loathing secretary at a boys' prison who fills her dreary days with shoplifting, stalking a guard at the prison, and cleaning up the messes of her alcoholic father. The arrival of a seemingly innocent counselor for the prison results in what seems like an alluring friendship; however, Eileen becomes entangled in a violent crime that surpasses the severity even her most disturbing infatuations.

According to reviews, Eileen's character is loathsome yet relatable at the same time, which is a refreshing shift from the unrealistically moral protagonists of many popular books. The book is set in New England in winter, so I would love to enjoy it on a snowy day with some hot chocolate.

4. The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith

One of the first formal accounts of the accumulation of wealth on a macroeconomic scale and a classic for economists, this book examines free markets, the pursuit of self-interest, and more. Smith's central argument is that the pursuit of self-interest by individuals ultimately benefits the economy in the long run. As a prospective economics student, I want to expose myself to more key concepts like these that will help me broaden my perspectives.

5. On Freedom by Maggie Nelson

Nelson dissects the continued obsession with "freedom," which is increasingly controlling our daily lives, through four distinct areas: art, sex, drugs, and climate. She draws from a wide variety of material including literature, pop culture, and more.

This book is closer to academic writing than literature, so it's something that I am not accustomed to. I believe there is a lot I can learn from Nelson's analysis of what it means to be a young adult in the 21st century.

6. Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen

Similar to the author, who spent some years in a psychiatric hospital in the 1960s, 18-year-old Susanna Kaysen is sent to McLean Hospital, a renowned psychiatric institution after her diagnosis for borderline personality disorder. Among the hospital's famous clientele such as Sylvia Plath, Susanna explores identity and the nature of sanity while facing challenges navigating through the psychiatric system.

7. No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai

This post-WWII novel tells the tale of the troubled son of an aristocratic Japanese family, Yozo, who finds trouble connecting with others and has engaged in self-destructive behavior since childhood. His feelings of not being enough leads him to put on a facade of joviality and humor to hide his inner turmoil. The book is an account of Yozo's various relationships with friends, lovers, and mentors, which are unable to bring him a sense of belonging, and his slow spiral of addiction and alienation from the world around him.

As I learn more about different ways of thinking (e.g. existentialism, nihilism), I want to expose myself to non-American literature that will help me understand how different cultures have different outlooks on man, life, and society.

8. White Nights F. Dostoyevsky

A Russian classic, this story unfolds over four nights in St. Petersburg during summer. Two young men meet on the streets and spend the next few nights while sharing their personal experiences and dreams. One of the two falls in love with the other but chooses to continue his distant demeanor, harboring his own sorrows despite their deep connection. Since this is a shorter book, it could be a good read for busy times or just for getting back into reading.

9. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

The only non-fiction book on my list, this novel details the brutal murders of the Clutter family in a small town in Kansas. The narrative follows the events leading up to the murders, the investigation that followed (which Capote was personally involved in), and the eventual capture, trial, and execution of the two killers. Capote also touches on themes such as the impact of violence on people and communities.

10. The Life of a Stupid Man by Ryunosuke Akutagawa

On the brink of death, a man, referred to as "the stupid man," reflects on experiences from his lifetime. The story is written through various episodes in his life; as the man recalls these memories, he grapples with feelings of inadequacy and failure, as if he has failed at life. Akutagawa's masterful storytelling is what really sets this book apart, and I'm excited to read it to see whether I agree with its admirers or critics, since there are mixed reviews.