We’re not Ally Abruscato’s District Collumn “I’m Booked!” but we do know how to give a recommendation or two. While Manor articles may be our favorite reading material, we love to cozy up with a good book, whether that be fiction as a means of escaping the trials and tribulations of homework, or fashion books to get ahead of the curve in class.
To me, a person’s favorite book can tell you everything you need to know about them. As my job as Copy Editor is “words”, I felt it was only fitting I end my tenure by making everyone on staff give me their favorite books. I promise I won’t be using this information to psychoanalyze… (maybe).
Caroline’s Pick: In the Lives of Puppets by T. J. Klune
Any TJ Klune book will rip out my heart, but this one tugged maybe one too many times (commendatory). It seems that sci-fi is my theme of the quarter, and this one wins. The only words I have are: found family, a psychotic nurse robot equipped with medical supplies and dry humor, and an anxious roomba named Rambo. Unofficially, my pick is The Locked Tomb series by Tamsyn Muir (someone please talk to me about it, I’m losing my mind).
Flora’s Pick: Earthlings by Sayaka Murata
This book has (and is) everything. Sick and twisted, beautifully written, and grotesque metaphors about healing from abuse. Sayaka Murata, the artist you are…
Annie’s Pick: Crying in HMart by Michelle Zauner
I love a good memoir, and Michelle knows how to pull on your heart strings. The grief that comes from healing, and the pain of it all. I can’t recommend this book enough, there aren’t even words to stay to summarize it. Just. Read. It.
Anna’s Pick: House Across the Lake By Riley Sager
I read this book about two years ago now and still recommend it to people. If you love a good thriller, mystery/suspense novel this book is awesome. Riley Sager is also just a great thriller author. I read Lock Every Door by him after I read this novel and enjoyed that alot as well. Strap in for some teeth chattering suspense…lol.
Bri’s Pick: The Late Americans by Brandon Taylor
I have Writing-the-way-I-speak syndrome (allegedly), so books written by internet personalities—especially those within the Twitter and/or Substack corners—will always make it on my TBR. Add a loose circle of artists, lovers, and friends as they provoke each other in a volatile year of self-discovery, and I’m sold. Long live messy lit fic.
Reem’s Pick: Eve’s Hollywood by Eve Babitz
Calling all “It” girls with unsettling things to say! Eve Babitz, the darling of 1970s LA, has an absolutely unmatched writing style that showcases her impeccable wit and style. This Love letter to Los Angeles will hit you with a deep and guttural nostalgia for the West Coast you never knew you had.
Eve’s Pick: Daisy Jones and the Six
Easiest and fastest read you will ever come across. If you love drama, the music industry, the 70s and hot people you will love this one. I’ve never felt as much fomo as I did when reading this book. Oh… to be a hot rockstar.
Abigail’s Pick: The Silent Patient by Alex Michelaelides
I read this book in 2 days (during midterms?!) and stayed up as late as I could to read it. The next morning I woke up at 6 am to finish the last few chapters on a day where I had a 9 hour shoot. It is worth losing sleep over.
Evan’s Pick: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
I read this book in one sitting while on vacation to a small beach town. I was so distraught and overwhelmed that I dipped the book into the ocean after I finished it, and was silent the rest of the week. If anyone asks for a book rec, I will 100% always say this one.
Mishi’s Pick: The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff
This book is your perfect beginners guide to Taoism. It explains the ancient Chinese philosophy through the iconic children’s character, Winnie the Pooh. This cute little bear is the epitome of Toaist ideals. Even if you don’t identify as a Toaist, there are so many fruitful lessons within these teachings that everyone can benefit from.
Ari’s Pick: A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair
This is my absolute favorite book. I’ve been reading it since it first came out and still go back to it any chance I get. If you love Greek Mythology, or the story of Hades and Persephone or even love a good re-telling, this is the book for you. Filled with suspense, romance, comedy and action, this book transcends you into a world where the Greek gods are loud and in charge but little miss Persephone is the center of it all. 10000000% recommend this absolute gem.
Danna’s Pick: Violet Bent Backwards Over The Grass by Lana del Rey
I initially discovered this book as a devoted Lana fan when it was released, and I never anticipated falling for it as deeply as I did. This collection of poetry whisks you away to a sunny California afternoon, inviting reflection on our culture’s quirks and wonders. It’s my go-to source of inspiration; the author’s honesty paired with the imagery feels like a breath of fresh air to escape routine.
Curated by Caroline Tetlow.
Words by Caroline Tetlow, Flora Medina, Annie Cater, Anna Jara, Bri Shufford, Reem Hinedi, Abigail Wornock, Evan Skovronsky, Mishi Ali, Eve Friday, Ari Young Sang, and Danna Macias.
Graphic by Reem Hinedi.