November is National Novel Writing Month, and what better way to celebrate it than sitting down with a good book? From science fiction to romance, the possibilities are endless. Here are some top picks to give a try this month.
“Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury, 1953
This novel is a classic. In a dystopian future, books are illegal and are burned along with the household they are found in by men ironically called firemen. One fireman, Guy Montag, has an overwhelming curiosity for books and secretly collects them. This dystopian novel will keep you on the edge of your seat as you follow Montag’s journey to keep his secret hidden.
“Artemis Fowl” by Eoin Colfer, 2001
This science fiction fantasy novel is the first book in a series of eight. Artemis Fowl is a rich, twelve-year-old criminal mastermind who captures a fairy, Officer Holly Short, and holds her for a ransom of 24 carat gold. Artemis is now public enemy number one in the fairy world and must watch his back as he messes with forces he does not understand. This novel is great a mix of science fiction, fantasy and humor, and once you read the first, you will want to read them all.
“Between the Lines” by Jodi Picoult, 2012
This young adult novel is a blend of romance and fantasy that takes you from fairytale to reality. Delilah is an introverted bookworm who has a love for her old storybook. Little does she know, the characters in her book are just as alive as she is. As she begins to confide in a fairytale prince, Delilah realizes he can not only hear her, but respond to her as well. This novel is unique, and the characters in both reality and the fairytale are very colorful, making it an entertaining read.
“Eleanor & Park” by Rainbow Rowell, 2013
This young adult novel is not your average love story. Two teenagers, Eleanor and Park, meet on the bus one day and slowly begin to love each other’s faults. As issues with abuse and race become prominent in their lives, the bond they have grows stronger. The lives and relationship of Eleanor and Park will make you laugh and cry as they fight to be together.
“The Madman’s Daughter” by Megan Shepherd, 2013
This dark and suspenseful thriller combines science and fantasy, and is the first is a series of three. Juliet Moreau is a young maid in London who is attempting to live a life ruined by a scandal surrounding her scientist father. She finds out he is alive on a distant island and goes to see him to find out if the rumors about her father’s gruesome experiments are true. This book is hard to put down with its gripping storyline and a surprising plot twist.
“This Dark Endeavor” by Kenneth Oppel 2011
This young adult thriller is a unique take on Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” novel. Victor Frankenstein and his twin brother Konrad live a wealthy and charming life. Ever adventurous, Victor finds a dark library in his with ancient tomes filled with strange information and instructions on how to make the Elixir of Life, and when Konrad falls deathly ill, Victor sets out to find the ingredients for the elixir to save his brother’s life. This novel is full of strange happenings, dangerous alchemy and a strange love triangle, so if you are looking for an odd adventure, this is the book to read.
