February but Written on March...Oops

Hey everyone! I was hoping to have time to write another blog post aside from a monthly reading log, but alas that was not the case this past month. I know that my blog’s content is not exactly focused, but I’m still a young adult trying to figure things out. It may be awhile before Cheers, Danish is actually organized. Nevertheless, I appreciate all of my readers even if it is just my family and close friends.

I think I’m doing a pretty good job in making time to read. Whenever I have down time I instinctively pick up a book. Also, I sometimes leave my headphones at home to prevent me from watching movies between classes.

Anyways, as promised here’s the list of books I read in February. There are some good reads I discovered that just so happen to come from diverse genres, so there is surely something for everyone!

Cheers,

Danish

February

One of Us is Lying

By: Karen M. McManus

This young adult novel reminds me of Pretty Little Liars in that they follow high school students and how they manage scandal. The book is centered around a group of students in detention and the investigation that follows when one of them dies in the classroom. The ending has a clever plot twist that I didn't see coming. It is a good easy read that I recommend.

The Alchemist

By: Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist is one of the most enlightening books I have read in awhile. The novel begins with an excerpt from the greek mythology’s story of Narcissus staring at his reflection in a lake until he drowned in it. I didn’t understand why this was necessary to include until I realized The Alchemist's central theme was to look past yourself and understand the beauty of your place within your surroundings. I found this book uplifting as a young adult transitioning into the “real world”. It reminded me that as long as I continue in pursuit of my personal legend with a worldly perspective, the universe will help me see it through.

Ready Player One

By: Ernest Cline

This novel introduced me to the realm of video games, something I have never had much experience on except maybe for Flappy Bird (I’m very good at Flappy Bird). Although I am not into video games, I found this book incredibly exhilarating. Set in the 2040s amidst an international energy crisis and economic hardships, many users escape their real-life problems in the virtual reality known as the Oasis. After his death, it was announced that the Oasis' creator placed a surprise in his will. The first person to find the easter eggs hidden within the game will inherit his entire fortune. Not long after the announcement, it’s a mad scramble to win. I recommend everyone read this book whether or not you’re a gamer. There are central themes many people can relate to in this age of technology.

The Kite Runner

By: Khaled Hosseini

Up there in my top 5 with The Help is The Kite Runner, which says a lot considering I LOVE The Help. I was not at all ready for a novel like this to make my heart feel so heavy. The book follows Amir’s childhood in Kabul, his escape to the United States as a teenager when the Soviet Union took over his homeland, and his return to Afghanistan during the Taliban regime. There were often times that I had to take a pause from reading to regain composure due to my disappointment in Amir. I don’t want to say too much more on the story itself, because I don’t want to reveal any spoilers. I also found it eye-opening to read a novel from the point-of-view of someone that has experienced Afghanistan’s beauty prior to foreign intervention. I believe this book is well on its way to becoming a modern classic, and I recommend everyone read it.