A lot of people hate most of the stuff they read at school because we have to overanalyse texts which can make them feel slightly tedious. It can take the magic and joy out of what we’re reading.
That being said, while studying for one of my exams, I found one of my all-time favourite books. It’s been a very long time since I attended school (over 13 years since I left) but these five books stuck in mind for one reason or another.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
This one is a classic for a reason but I feel like I would have loved it so much more if I hadn’t read it for my A-Level course. I think I preferred Tender is the Night because I didn’t overanalyse it for school. After going back and reading The Great Gatsby as an adult, I did love it and could appreciate the text. I can see why it’s so loved.
Blurb:
Jay Gatsby is the man who has everything. But one thing will always be out of his reach … Everybody who is anybody is seen at his glittering parties. Day and night his Long Island mansion buzzes with bright young things drinking, dancing and debating his mysterious character. For Gatsby – young, handsome, fabulously rich – always seems alone in the crowd, watching and waiting, though no one knows what for. Beneath the shimmering surface of his life he is hiding a secret: a silent longing that can never be fulfilled. And soon this destructive obsession will force his world to unravel.
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
This is the one that became one of my favourite books as soon as I read it. It left me thinking about the characters, the decisions they made and the devastating ending for years after finishing it. I think it’s a wonderful book and it deals with lots of important topics surrounding many different ways inequality appears in society.
Blurb:
Drifters in search of work, George and his childlike friend Lennie have nothing in the world except the clothes on their back – and a dream that one day they will have some land of their own. Eventually they find work on a ranch in California’s Salinas Valley, but their hopes are dashed as Lennie becomes a victim of his own strength. Tackling universal themes of friendship and shared vision, and giving a voice to America’s lonely and dispossessed, Of Mice and Men remains Steinbeck’s most popular work, achieving success as a novel, Broadway play and three acclaimed films.
Macbeth by William Shakespeare
In this Shakespeare masterpiece, I thought the three witches and Lady Macbeth were particularly intriguing. I also thought it was interesting to see how some people reading the play would solely blame Lady Macbeth for her husband’s actions. I liked the rapid decline in his mindset and how he spiralled out of control throughout the play too. Definitely a memorable read from my school days.
Blurb:
Macbeth, a Scottish general, is enslaved by his passion when a trio of witches prophesy that he would one day become the King of Scotland. Blinded by the lust for power, he succumbs to the evil wishes of Lady Macbeth, stabs King Duncan in his sleep, and seizes the throne. But soon enough, Macbeth is tormented by guilt and terror. What will he do to get away from the consequences of his crime ?
Wele’n Gwawrio by Angharad Tomos
Oh boy. This one was a rollercoaster. I’m not sure why all the books we read for our Welsh literature exams were so depressing but that seemed to be a big theme from what I remember. I didn’t love it. It was quite morose and a little bit weird.
Blurb:
Nofel llawn dychymyg am Ennyd Fach a’i ffrindiau sy’n dal i herio confensiwn, ac wrth i’r milflwydd newydd wawrio maent yn dod wyneb yn wyneb â breuder bywyd. Cyfrol y Fedal Ryddiaith yn Eisteddfod Genedlaethol y Bala, 1997.
An imaginative novel about a group of thirty-something friends who still defy convention, and who encounter life and death in a surreal manner on the birth of the new millenium. Winner of the Prose Medal at the National Eisteddfod, 1997.
Holes by Louis Sachar
We read this in year 8 and I think we all loved the experience. It has everything you want to keep the reader engaged – a fast plot, a protagonist to root for, and enemies to loathe. I enjoyed the addition of the family curses and the close family bond that the Yelnats had. I’m slightly tempted to reread this one as I have such fond memories of it. A modern classic.
Blurb:
Stanley Yelnats’ family has a history of bad luck going back generations, so he is not too surprised when a miscarriage of justice sends him to Camp Green Lake Juvenile Detention Centre. Nor is he very surprised when he is told that his daily labour at the camp is to dig a hole, five foot wide by five foot deep, and report anything that he finds in that hole. The warden claims that it is character building, but this is a lie and Stanley must dig up the truth.
What books did you read in school and what do you think of them now? Let me know in the comments.
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