Spring Break is fast approaching us as we make our way through the midpoint of second semester, and what better way to relax than to pack a few books and immerse yourself in a story while lounging on the beach? Here’s my roundup of books I would recommend you save space in your suitcase for.
For The Trendy Autobiography Lover
Spare by Prince Harry
As a person who has been fascinated by the drama that the British Royal Family gets into all my life, I absolutely loved this book. It’s very rare that we as the general public get to see behind the curtain, and boy does Prince Harry let us see what’s behind the curtain. From dramatic encounters with his family to experiencing 9/11 on TV (weird addition, but it is there), Prince Harry explores his life from birth to the present day. Here’s a fun game: take a shot everytime Prince Harry reveals a little too much about himself… you’ll be drunk by the end of the first page.
For Those Who Want To Be Swept Away Into A New World
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
I will admit, it took me a while to get around to this one, but through my roommates’ constant begging, I finally picked it up. I am so happy that I did. Like any girl who used to be an avid enjoyer of the Young Adult genre, The Song of Achilles scratched my itch to both consume a well written story and consume any media related to ancient Greek lore. I can’t remember that last time I was swept away into a story like this– honestly, it was probably around the time that I finished The Hunger Games series in a single weekend. If you, too, were an avid Hunger Games enjoyer, you’re gonna love The Song of Achilles as well.
For Those Who Have Mommy Issues And Don’t Mind Crying In Public
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
This pick is not for those who break down easily, let me tell you. You may know Michelle Zauner as the singer and guitarist of the popular indie pop band Japanese Breakfast, but this book will give you an insight into Michelle that will have you sympathizing, empathizing, and definitely crying– both in H Mart and in various other locations. You can read the essay that this memoir expands on in the New Yorker. Be prepared to shed a tear and feel the desire to call your mother on a random Wednesday night.
For the Fashion Lover Who Is “Not Like Other Girls”
The Secret Life of Syrian Lingerie by Malu Halasa and Rana Salam
I stumbled on this book while browsing for my roomates birthday present pne afternoon at Blue Cypress Books on Oak Street. After picking it up, I realized that this book was unlike any fashion publication I had ever read. If you love to learn about campy underwear, this is the book for you. Authors Malu Halasa and Rana Salam have compiled an interesting and unique list of photography and writing, which focus on the voices of Syrian women, celebrating this virtually unknown niche of fashion design.
For Those Who Love A Good Weirdo
Age of Cage by Keith Phipps
In his debut book, veteran pop-culture writer Keith Phipps explores the life and career of Hollywood’s favorite weirdo… and why we all love him so much, decade after decade. After Nicolas Cage’s recent film, The Massive Weight of Unbearable Talent was met with critical and audience praise (it has an 87% on Rotten Tomatoes currently), people have been unable to get enough him. My personal pick? I think we are well overdue for a National Treasure 3…
For Those Who Love A Dystopian and Creepy Future
The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan
Sometimes you just need to read something a little creepy and a bit thought provoking to make sure the ol’ brain is still whirring along. This book is disturbing and dark in all the right ways. When Frida, the main character, leaves her toddler home alone, the government takes her away to be rehabilitated in a facility designed to correct a mother’s actions. Will Frida be able to regain custody or will the facility wear her down to the point of insanity? No, but I would highly recommend you read until the very end.
For Those Who Have Been Entranced By A New Way To Experience Food
The Magic of Tinned Fish by Chris McDade
If you’re like me, you’ve become very fascinated with the concept of tinned fish and how versatile they can be. Tik Tok user Ali Hook has recently gone viral with her series “Tin Fish Date Night” in which she documents her and her husbands picks every week and I simply can’t get enough. My friends and I have enjoyed sardines on crackers, anchovies in our pastas, and salmon spread on top of our previously boring morning bagels. This book has it all, from the history of tinned fish to recipes that you can incorporate into your weekly meal rotations.
For Those Who Love a Good Period Piece
The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell
Who doesn’t love a good period piece? It seems like the entire world was enthralled with Bridgerton, and you can never go wrong with a casual viewing or re-reading of Pride and Prejudice. Author Maggie O’Farrell sets out to give us a new classic that will scratch the same itch in all of our brains. Set during the Italian Renaissance, this novel follows the beautiful Lucrezia after she gets married to a duke… but all is not well and trouble in paradise soon arises when she fears her life is in danger. This book will leave you wanting more and more– your friends may need to drag you out of your beach chair to get you to stop reading it.
Featured Image via Martin Parr for the Atlantic.
About Mercedes Ohlen
Mercedes was The Crescent’s Editor-in-Chief from 2022-2023. She graduated from Tulane with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. She enjoys going to the movies, fashion, and writing about the great city of New Orleans. She will be pursuing a career lifestyle journalism, publishing, or a job within comedy upon her graduation from Tulane. No topic is too obscure, and no story too niche. Roll Wave!
Mercedes was The Crescent’s Editor-in-Chief from 2022-2023. She graduated from Tulane with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. She enjoys going to the movies, fashion, and writing about the great city of New Orleans. She will be pursuing a career lifestyle journalism, publishing, or a job within comedy upon her graduation from Tulane. No topic is too obscure, and no story too niche. Roll Wave!
