Four books you should probably read this summer
I am a hard-core book addict. I go through at least three books a week. This is certainly not healthy, nor is it sustainable, as my library card has expired and I do not make nearly enough money to support my habit.
Regardless, I have become somewhat of a (self-proclaimed) official authority on books – a quite picky authority, at that. As such, I present to you the results of many hours that I cannot consider wasted, pruning through many lists of the “13 best books of summer” on Pinterest, even though I should have been doing many other things.
Everything is Perfect When You’re a Liar by Kelly Oxford
The best thing about Kelly Oxford’s book is that she is unflinchingly honest with her reader, providing every detail in every less-than-perfect event, from the time she peed her pants in a gas station before buying her first cigarettes to the time she got drunk at a strip club with her husband after meeting David Copperfield. This series of essays depicting the reality of growing up is sure to make you laugh out loud, but it might also make you feel a little bit better about your own life.
The Opposite of Loneliness by Marina Keegan
This book is perhaps one of the best books I have ever read. This collection of short stories and essays might actually change your life. The author, Marina Keegan, wrote the collection between the ages of 16 and 22. The Opposite of Loneliness was published shortly following her death, and since then, the essay from which the collection takes its name has gone viral. I don’t even want to say anything else about this book, because I don’t think I can do it justice with my words. Just read it.
Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate situations, flawed coping mechanisms, mayhem, and other things that happened by Allie Brosh
I have never before read a book that can have me laughing hysterically one moment and crying hysterically the next. If you have ever had feelings, a stupid dog, or a deep desire for cake, you should read this book. If you’ve ever experienced depression, social awkwardness, or childhood, you should read this book. If you like cartoons, you should read this book. If you like words, you should read this book.
You should probably just read this book.
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling
This is an excellent book for you if you are: looking to break into the television writing industry (because it will probably convince you not to); a fan of Mindy Kaling’s (because it can only make you love her more); a fan of the American Office (because there are several hilarious mentions of life in the original writing room); someone who had to wear really large, really plastic glasses on their face throughout childhood (because she understands); or someone who has dealt with really terrible haircuts.
This book might not be for you if you are the kind of person who prides themselves on their masculinity, although you may find pleasure in laughing at pictures of Kaling throughout puberty. You should probably read it anyway, just to find out.