Maus by Art Spiegelman
Selected by: Spencer Agabiti
Maus by Art Spiegelman (a holocaust survivor) is a graphic novel duology following the events of how the Jewish population were being treated during the time of Nazi Germany, both told in the point of view of Art’s father Vladek and even Art himself. It’s a collection of how one views the world, what roles should we inevitably play in the grand scheme of things (hence the anthropomorphic animals), and how we should try to keep the past alive rather than let it whither away and we become doomed to repeat it. While being a graphic novel and the characters aren’t exactly human, people do dismiss it as being childish, while the readers and reviewers can assure you that it’s anything but.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Selected by: Quaydasia Josephs
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is a young adult fiction about sixteen-year-old Starr Carter who witnesses her childhood best friend Khalid get killed by the hands of the police. I selected this book for multiple reasons. The first being, I assumed no one in my group would select a book with a controversial topic. The second reason I selected this book is that it brings light to situations that are mostly “pushed under the rug.” The third reason I selected this book is that it seems like an interesting read.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Selected by: Allison D’Arienzo
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig is a science fiction novel that follows the struggles of the main character Nora Seed. As she grapples with her own regrets and guilts, she comes in contact with a library that contains books that tell the story of alternate universes. Nora is able to see the different ways her life could have played out. Our group selected this book because it has some science fiction elements while also having a deep message that can be analyzed. The idea of there being other realities and different universes where things could turn out differently prompts questions about mortality and pushes the reader to think about what they might do in that circumstance. I personally chose this book because I think that it could be interesting to analyze since it should have many different symbolic elements within the story. I also feel like it will be enjoyable to read while at the same time challenging us as a group to reach for a deeper understanding of the plot and storyline.
Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami
Selected by: Michael Majewski
Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami is a Japanese magical realism novel. My group and I have done a lot of reading that emphasizes the mimetic register, and this novel could be a change of pace as Murakami’s works are known for emphasizing the synthetic register. The structure of the narrative is non-linear and the themes are abstract. Kafka on the Shore weaves together two narratives that at first glance have nothing to do with each other. One narrative is about a teenager running away from home due to familial conflict, while the other is about an old man who believes he can speak with cats. Many readers have described this novel as having “dream logic”, which is in stark contrast to the black and white mimetic register of many of the books I have read.
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The Rowan Writers 