ensara's corner

Hello Beautiful People,

I really like writing about books; it makes me very happy. To say goodbye to 2021 I decided to write my top 5 books out of the 150 I read this year. This list was very hard to make, because there were so many books I enjoyed, but here are a few you should consider reading too. 

Letters to a Young Poet by Rainer Maria Rilke

“If your everyday life seems to lack material, do not blame it; blame yourself, tell yourself that you are not poet enough to summon up its riches, for there is no lack for him who creates and no poor, trivial place”

This is a short book, but not necessarily a quick read. Everything Rilke says really makes the reader think. As I was going back to read my notes and highlights in this book, there are so many lessons to be learned from it. I hope to read some poetry by Rilke in 2022.

Genres: Non-Fiction, Classics, Philosophy, Literature

Islam Between the East and the West by Alija Izetbegović

“Education can be inhuman if it is a one-sided process, directed and based on partisan indoctrination, if it does not teach the individual how to think independently, if it provides ready answers, if it prepares people for different jobs rather than broadening their horizon, and thus their freedom .”

While reading Islam Between the East and the West, I felt like highlighting every single line, and text-marking every single page. This book definitely needs multiple rereads. It is so fascinating, and every time I look back at just quotes, not even the whole text, I realize there is more to learn and understand from Izetbegović’s writing. 

Genres: Non-Fiction, Philosophy, Religion, Politics, History, Sociology

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

“The face you give the world tells the world how to treat you.”

After reading and enjoying Gone Girl, I wanted to pick up something else by Gillian Flynn, and I am so glad I did. Sharp Objects is well crafted, disturbing, and eerie – probably one of the best thriller books I have read. The family dynamics, the mystery, and the town, all set up a story with a nice plot twist. If you decide to read this book, you might want to look up trigger warnings. There is not much mention of self-harm, but the book can be hard to swallow at times. 

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Adult, Contemporary

Amelia Unabridged by Ashley Schumacher

“There’s nothing in the world a good book can’t cure”

This book is extremely comforting and beautiful. While don’t judge a book by its cover is true, Amelia Unabridged is gorgeous inside and out. The story itself is not driven by romance, though it is a big part of it. Once you start reading Amelia Unabridged, it is so hard to put it down and return to everyday life. The way Amelia feels about books is exactly how I feel about books. It is a great coming of age, highly underrated, and I recommend it to everyone. Also watch out for Schumacher’s book Full Flight coming on February 22, 2022 – particularly beautiful and touching.

Genres: Fiction, Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Mystery

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

“I cover my head not because I am ashamed, forced or hiding. But because I am proud and want to be seen as I am.”

This novel-in-verse is perfect for all ages, but particularly easy to understand for kids. The story is about a family of Syrian refugees, narrated from the perspective of a middle school age girl. I read this book in a day, and I felt emotional at almost every point of it. While for me it was relatable at parts, I think this is a read everyone should consider. I look forward to reading Warga’s other work. 

Genres: Fiction, Middle Grade, Poetry, Contemporary, Young Adult, Family, Cultural

Thank you for reading!

Here’s to another year for the books! ; )

Ensara Sejko