A BOOKWORM’S GUIDE

@shanell_lalala

Shanell Binedell

The North-West University (NWU) Potchefstroom students are once again back to classes, tests and assignments after a well-deserved recess. However, taking breaks to do what you find relaxing is important. If reading is your favourite way to relax, look no further. Wapad has compiled a list of must-read books to enjoy during your free time.

Romance:

If you enjoy a novel that makes you want to sing love songs all day long, Colleen Hoover is your go-to girl. She has published over 23 books and as of 2022 she has sold around 20 million copies according to Barnes & Noble. She gained her popularity with her book series, It Ends with Us. In January 2022 this book was the number one seller in the New York Times best sellers list. The book construes the story of a young, naïve girl named Lilly who falls helplessly in love with a handsome neurosurgeon. But what she doesn’t know is that his way of loving her will only cause her pain. The book combines romance, women empowerment as well as insight into the minds of those who are experiencing domestic violence. This book has given me a newfound respect for how powerful a woman can be, even at the hands of violence. The book is part of a two-book series and its sequel, It Starts with Us, was published in October 2022. Hoover has numerous love stories that are all unique. Some of her other romance novels to keep a lookout for are All Your Perfects, November 9, Losing Hope, Finding Cinderella, Confess, etc. Once you read one of her books, you won’t be able to stop.

Horror:

While some people enjoy reading a relaxing story, others like to be surprised by horrific events. The king of horror, Stephan King, is an American novelist who has published over 65 books, and 200 short stories. He is the writer of the well-known horror novels, IT and The Shining. King’s first book, Carrie was published in 1974 and caused his breakthrough. His most popular book is The Shining, which was also featured in the beloved series, Friends, and turned into a horror film in 1980. He also has books by the titles: The Dead Zone, Salem’s Lot and The Stand. 

Fantasy:

A book can open many worlds if you use your imagination, and fantasy books allow you to experience these worlds by merely turning a page. Frank Herbert, the writer behind the movie Dune, revolutionised science-fiction and brought it to life with his two movies, Dune Part 1 and Dune Part 2. He created a whole new world far from our belief systems and orchestrated this space opera. Dune Part 1 was released in 2021 and has received many awards. They have also managed to develop huge anticipation for Dune Part 2 which was released in February 2024. Herbert wrote 6 Dune novels and won the first Nebula Award in 1966 with his book, The Desert Planet. The book series mostly received good feedback and Rajat Ubhaykar, a published writer says, “In my head, the purpose of this review is very clear. It is to convince YOU to read this book. Yes, you! Waste time no more. Go grab a copy. Machiavellian intrigue, mythology, religion, politics, imperialism, environmentalism and the nature of power. Dune had me hooked!”

Mystery:

The mystery genre is a genre of fiction that follows a crime (like a murder or a disappearance) from the moment it is committed to the moment it is solved. Mystery novels are often called “whodunnits” because they turn the reader into a detective trying to figure out the who, what, when, and how of a particular crime. Agatha Christie was an English detective novelist who has sold over 100 million copies. Christie began writing during the First World War and died in 1975 at the age of 85. Her most famous books are The Mysterious Affair at Styles and Murder on the Orient Express. The book Murder on the Orient Express was turned into a movie and was released in 2017. Christie has published over 66 detective novels and titles. Be on the lookout for Passenger to Frankfurt, 13 at dinner, and Five Little Pigs.

Books can be the perfect way to relax or be entertained, but it can also be an expensive hobby. Students can visit places like Yaga to purchase second-hand books, or their local library to find some hidden worlds and treasures, free of charge.

Edited by Anna-Mart Klem