A book for everyone: recommendations for a relaxed read

By Olivia Garrett

Picture of Kaylee Dunaway taken by Olivia Garrett 

Not everyone is in the mood for a mind-bending, indecipherable, confusing read. For the casual reader, or anyone wanting an easily understandable, fast and attention-grabbing book, here are five great suggestions for a light read! 

“Before the Coffee Gets Cold” - Toshikazu Kawaguchi

Kawaguchi’s “Before the Coffee Gets Cold” is a masterclass in enigmatic, heartfelt writing. A four-part story, the book deals with themes of coming to terms with the past, memory loss and learning how to move on. The novel chronicles a Tokyo cafe called Funiculi Funicula, in which customers can travel through time by drinking the coffee. Customers are only able to travel through time to visit others who have (in the past) or plan to visit the cafe, and they must stay within the confines of their booth. The various flawed and expertly written characters navigate this predicament and, through it, learn how to come to terms with the world around them. From the detailed, spell-binding writing to the gripping and personal subject matter, the novel is sure to captivate any reader. 

“The House in the Cerulean Sea” - TJ Klune

A novel of pure escapism, “The House in the Cerulean Sea” is a captivating read from start to finish. Its fantastical characters and setting transport the reader to a magical, secluded world. The main character, Linus Baker, leads a simple, monotonous life monitoring orphanages until he is summoned to a high-profile assignment. Linus must travel to an orphanage where six peculiar children reside, each more elusive than the next. Trying to save the world whilst dealing with new, unusual characters and fighting his inner turmoil, Linus undergoes a touching journey, consequently finding himself and helping others. Klune’s heart-warming story of fantasy and awe is a modern fairy tale, sure to take all readers back to a time of wonder and childlike fascination. 

“If We Were Villains” - M.L Rio

M.L Rio’s murder mystery novel is full of rich, psychological writing. The novel chronicles a group of upper-classmen theatre students attending a distinguished university as the main protagonist has just admitted to the murder of one of his classmates. The story details the court case, the various characters and their identities and explores how we view truth. Utilizing the court case setup, the story is expertly assembled. From its thrilling imagery to its fully developed characters, the story flies by. Even through its crime-filled plot, the story manages to feel personal and relatable, conveying the themes of guilt and confession to the audience. With the makings of a future classic, Rio’s novel is an enticing option for interested readers.

“The Memory Police” - Yoko Ogawa

Ogawa’s “The Memory Police” is a brilliant example of a genius concept met with masterful storytelling. Set in an unstated location,  the characters live in a world where things regularly “disappear”. Random items, from roses to ribbons, will disappear from the characters’ memory and eventually disappear from the world. The anonymous narrator and a small group of outsiders are able to detect these disappearances and keep all the forgotten objects in cabinets stored away. Their enemy, the Memory Police, works to ensure no one remembers any of these lost items, going as far as to kill those who do. As the characters navigate the fictional world and deal with their personal turmoil, the themes of loss and depression seamlessly weave throughout the story. With beautiful writing and expert storytelling, this novel is sure to captivate all who read it.

“Crying in H-Mart” - Michelle Zauner

The memoir “Crying in H-Mart" by Korean-American Michelle Zauner is a beautifully written retelling of Zauner’s experiences growing up Korean, losing her mother and finding comfort in food. Narrator Zauner masterfully guides us through her experience with loss, grief and coming to terms with the past. Zauner and her mom would often frequent the popular Asian supermarket chain “H-Mart,” buying ingredients to make traditional Asian recipes together. After her mom’s passing, Zauner decides to visit this market once again to feel closer to her family and her heritage. As Zauner navigates her feelings of mourning, grief and depression, she simultaneously tells a beautiful story of family and acceptance, touching the hearts of all who read it.