Three Books To Get You Off Your Phone
by Marlowe Demisch Salerno
Nov 27, 2020
I'm sure everyone at some point during the pandemic has heard parents and teachers tell us “too much screen time” or “take a break.” Deep down we agree with them but it has been difficult to let go of our devices. After having to get off my screen numerous times over quarantine, I discovered three books that were worth my while.
This one's a classic, and you can see why. Animal Farm by George Orwell is an
allegorical satire of the Russian Communist Revolution in 1917. The book tells the story of farm animals who represent real historical figures, and they rebel against their farmer, who represents the Tsar in early Russia. The leaders of the revolution were the pigs and they created seven commandments for the rest of the farm animals to follow. However, the pigs would change the commandments overtime to suit their agenda. The pigs and the other animals had a serious disagreement, making for an interesting end. The book was especially interesting because it displayed multiple facets of modern-day society and government. The book brought up the control propaganda can have over people and how a dictatorship can ascend to power.
Legend by Marie Lu is one of the few books that belong to the sci-fi and fantasy genre that I actually enjoyed reading. In a futuristic dystopian society, America is divided into two countries that are at war: the Republic and the Colonies. The story begins with two born prodigies: Day and June. They are forced to hate each other, because of the bridge between poor and rich. They soon begin to trust each other after meeting several times, and having to face the troubling dangers of a corrupted government together. A love story soon blossoms between the two. Additionally, this book also had clear themes that could be translated into today's society. The government can be deceiving and people have to be wary of it sometimes. All and all, even if you don't normally go for sci-fi, it's definitely worth a read.
Looking For Alaska by John Green, author of The Fault in Our Stars was a great read. Sixteen-year-old Miles Halter is fascinated with famous last words. He leaves Florida behind for a boarding school named Culver Creek Academy in Alabama. Ever since Miles read about a French poet's biography, Francois Rabelais, he's yet to find out what Rabelais means in his philosophy of “The Great Perhaps,” as quoted in his famous last words and how he can achieve it. Miles was never the type to have friends but that soon changes when he meets a girl named Alaska, a friend and love interest, The Colonel, a new roommate and Takumi, another casual friend. Alaska catapults Miles a.k.a. Pudge to the Culver Creek world with smoking, alcohol, real relationships, and the best of all… pranks. He soon falls for Alaska, but little did he know, that would change his life forever. This book still lives in my head with dozens of questions, even after reading it. Before this book, the romance genre seemed unheard of to me. Now, I'm completely hooked with the genre and John Green's writing.
Animal Farm, Legend, and Looking For Alaska were three great books that I recommend reading over quarantine. I'm sure at this point in time, everyone is addicted to their phones, while these books are lying around, waiting to be read.