A New Year Resolution: A Literary Diet (to Feed Your Soul)

We're about to come to the end of a strange, if not distressful, year, and you don't have your list of new year resolutions. You haven't decided if you would cross the border and go north. (Your nerdy brother warned you about the disappearance of the northern lights. Donald Trump doesn't believe in climate change, but he must be watching too many episodes of "Saturday Night Live".) You promise to be a diligent student, wanting to show more enthusiasm in paper writing. (If you can't be distracted easily.) And you would turn your room into a tidy place. (It was number one on last year's list.) The new coronavirus strain would make you recall the lyrics of "The Morning After". Forget "The Poseidon Adventure" (and your obsession with disaster films). How about going on a literary diet? You read it right.

It might be a silly idea. (If you're a Literature major, you might skip the next sentence.) But think about it. Recall "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland"; you're looking for a rabbit hole these past months, unaware that books would provide you with lots of holes. You need an escape, which should help you look at this pandemic in a different light. If you put it in another way, Covid-19 made Zoom, WiFi, and virtual school (and probably instachat, streaming and telemedicine) parts of everyday life. What will you keep using when this is all over? If haven't read "Anna Karenina", then you must make it your goal to read this novel next month. Leo Tolstoy's epic masterpiece is a reminder that history is made up of unpredictable bits and pieces, and that real understanding can come only with time. You don't see the return to a somehow normal-ish situation anytime next year, so you don't have to think long and hard of a reason NOT to read this long novel. It's time to look at that list.

"The Ickabog" by J.K. Rowling. You have read (or heard) some comments, where J.K. Rowling took a long time before the suffering protagonists finally met the titular character. And your coursemate, obviously a Trump supporter, compared the Kingdom of Cornucopia to Trump's America. (And the Ickabog looks like a distant kin of Oscar the Grouch.) This fairy tale is about the dangers of living on lies, yet truth is stranger than fiction. (You don't have to tell your coursemate about it.) Rowling's latest is a gentle reminder of how kindness can cure the ills of society. It takes some time, so there's something to celebrate next Thanksgiving.

"The Trials of Apollo" by Rick Riordan. You weren't satisfied with Percy Jackson's description of the Olympian gods and his fellow demigods, so this latest series about Greek mythology. After reading this series, you will figure out that dictatorship could be a good thing. (Don't tell it to social media users who can't accept Joe Biden's victory.) On the other hand, Rick Riordan described Apollo as a self-absorbed, annoying, melodramatic brat, and he would confront some ghosts from his past. You can imagine the sun god singing "Love Hurts", but these novels would point out that (the mortal version of) Apollo would need it. It's a catharsis, which you might experience after you're through with the series.

"The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis. Spring is around the corner, and this series would be recommended to read before you go to bed. Jadis, the White Witch, may cast her shadow over the Kingdom of Narnia, but the sun still shines in this part of the world. This series is an affirmation of faith, but it's also a treat for those who are itching for a holiday. Try armchair traveling instead.

"Emma" by Jane Austen. You're still watching the music video of "Fancy", which is a homage to "Clueless". And this romantic comedy is a modern retelling of "Emma". This Jane Austen novel is about the misguided notion of good intention, which you shouldn't apply to those who are concerned about the homeless and the ones who lost their jobs (due to the pandemic). It should make you think about spring fever, but you don't have time for it. The most challenging part of the term is near.

"Deliverance" by James Dickey. You have thought about summer vacation but be warned about taking the road less traveled. This novel, which is set in the Georgia wilderness, is a stern reminder that the unexpected does happen during a holiday. Some backpackers would be excited about it, recalling their own version of "Snakes on a Plane". (You don't want to take the night bus, as you're fearful of sitting beside a sack full of Scorpio.) If you're a budding novelist, then this is THE road that you must follow. If not, then throw caution to the wind. You have a story to tell during the next gathering (with family or friends).

"V for Vendetta" by Alan Moore. The term is finished, so you have time for heavy reading. This graphic novel might put you at odds with Trump supporters, who might join the last stand on the 6th of January. (And they're looking forward to the 2024 elections.) Alan Moore described a fascist Britain, where a young woman would learn that freedom and anarchy go together if not one is a prerequisite to the other (or vice versa). You could have sworn that it almost happened in America. (Biden described a tinhorn dictatorship during a recent interview.) And it can happen again.

"My Neighbor Totoro" by Tsugiko Kubo. Some spirits bring good luck, but this novel, which was published during the 25th anniversary of the release of Hayao Miyazaki's "My Neighbor Totoro", tells readers about the bond between man and nature, which is once close. You haven't imagined a forest not far from Tokyo, but it might exist. If you're a New Yorker (or you're planning to visit New York), then go to Central Park on a weekend (or the day after your arrival).

"The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" by Deborah Moggach. Life begins at 70, which is the message of this (quite) outrageous novel. You may be too young to relate to the characters' issues, but you do want to set foot in India. (The novel is set in Bengalaru.) You saw "Moulin Rouge", a Bollywood version of the original (starring Jose Ferrer and Zsa Zsa Gabor). And your friend recommends "Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India". It's a Bollywood version of "Rocky", but it's hard to imagine Sylvester Stallone singing and dancing.

"Northwest Passage" by Kenneth Roberts. Forget the old Hollywood version (starring Spencer Tracy). This novel, which is divided into two parts, is set during the French and Indian War and the events that follow that war. It's an interesting depiction of British America, but this is about Langdon Towne, a young soldier who is passionate about painting. If you have a hobby, then indulge in it. It's an incentive, but you're a lucky one if reading is your passion.

"The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson. You might be surprised that the titular character, a Gothic mansion, is located in the northeast. This is not another British novel, which Netflix might not do a good job in adapting. Halloween is approaching, and you want a good scare. Forget "Dracula 2000", where Count Dracula was the incarnation of the apostle Judas. (You wondered why Wes Craven ever thought such a premise.) And you may want to skip the reboot of "Rebecca".

"Zorba the Greek" by Nikos Kazantzakis. This classic is for the boys, a bromance between a young intellectual, the narrator of this poignant story, and an old foreman, the titular character. If you're reluctant (to read it), then look for a Nick Hornby book.

"The Christmas Mystery" by Jostein Gaarder. A great read IF you have traveled to Europe. Every place has a storied past, and this novel tells an intriguing history behind an Advent calendar. H.G. Wells, who was fascinated with time travel, wouldn't think such a thing.

If you have another list of books to recommend, then don't hesitate to share it. The fun of an adventure like this is a great investment but your professors told you about it.