April Reading List

It's a new month, which means a new list of books on my to-read list.  I'm always finding new books that I'm interested in, either from friends, teachers, or the glorious internet.  Here's the list of books that I want to read this month. 

1. "Paper Lantern Love Stories" by Stuart Dybek

I learned about Stuart Dybek when my creative writing class went to a reading of his at the Harold Washington Library a couple of weeks ago.  There were four other authors who read their work there that night, but Dybek's was the only one that really stuck with me.  His voice is so strong, and his language is so poignant, thirty minutes of his work simply was not enough. 

"Paper Lantern Love Stories" is a collection of short stories, all with a focus on love.  Stories feature a social worker who falls in love with his client, a flaming laboratory, and an eerily ringing phone.  Dybek speaks of love in a way that is both honest and beautiful. 

2. "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

I bought this beautiful copy of "Pride and Prejudice" months ago in hopes that it would encourage me to read more classic novels, which I admittedly do not do enough of.  "Pride and Prejudice" has always been a favorite of my mom's, I love the movie, and I feel like it's my responsibility as a human to read at least one Jane Austen novel.  

In one of the most popular novels of all time, Jane Austen tells the witty and charming story of the proud Mr. Darcy and the prejudiced Elizabeth Bennett. 

3. "The Dinner" by Herman Koch





What attracted me to this novel was the accomplishments.  It was a New York Times Notable Book of the Year, USA Today Bestseller, and Los Angeles Times Bestseller.  Plus, it has been called a European "Gone Girl".  Could it get much better than that? 

It's a summer evening in Amsterdam, and two couples meet at a hip restaurant.  The conversation remains polite, but they both have a 15-year old son.  The two sons have committed a horrific act which has been played on the television.  However, the only people who recognize the boys are their parents. 

4. "The Good Girls Revolt: How the Women of Newsweek Sued their Bosses and Changed the Workplace" by Lynn Povich

As a journalism student, I was immediately drawn to this book.  I'm also fascinated by the feminist movement and what women did to give me the privileges that I have today.  

On March 6, 1970, Newsweek magazine hits the stands with a cover story titled "Women in Revolt".  On that same day, 46 Newsweek women announce that they are suing their employer for systematic discrimination against them in hiring and promotion.  The story follows the girls and their conflicting feelings on wanting to be the "good girls" that they were raised to be, and standing up for their rights.

5. "Yes Please" by Amy Poehler

I've always been a huge Amy Poehler fan.  "Parks and Recreation" is one of my favorite shows, I loved her on SNL, and her movie characters always crack me up.  I've heard that this is a great source of inspiration to follow your dreams. 

"Yes Please", Poehler's first book, is full of personal stories and humorous advice on sex, love, parenthood, and friendship. 

What's on your April reading list?