With sweater weather in full swing, nothing gets you in the fall mood better than a good read. From classic romance to realistic fiction, these four books are favorites of University High School students and teachers.
“Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier
First published in 1938, “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier is a classic gothic romance novel that follows an unnamed protagonist who discovers that her husband’s estate is haunted by the memory of his late wife, Rebecca.
Senior Juliet Kozlov enjoyed the psychological thriller aspects of the novel that worked to create a complex and compelling story.
“I kind of connected [to “Rebecca”] in the sense that I always feel overshadowed by other people,” Kozlov said. “I feel like the book kind of teaches you that . . . the perception of someone being cooler than you isn’t always [accurate] because everyone is their own unique person.”
“Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson
“Speak” by Laurie Halse Anderson is a novel that follows high school freshman Melissa Sordino as she deals with the aftermath of being sexually assaulted by a classmate at a party. Upon returning to school after the summer break, Melinda finds herself constantly bombarded by the memory of her assault, causing her to fall into a pattern of self-loathing and fear of speaking out. This novel focuses on important but difficult topics of sexual assault and coping with the challenges of trauma. Reviewers noted how “Speak” was able to tug on the reader’s heartstrings through the authenticity of Melinda’s voice and struggles.
When silenced by others, Freshman Kaylee Shi was moved by Anderson’s ability to convey strong messages of friendship, resilience and strength.
“I feel like I connected [to Melinda] having to make new friends at the beginning of the year,” Shi said. “When I came to this school, I didn’t have any friends, and I didn’t know anybody.”
“In Mozart’s Shadow: His Sister’s Story” by Carolyn Meyer
Based on a true story, this novel follows the life of Nannerl Mozart, a talented musician and singer who falls into her younger brother Wolfgang Mozart’s shadow after he is born a musical prodigy. Although she is often overlooked, Nannerl Mozart is theorized to have composed some of her brother’s music even though he claimed full credit. Restricting societal norms and an arranged marriage decided by her parents ended her music career when she was only 18. Despite being full of heartbreak, Nannerl Mozart’s story of striving to follow her dreams will likely resonate with many readers.
Sophomore Camelia Sobaih found “In Mozart’s Shadow: His Sister’s Story” to be a compelling narrative that paints an inspiring role model of Nannerl Mozart.
“I think she’s a person to admire,” Sobaih said. “I think that she is also a good example of women rebelling [from unfair societal norms] in their own way in that time.”
“Middlemarch, A Study of Provincial Life” by George Eliot
A 19th-century classic, “Middlemarch, A Study of Provincial Life,” is renowned as one of the greatest works of Victorian literature of all time. Written by Mary Ann Evans under the pen name George Eliot to avoid bias against female authors, this book follows the life of Dorothea Brooke as she struggles between her duty to get married and her own passions. It explores various topics that are still relevant today, including the existence of gender and class-based bias.
UHS English teacher Mr. James Garcia appreciates the dynamic characters and complex plot, which helps build a weighty and impactful novel.
“It’s dealing with the moral scruples of the time,” Garcia said. “The major concepts revolve around understanding a deeper truth about humanity through the interactions people have together.”
“Rebecca,” “Speak,” “In Mozart’s Shadow: His Sister’s Story” and “Middlemarch, A Study of Provincial Life” are all impressive works of literature reminiscent of the fall season. Regardless of your choice, take some time this autumn and read a good book!
