Looking for an enriching pastime this summer? Whether you’re trying to stay home during these unusual times or you’re simply looking for an opportunity to enjoy some peace and quiet, consider making a summer reading list. The books we share here are a few of our favorite classics and have been widely recognized as must-reads.
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Harper Lee is a classic American tale set in small-town Alabama. This coming-of-age story explores dark themes, including racism, injustice, and the forces of good versus evil. Published in 1960, this literary work remains a vitally important read.
Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë was written between 1845-1846 and remains one of the most beloved romance novels of all time. This gothic love story is set in the isolated landscape of the Yorkshire moors and follows the evolving relationship between Catherine and Heathcliff. This doomed love story discusses topics such as social class, revenge, and supernatural forces.
Written by poet Sylvia Plath and published in 1963, The Bell Jar is a semi-autobiographical work that examines the protagonist’s struggle with mental illness. This novel focuses on rigid gender roles and the experience of women in the 1950s as the main character progresses into adulthood after college.
The Color Purple by Alice Walker is a heart-wrenching read that outlines the life of 14-year-old Celie, who faces unspeakable atrocities at the hands of her father and other abusers. Celie’s story, set in the 1930s in rural Georgia, explores themes of racism and sexism faced by women of color. The novel also shines a light on the power of female relationships and the courage required to document your story.
Lois Lowry’s 1993 novel, The Giver, follows the 11-year-old protagonist, Jonas, who resides in a futuristic presumed utopia. After Jonas receives his job assignment at the Ceremony of Twelve, he begins to realize that the true joys of life lie beyond the society that he’s grown up in. This novel was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1994 and remains one of the most widely studied books in middle school and high school. Although this book is a classic for young adults, individuals of all ages can appreciate its themes of individual identity and the multifaceted nature of life.
Each book mentioned here is lauded as an outstanding literary work and is widely regarded as a must-read. If you’re looking for an apartment home that will serve as a retreat for reading and your other favorite pastimes, you’re sure to find a floor plan you’ll love at VerraWest. Our community is nestled in Longmont, Colorado, and each of our units is designed with luxury touches. Ready to see what makes our campus unique? Contact our leasing team to arrange a tour.