SCYTHE (Arc of a Scythe, #1) by Neal Shusterman

“Everyone is guilty of something, and everyone still harbors a memory of childhood innocence, no matter how many layers of life wrap around it. Humanity is innocent; humanity is guilty, and both states are undeniably true.” – Neal Shusterman, Scythe

In the ralm of dystopian lierature, few books capture the imagination quite like “Scythe.” In this book, scythes are entrusted with managing the world’s population in a society where death has been conqured. The book follows two teens, Citra and Rowan, who are chosen to be apprentice scythes, and as they learn the art of death, they uncover a darker side of the scythe community. All while they are forced to confront the moral and ethical power of life and death.

Shusterman examines the idea of immortality and how it modifies the dynamics of power and controll, as well as how people see life and death. The book digs into the issues of power, morality, and the follout of acting as God. It makes you think of the ethical implications of immortality and the responsibility of having the power to decide who lives and dies.

CIRCE by Madeline Miller

“I thought: I cannot bear this world a moment longer. Then, child, make another.” – Circe, Madeline Miller

“Circe” is a retelling of the mythological witch Circe from the Odyssey. The book  masterfully depicts Circe’s development from a vulnerable and scorned nymph to a powerful sorceress. Miller offers a fresh perspective on Greek mythology, presenting the story from the viewpoint of a character often relegated to the sidelines. Circe’s journey is brought to live by the vivid decriptions of emotional depth, which makes the book an engrossing and immersive read. Miller beatifully waves together themes of power, love and self-discovery, creating a rich and enchanting narrative that lingers lomg after the last page.

LOOKING FOR ALASKA by John Green

“Thomas Edison’s last words were “It’s very beautiful over there”. I don’t know where there is, but I believe it’s somewhere, and I hope it’s beautiful.”– Looking For Alaska, John Green

“Looking for Alaska” is a coming of age novel that follows the story of Miles Halter, a teenager who leaves his ordianry life behind to attend a boarding school in search for his “Great Perhaps.” There, he meets Alaska Young, an enigmatic and unpredicatble girl who becomes the center of his world. The book beautifully captures the complexities of teenage life, exploring the themes of love, friendship and identity, and the pursuit of meaning.

John Green’s writing style is engaging and witty. with relatable characters that feel like people. The nerrative is filled with humor, heartbreak and moments of insight. It keeps you hooked until the end, as you unravel the mysteries surrounding Alaska and the vents that shape the lives of the characters.

THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak

“I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right.” The Book Thief, Markus Zusak

“The Book Thief” is a captivating and heart-wrenching novel set in Nazi Germany druing WWII. The story follows a young girl, Liesel Meminger who develops a love for books and words amidst the horrors of war.

Liesel’s journey begins when she is sent to live with a foster family in a small town where she befriends a boy, Rudy and forms a special bond with her foster father. But as the war escalates, her world is shattered. She witnesses the cruelty and injustice and the Nazi regime, and her life becomes intertwined with a Jewish man named Max, who seeks refugee in their basement.

The book is emotonally charged and beautifully written. It explores the themes of love, loss courage and the enduring power of storytelling. Zusak’s uniqe nerrative style, with Death as the narrator, adds a haunting and thought-provoking layer to the story.