03 Aug 2021

There is something about forceful reading that gave me the ✨ick✨and trust me, I was the epitome of bookworms in high school. But I wanted to re-read Harry Potter, not Shakespeare. So I never once read a book for English class and relied on Sparknotes and Wikipedia summaries.

I once woke up before school, realising that I had an essay assessment in class that day on Macbeth and I had no idea what it was about. So I quickly watched a YouTube video summary on it, but all the characters were drawn as animals. I thought; "oh, so it's like Animal Farm", and I went on my merry way, writing an essay on the symbolism of Macduff being a dog. I am the queen of BS.

My english teacher held me back after class a few days later and asked if I was on something - hmm, is that really an ethical question to ask, teach? I know you are overly obsessed with the English text but, chill.

But looking back now, some of the books they made us read were actually 🔥bangers🔥. I have since read a lot of them and these were my faves! No ratings though - they are all a ten.

 

1. The Picture of Dorian Gray -- Oscar Wilde

The Picture of Dorian Gray blew my dang MIND. First of all, I am an Oscar Wilde stan. Wilde was known back in the day for his brilliant wit, flamboyant style and infamous imprisonment for homosexuality. Trust me, his wit is poured through the pages of this book. 

The Picture Of Dorian Gray follows a fashionable young man who sells his soul for eternal youth and beauty. Wilde explores the nature of sin, morality, and immortality through this funny, clever, unique, and eventually, spine-chilling novel. You won't be able to stop reading!

2. The Great Gatsby -- F. Scott Fitzgerald

I literally only read this book a few days ago because I'm still a little scarred by high school english books.

But this was, for real, BANGER. Get ON IT MATE. The novel follows the tragic story of Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire and his pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, a wealthy young woman whom he loved in his youth. It's a hopeful and heartbreaking story that shows the American dream in the roaring twenties (and the decline of it).

Also, look up conspiracies that Zelda Fitzgerald, F. Scott Fitzergerralds wife, actually wrote this. Even if it's not true, it's wiiiiiiild - (here's a vid to suss it out and get the tea).

3. Romeo and Juliet -- William Shakespeare

I of course remember watching the movie with baby Leo DiCaprio in class. But even as beautiful as Leo was, I still despised this story. In my youth, I could not help rolling my eyes at the king and queen of Kook city. I mean seriously, y'all killed yourselves over someone you'd known for a few days? Dramatic much?

But, when I finally took the time to read Shakespeare's play, I had an "ahhh" moment. I mean, at the start of the play, Romeo is whipped on Rosaline. Nek minnet, he is head over heels, obsessed with Juliet. Good ol' Shakespeare purposefully shows that love is an overwhelming, overpowering force that can be violent and ecstatic. It can also be oh so immature, hence having Romeo and Juliet being kiddos. 

4. Brave New World -- Aldous Huxley

I remember not reading this in class but really struggling whilst hearing things like "beta's" and "gamma's" and "epsilon's". What tf is an epsilon?

The novel follows a dystopian, futuristic World State, whose citizens are environmentally engineered into an intelligence-based social hierarchy. The book talks about technology, happiness, capitalism, freedom, and meaning. Whilst that may sound like a big bite to swallow, it keeps you on your toes and keeps shocking you. Also, Huxley seemed like such a funky bloke. What I would give to have a convo with him.

5. Animal Farm -- George Orwell

I'll never forget using this quote in a million essays; "All animals are equal but some are more equal than others", but I still never read the dang book. And honestly, I know it sounds a little dense and boring, but it's for real banger! You'll learn a tonne from this group of farm animals who rebel against their human farmer, hoping to create a society where the animals can be equal, free, and happy.

Also, it's super quick to read!