Books to read: as a first-time reader

As kids (most of us) we actually enjoyed reading. We read many books, from Diary of the Wimpy Kid to Junie B. Jones. But now, in this generation, finding someone who likes to read is rare and it’s not anybody's fault. We were forced to read boring academic books written by men 100 years older than us and then have assignments or write essays about them. That’s enough to turn anyone off from books forever. But reading books is so important and allows us to learn or escape from reality for a while in a healthy way. If you’re new to reading and don't know where to start, this blog is for you. I’ll be going through books to start with in almost every genre and its subgenres depending on what you like! All of them are books I read when I decided to start reading during the peak of quarantine back in 2020, I hope this helps. 

1. Fiction 

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  Drama, Adventure, Fantasy, Self-Discovery: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. This book follows the story of a shepherd boy named Santiago who embarks on an incredible journey of self-discovery. He keeps dreaming about this treasure in Egypt but to get there he has to leave his whole life behind. The ‘treasure’ is symbolism for his “Personal Legend”, basically a purpose that’s specific and unique to everyone. You follow him as he faces challenges, setbacks, danger, love, and so much more. At first, I didn’t think I’d be able to relate to this story about a young small-town boy based in 1700s Egypt but I was so wrong. Not only are his feelings relatable, but you get lost in this fictional world Coelho created years ago. There’s something beautiful about a timeless book. Throughout the whole story, you learn that it’s not about the destination or this goal, but everything that happens in this journey called life. The present moment and the gifts life gives you day to day that we tend to look over. It’s a short book that’s easy to read but still beautifully written. It was the first book I read in 2020, I still re-read it now, and I’d recommend everyone read it at least once in their life. 

My favorite quote from this book: “We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.”

2. Poetry

• Film for Her by Orion Corlatto. Not only is she one of my favorite poets but I recommend this book to all new readers looking to get into poetry. Orion Carlotto compiled a book of photographs she took on film, poetry, and prose (poetry in paragraph form) about her life, immigrant parents, heartbreak, mental health, and so much more. The pictures along with her being so young create this sense of relatability. I could’ve recommended you, Rupi Kaur, as you’ve probably heard of her, but I don’t see her work as true poetry. Don't get me wrong, I read Milk and Honey in middle school and I have a hard copy of Sun and her Flowers and I liked it (for the most part) but- it’s not real poetry! If you read Film for Her I promise you’ll see the difference between this and social media poetry. I know people can be scared of poetry because of the old timers like Maya Angelou and Mary Oliver but this is just as beautifully written while being more accessible to this time and age. 

Favorite quote from this book: “..women are brutally beautiful, they wear heaven in their eyes and hell on their tounges”

3. Non Fiction

• Self-Help Edition: All About Love by Bell Hooks. This is a book that I was never interested in but HAD to get because everyone was recommending it to me. It’s usually the opposite way around so listen to me when I tell you this book is worth it. Even if you’re secure in your relationships and have the best self-love in the world, read this book. This book teaches you how to get more real connections out of your relationships by covering why true love is so difficult these days. It also mentions the unrealistic standards society made as a whole that make long-lasting relationships so unattainable. You’ll discover some of your faults in a kind way that allows you to take action. Maybe you’re in a toxic relationship or with someone that just isn’t right for you, this book will unlock the answers you’ve been looking for. It isn't just about romantic love, this book is also about friendships, family, and self-love because those are just as important. Good luck with your healing journey, I’d definitely give this book a try.

Favorite quote from this book: “But many of us seek community solely to escape the fear of being alone. Knowing how to be solitary is central to the art of loving. When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape.”

If you’ve read this and thought these books were too ‘easy’ then stick around for part two where I name a few more challenging books I’ve read. It’ll be a great read for those who aren’t new to reading and want a challenge. Or those in the middle or just getting out of a reading slump.