Wondering what to read during your well-deserved break from textbooks and notes? No matter how you plan to spend your summer, the Roar has you covered with books that will keep you on the edge of your seat. So what are you waiting for? Stop reading this, and start reading these.
Flash: The Homeless Donkey Who Taught Me about Life, Faith, and Second Chances by Rachel Anne Ridge
Rachel Lamb, senior editor
Flash is an honest, funny, and touching book following the life of the author’s family and their adopted donkey, Flash. The relationship between the author’s family and their pet donkey comes alive as the author recounts her family’s misfortunes, happiness and the valuable lessons Flash taught them along the way. Flash is filled with hilarious stories about a lovable, quirky donkey and touching truths about life, business and friendship. I now need a donkey.
The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black
Haley Mitchell, online & photography editor
Siblings Hazel and Ben Evans have grown up in the midst of magic their whole life, but following the disappearance of their town’s biggest tourist attraction–an elf who has lied for decades in a seemingly unbreakable glass coffin–the Evans twins must reassert order between the mystical Folk and the townspeople to prevent the Alderking from wreaking havoc on, well, everything and everybody. I don’t usually like throwing this phrase around, but if there ever was a “modern fairy tale”, this book is it. Combining the best of both a magical realm and our world, author Holly Black has created a fantasy book that doesn’t quite fit the norm, and it’s great. The Darkest Part of the Forest, with its seemingly scratch-and-dent storyline was one of the best books I’ve read in a while, giving me just enough hints to feel like I was figuring things out, and redefining the stereotypical gender roles that many books nowadays still seem to conform to. Full of charm, adventure, and intrigue, I couldn’t put it down.
Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
Jennifer Zhan, opinions editor
This coming-of-age romance novel is told through the frank, often touching voices of Juli Baker and her long-time crush Bryce Loski. Unfortunately, Juli ends her six year infatuation just as Bryce’s perspectives on many things (but especially Juli) begin to change.Van Draanen has crafted a novel which uses seemingly mundane, commonplace events to thoroughly explore the themes of prejudice and family. All in all, this book was the perfect way to start off my summer: I found it flipping fantastic and a must-read.
Maus by Art Spiegelman
Darcey Rydl, news editor
Don’t let the cartoons fool you into assuming this book isn’t thought provoking. Maus explores the contentious relationship between a father and son who find common ground during the Holocaust. Their interactions- sometimes deeply moving, sometimes surprisingly humorous- bring a personal touch to an otherwise tragic event. If you’re not overly fond of historical fiction, don’t worry; Spiegelman has created the perfect balance between personality and fact. You’ll find yourself relating to the message whether you picture yourself in the modern day or the 1940s.
