The multitude of changes this year has allowed for a series of new hobbies and activities to be picked up and added to our day to day routine. For some people, it may have been sewing. For others, cooking. But for many, it was a newfound joy for reading. Many of us loved and cherished reading as a kid, while some never found themselves fond of it. But this time has enabled for new opportunities to foster or re-foster a love for reading. In keeping up with all the new releases recently, and books released previously that find themselves resurfacing in popularity as of late, it can be seemingly difficult to keep up with your reading list and making sure that you’re not wasting your time on stories that aren’t as worthwhile as others may be. Look no further, CdM junior Kimia Malkami is here to tell you all about her current reads and what you should and should not be sticking your nose in as of right now.

The first book is, “I’m Thinking of Ending Things” the psychological thriller that is Iain Reid’s debut novel, an international bestseller and recent Netflix adaptation. “This was the last book I read and it was absolutely amazing. I love horror movies and am never freaked out by them and books are even less of a fright for me so the fact that I was unable to read this book at nighttime is a testament to Iain Reid’s abilities of suspense.” The story depicts a couple that embark on a road trip to meet the boyfriend’s parents, while the main character contemplates ending the relationship for the entirety of the trip, creepy elements being added on along the way. “The storyline was captivating and so so so odd. I loved it. 10/10 recommend.” says Malkami. The second book she’s read recently is, “My Year of Rest and Relaxation” the 2018 novel by Ottessa Moshfegh set in New York in the 2000’s that depicts a narrator unnamed and her journey with medication. Some really enjoy the aspects of the narrator and the way she was written in this book, while others don’t so much. “This book was definitely a bit odd and not for everyone but I really enjoyed. A lot of my favorite people on twitter recommended it and I had bought it right before quarantine began but didn’t get around to reading it more recently. The character’s are extremely interesting and a lot of commentary on early 2000s New York culture is weaved in which I enjoy. I would describe it as very “campy.” Many find the protagonist unlikeable and the end unsatisfying so if you prefer a more typical black and white storyline I’d stay away but if you like a more complex story I would definitely say give it a try.”