Cassidy, a sophomore at Concordia University Wisconsin, shares monthly genre picks for students. She believes in the power of reading for both enjoyment and personal growth. Reading offers escapes, lessons, and unforgettable experiences. Pick up a book and join her reading journey.
The Monthly Picks for this month are focused on my all-time favorites because November is my birthday month, and I tend to re-read my favorites. These books range anywhere from Dragons and Magic, Inheritance and Murder, to Arrogance and Affection.
Other Monthly Picks
NOVEMBERS PICK’S
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Cinder by Marissa Meyer
101 Essays that Change the Way that You Think by Brianna Wiest
Fourth Wing: by Rebecca Yarros
Genres:
Dragons, Fiction, Romantasy, Fantasy, Romance, and Magic.
Magic, Dragons, and the Price of Power: Fourth Wing Takes You to a World Where Only the Strong Survive
Fourth Wing is a book about the relationship between Dragons and their riders from the backdrop of this story. The main character, Violet, is the youngest in an extensive line of dragon riders and is as stubborn as her mother, Captain of the Basgaith Academy. Throughout her life, Violet has been training to become a scribe and a historian who documents battles. However, her mother discourages these aspirations and insists that Violet become a dragon rider; otherwise, she risks being disowned.
After a tragedy strikes, Violet feels compelled to bear the weight of her family’s expectations and make her mother proud. She struggles to meet the unrealistic standards set by her mother. Throughout the story, Violet defies all odds and uncovers a courage she never knew she possessed. Although her mother has enemies, Violet doesn’t realize that their kids would be competing against her, where everything is considered fair play—up to and including violence. She must navigate her relationships while facing threats from those seeking revenge.
Fourth Wing is one of my all-time favorite books! It captures my imagination in a way reminiscent of the “Harry Potter” series. Both stories delve into the realm of magic, but they do so through various sources. In the “Harry Potter” series, the characters wield wands to harness magic, allowing them to perform spells. In contrast, Fourth Wing introduces a captivating world where dragons are the source of magic. The bond between the characters and these dragons plays a crucial role in the story’s development and enriches the narrative with adventure and wonder. Both series create immersive worlds that explore friendship, courage, and the challenges of growing up in a magical landscape.
I have a lot to say about this book. Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down, and several people could vouch for that. While the book leans more toward a mature audience due to its gore, violent brutality, and strong language, it’s important to understand that these elements are closely tied to the book’s setting.
“A dragon without its rider is a tragedy. A rider without their dragon is dead.”
– Rebecca Yarros, Fourth Wing
The Inheritance Games: by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Genres:
Mystery, Young Adult, Romance, Fiction, Fantasy, Thriller, and Contemporary.
The Inheritance Games is book one in the series followed by The Hawthorne Legacy and The Final Gambit.
A Fortune, a Mystery, and a Deadly Game: The Inheritance Games Challenges a Young Heiress to Solve a Billionaire’s Cryptic Legacy
The story of “The Inheritance Games” begins with Avery Kylie Grambs, a hardworking teenager whose mother passed away when she was younger, leaving her to live with her sister. To make ends meet, Avery works tirelessly every day at a diner.
In this tale, Avery’s day takes a turn when she’s summoned to the principal’s office, where a mysterious stranger awaits. Claiming to know her father, a man she hasn’t seen in years, the stranger presents her with an unbelievable opportunity that promises to change her life. The story unfolds with an air of mystery and a hint of danger as Avery is forced to confront her past. The author masterfully weaves suspense, intrigue, and personal discovery into a compelling narrative, making this book captivating for those who love stories filled with secrets, surprises, and life-altering decisions.
It turns out that a reclusive billionaire had passed away, leaving behind a vast fortune specifically for Avery, though they had never met. However, there was a catch—one that would change the course of her life. To inherit the wealth, Avery must participate in high-stakes games that test her intellect, courage, and determination.
As she delves deeper into this narrative, readers will be captivated by the unexpected twists and turns. Moreover, each challenge she faces unveils layers of, intrigue and suspense, creating an engaging and revolutionary. This story will leave you pondering long after you’ve turned the last page, making it one you’ll feel compelled to revisit.
Recently this past year, Barnes released Brothers Hawthorne and Games Untold. Let’s just say, if you love the first one, you will want to have the next book ready to go.
Why do I have to tell a story?” I asked. “Because if you don’t tell the story, someone else will tell it for you.
– Jennifer Lynn Barnes, The Inheritance Games
Pride & Prejudice: By Jane Austen
Genres:
Fiction, Historical Fiction, Historical Literature, and Historical Romance.
Pride & Prejudice is a classic for a reason. Written during the Renaissance Period when courting was expected and the father’s blessing was crucial, it is still read today mainly because of its invigorating characters and charm.
Social Class, Love, and Misunderstandings: Pride and Prejudice Explores the Complex Dance of Marriage in Regency-Era England
“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen is a timeless romance that skillfully examines the complexities of love, social expectations, and personal growth. Set in Regency-era England, the novel focuses on Elizabeth Bennet, a sharp-witted and independent young woman, and her evolving relationship with the wealthy and aloof Mr. Darcy. Initially, Elizabeth perceives Darcy as proud and arrogant, while he views her beneath his social class. However, as their paths intersect, misunderstandings are resolved, leading to mutual respect and love. Through Austen’s memorable characters, “Pride and Prejudice” addresses themes of class, marriage, and personal transformation, offering humor and depth. It remains a cherished classic for its engaging narrative, rich character development, and thoughtful exploration of human nature.
“Vanity and pride are different things, though the words are often used synonymously. A person may be proud without being vain. Pride relates more to our opinion of ourselves, vanity to what we would have others think of us.”
– Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
“The Lunar Chronicles” Cinder By: Marissa Meyer
Genres:
Fantasy, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Romance, Retellings, Fiction, and Dystopia.
Comes in a series called the “Lunar Chronicles”: Cinder, Scarlet, Cress, Snow, Stars Above, Fairest.
Scifi Dystopian Cinderella Retelling
Cinder by Marissa Meyer is a sci-fi retelling of the classic Cinderella fairytale, set in a dystopian future where Earth is on the brink of war with the Moon. The story follows Linh Cinder, a talented mechanic and cyborg who lives in the capital city, New Beijing. When Prince Kai brings his broken android to her shop, Cinder finds herself in a dangerous web of royal intrigue, political tensions, and her hidden past. As secrets unravel and Cinder’s true identity comes to light, she must decide her fate and help save the world. Meyer’s clever blending of technology, intrigue, and romance, along with a strong, resilient heroine, makes Cinder an exciting start to The Lunar Chronicles series, offering a fresh, futuristic twist on a beloved fairy tale.
“Vanity is a factor, but it is more a question of control. It is easier to trick others into perceiving you as beautiful if you can convince yourself you are beautiful. But mirrors have an uncanny way of telling the truth.”
– Marissa Meyer, Cinder
101 Essays that Will Change the Way You Think
Genres:
Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology, Essays, Philosophy, and Personal Development
Extremely thought Provoking
101 Essays to Change the Way You Think by Brianna Wiest is a thought-provoking collection that challenges readers to reframe their perspectives on life, relationships, and personal growth. Each essay offers practical wisdom, encouraging deep self-reflection and a shift in mindset. Wiest explores themes like self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the power of mindset in overcoming challenges while delivering her insights with clarity and compassion. This book is an empowering guide for anyone seeking to cultivate a more intentional, fulfilling life, a valuable resource for personal development, and a thought-provoking read for those looking to transform their approach to life.
“Growth is the process of becoming more of who you already are.” — Brianna Wiest, 101 Essays to Change the Way You Think
—Cassidy Gallagher is a student writer, and editor for The Beacon, the official student newspaper of Concordia University Wisconsin. She is a sophomore, double majoring in Mass Communications and English, and plans to graduate in 2027.