Thoughtful, Fun Books to Read During National Reading Month
National Reading Month in March is a good opportunity to read books that are fun and thought-provoking, according to Dr. Jessica C. Murphy.
Murphy, associate professor of literary studies and dean of undergraduate education, said some people get bogged down with reading well-known books that they don’t enjoy reading – simply to say they read them.
“There’s something to be said for reading the classics, but they shouldn’t boss you around,” she said.
Here are five authors Murphy recommends for enjoyable, but thoughtful reads:
J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter series)
Murphy: “Not because it’s amazing literature in and of itself, but because the series tells a story about inclusion.”
Walter Mosely (“Easy” Rawlins series)
Murphy: “His books engage with the historical Los Angeles in a way that is a good counterpoint to other detective fiction writers who focused on LA like Raymond Chandler.”
Liane Moriarty (Author of Big Little Lies)
Murphy: “You can really relate in a way that makes you reflect on your own experiences.”
Alexander McCall Smith (Author of No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency)
Murphy: “McCall Smith came to fame for his book, The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, which features an African woman who solves mysteries.”
Sarah Paretsky (V.I. Warshawski Series)
Murphy: “[Paretsky] will do deep, deep research on a particular cultural moment in time.”
—Phil Roth
