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.
“Crave” by Tracy Wolff
“Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley
“Twilight” by Stephanie Meyer
“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear
Crave written by Tracy Wolff
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, Vampires, Paranormal, Fiction
Crave is an underrated Twilight-inspired book about Grace, a girl who moves to Alaska from California after her mother dies. She moves in with her cousin Macy, and uncle, the headmaster of Katmere Academy, a paranormal school only to uncover myths as reality. Once she unveils the secret, she quickly realizes she does not fit in. However, she meets a brooding character, Jaxon Vega a dark and brooding guy with a secret. Grace is undeniably drawn to him and he is to her. Can she manage a relationship with someone trying to kill her? More importantly, who wants to kill her and why?
“There’s not much to be afraid of when you’ve already lost everything that matters.” – Tracy Wolff
Frankenstein: written by Mary Shelley
Genres: Science Fiction, Horror, Gothic, Fantasy, Fiction
Victor Frankenstein a college student obsessed with creating life, tries to create a human being through human corpses and electric shock. Offers a “what if” scenario of creation, and begs the question “What makes a person alive? Mary Shelley captures the scientific essence but allows the limitations to be created by the reader. Victor rejects the creature, inducing vengeance for a life of loneliness and striving to eliminate Victor’s loved ones and himself. This book is a thoughtful, emotional, and provoking tale of the destruction of imitated creation.
“The world to me was a secret, which I desired to discover; to her it was a vacancy, which she sought to people with imaginations of her own.” – Mary Shelley
Twilight: By Stephanie Meyer
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Fiction, Vampires, Supernatural, Urban Fantasy
This captivating paranormal tale is a timeless gem that draws readers into its hauntingly enchanting world. The story is rich with realistic and vibrant characters, each brimming with a unique personality, making it easy for readers to form deep connections with them.
At its heart is Bella, a small-town girl from Phoenix, Arizona whose life takes a dramatic turn when she moves in with her father and begins attending a new school in Forks, Washington. The atmosphere is thick with teenage angst as she navigates the challenges of fitting in and adapting to her new environment. In the new environment, she encounters Edward, a mysterious and charming vampire whose protective nature and alluring presence immediately captivate her. His fascination with the enigmatic Cullen family adds layers of intrigue to the narrative
Every character; introduces their own distinct quirks and backstories, weaving a rich tapestry that enhances the overall experience. If you’ve only seen the movie, now is the perfect time to delve into the book and explore the intricacies of Bella’s world in greater depth. Whether you’re a newcomer or revisiting the story, this journey promises to be unforgettable.
“I like the night. Without the dark, we’d never see the stars. – Stephanie Meyer
A Good Girls Guide to Murder: By Holly Jackson
Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction, Crime, Young Adult, Contemporary
5 years ago… Andie Bell, a well-liked and vibrant teen in her community, was tragically murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who subsequently took his own life. The circumstances surrounding the case, seemed clear-cut, leaving little room for doubt or speculation. However, despite the apparent resolution, Pip, found herself deeply troubled and obsessed with the events. She couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to the story than what met the eye. What was it about this case that continued to haunt her thoughts??
The story centers around a crime-solving teenager named Pip, who is determined to uncover the truth behind Andie Bell’s murder. Driven by her quest for justice, Pip investigates the secrets of the victim’s friends. During her search, she joins forces with the brother of the alleged suspect, both of them eager to identify the real killer.
“I’ve already learned my lesson here: when you catch someone lying about a murdered girl, you go ask them why.” – Holly Jackson
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones: By James Clear
Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Psychology, Personal Development, Productivity, Business
“Atomic Habits” by James Clear presents a powerful framework for daily self-improvement, focusing on the critical importance of habit formation. Clear expertly outlines how understanding the mechanics of habits can transform your life. He provides proven strategies for eliminating negative habits and firmly establishing positive ones. By emphasizing the necessity of having effective systems in place, he draws on insights from biology, psychology, and neuroscience to underscore his points. Readers will gain practical tools for seamlessly integrating new habits into their lives, sustaining motivation, optimizing their environments for success, and overcoming any obstacles that arise. “Atomic Habits” empowers you with the techniques needed to transform your habits and achieve your personal and professional goals with confidence.
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” – James Clear
—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.