BOOKS THAT MAKE YOU SAY WTF

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Submitted Date 09/12/2019
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Books have a funny way of burying their leads. They aren't into clickbaity titles, and sponsored captions, or misleading images— oh wait. Some book covers are misleading, but part of the fun is figuring out why the cover looks the way it does. These books were chosen for their details. All these stories are brilliant in different ways and all of them will make you say WTF. Settle in for a good book you definitely should have read by now. Whether you're in school, out of school, watching too much television or stuck in a social media scroll this is your friendly reminder to read a book. If you do read, use this as your opportunity to jump out of your genre. As a warning, some of these summaries reveal specific details that are meant to build a better understanding of the plot. Have a book that's WTF worthy? Feel free to make a suggestion in the comments.

Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy

The title of this book sounds like a giant metaphor. The face holds expression therefore, as we age lines and wrinkles form to reveal traits about our self. Smiling or frowning, scars or discoloration are all characteristics that mark plot points in our lives. This book is bound to make revelations through the human condition. A good ole fashion, "Walk a mile in someone else's shoes."

Autobiography of a Face is Lucy Grealy's memoir. This character is a real-life human and the story is true. Cue the movie—actually don't, leave it alone not all books need movies. While the story might be a good ole fashion "walk a mile.." I betcha can't figure out where this story is going. Lucy Grealy, an award-winning poet as an adult, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer at the tender age of nine. The memoir illustrates powerful themes such as the effects of childhood disease, bullying, self-esteem issues, and identity. Grealy describes her life, and how it formed her as a person. An exquisite peek into a young girl's life during a tumultuous time that concludes hopeful and strong.

https://www.whiting.org/awards/winners/lucy-grealy#/
https://www.gradesaver.com/autobiography-of-a-face/study-guide/analysis

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Did you know this book was banned in 2014? Actually, it was one of the most frequently challenged books in 2009. It has been pulled off shelves and returned repeatedly. "Perks" is a whirlwind of charm, anxiety, heartbreak, and excitement. The story follows a young teenage boy Charlie for approximately one year as a high school freshman. The book illustrates an honest reality for a young boy struggling to transition, make friends, and explore his identity. Like a lot of books this one was adapted for film in 2012, but make sure you read it first. A must-read for anyone who enjoys "coming of age" tales.
 

https://www.gradesaver.com/the-perks-of-being-a-wallflower/study-guide/themes

https://www.oif.ala.org/oif/?p=1525
 

Requiem For A Dream by Hubert Selby Jr., Darren Aronofsky, Richard Price
 

This book is filled with haunting images of desperation, depression, and addiction. Harry Goldfarb is an addict without admission living with his mother, Sarah. The story follows Harry and his search for more. Sarah is dealing with intense feelings of loneliness resulting from the loss of her husband Seymour. The story illustrates the human condition in a dark, harsh strobe of light. The plot strangles the reader's hopes for the characters and their dreams. A nightmare you can't put down.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46945.Requiem_for_a_Dream

The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera


 

The classic meaning of life novel by Milan Kundera probably won't answer any of your philosophical questions but it might provide a few more to ask yourself. The story follows a handful of characters that each represent light or heavy. Throughout the story, the paradox plunges deeper into an idea that a person only has one path or one opportunity to live. Therefore life and the meaning hold no bearing. However if there is only one life, and no one returns shouldn't that life hold meaning and weight? Can a person cope with life if it truly means nothing in the end? A conversation starter for all readers with a philosophical streak to get stuck in.
https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/unbearablelightness/themes/page/3/

American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

A twisted thriller about a charming successful psychopath.The book follows an expensive suit that works in Wall Street, who lives lavishly and unbeknownst to his peers'— murders. The author received death threats in the 90s when the book was launched and continues to cause controversy because of the gruesome acts that splatter the pages. The book has since been adapted into a film starring Christian Bale and a musical.
https://www.nytimes.com/1991/03/06/books/bret-easton-ellis-answers-critics-of-american-psycho.html
https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/american-psycho-at-25-bret-easton-ellis-on-patrick-batemans-legacy-175227/
 

A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah

A memoir of a child soldier in Sierra Leone. Ishmael Beah retells his traumatic childhood living in war, separated from family, and conditioned to commit terrible acts. The book was released in 2007 and has since made it onto class reading lists. This book exposes a dark truth and consequence of war. Ishmael Beah is now a UNICEF Advocate for Children Affected by War as he continues to raise awareness of this issue for all children. Follow Ishmael as he trudges through violence, and pushes toward hope and a new life.

http://webtv.un.org/meetings-events/treaty-bodies/watch/ishmael-beah-unicef-advocate-press-briefing-24-april-2018/5775721090001/?term=&lan=original

http://alongwaygone.com
 

Dracula by Bram Stoker

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/barnes-noble-leatherbound-classics-dracula-bram-stoker/1106658799#/

Yes Dracula, a book about vampires, blood, love, superstition, and science. Quit reading Twilight— I'm serious. Poor Johnathan Harker is just trying to settle an estate and finds himself a prisoner of Count Dracula. Mina, Harker's fiance, Lucy, her friend, and Van Helsing become intertwined in this spooky horror. A classic battle of good vs evil, and blood-thirsty vampire vs modern man. For a novel written in the 1800s, it still delivers a captivating and gruesome tale.

 

Title Photo by Min An from Pexels

Ashley Aker

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  • Ceara 4 years, 6 months ago

    Great recommendations, thanks for sharing!