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Books that bring us meaning and joy

Words by: Laura Satterthwaite

During the first lockdown in 2020, I found it was common for me to feel disconnected from society, and the world in general. I wanted to find a read that would make me feel like a real person again, and here began my undying love for ‘Submarine’ by Joe Dunthorne.

This book gives me meaning because of just how relatable I find it. The protagonist, Oliver Tate, is equally as insufferable and unlikable as I feel I was when I was 15, and this factor alone helped me become more grounded at a time where everything was so up in the air. As someone who grew up in Wales, the book being set in Swansea made me feel super connected to my homeland and the awkward relationship that Oliver and Jordana share epitomises the stereotypical first relationship that most if not all teenagers encounter in secondary school. Dunthorne writes the book from Oliver’s perspective, and I found it extremely interesting to delve into the mind of a 15-year-old boy (fictional or not, that’s still a major investigation!)

Submarine is arguably an easy read, but in the midst of the pandemic, it was one that I absolutely needed to reconnect with my adolescence.

Books that bring us meaning and joy

Words by: Shivika Singh Words by: Catarina Vicente

A book that has brought me plentiful meaning and looking back to my journey with this book brings me immense joy is, The Alchemist. The Alchemist was one of the first books I gave a full read to and fell in love with the message.

This book narrates the story of a young shepherd boy, Santiago who lives in the hills of Andalucía in Spain and decides to explore life beyond his humble home and flock of sheep. It is his passion and perseverance that he one day finds the courage to follow his dreams into distant lands, each step galvanized by the knowledge that he is following the right path: his own. This book effortlessly imparts the message of pursuing your dreams by following what your heart desires.

When I first read the book, I was still very young although the character of Santiago and his relentless efforts to follow his dreams inspired me and stuck with me for a long time. I picked this book up again when I was about Santiago’s age and could relate to the hassle of life and dreams better. This book just fulfilled me with new energy, a positive outlook and motivation to follow my heart and dreams.

As I have grown up reading many books and like experimenting frequently, I don’t usually read the same books repeatedly but I decided to re-read The Alchemist during the pandemic. Like every other time, this book stood apart again- bringing me meaning and joy during tough times. Anyone who reads for fun knows how books can be instant mood-boosters, especially during difficult times like the pandemic. In my case, I turned to many familiar, beloved reads during this time, but the book that brought me the most joy was the Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo.

I read this book voraciously, it just draws you in so quickly. It tells the story of Alex, a high-school dropout who is sought by Yale’s secret societies because of her ability to see ghosts, and her journey as her past catches up with her when a girl is murdered, and members of the societies are possible suspects. The book keeps you at the edge of your seat, raising questions while holding back the answers, about Alex’s backstory, the secret societies, and the murder. Most importantly, it has an ending that fulfils your expectations, which has made me all the more excited for a sequel.

Granted, the book does have some graphic scenes and discusses explicit themes, so keep that in mind, but if you enjoy a book that keeps you guessing, look out for Ninth House.

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