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In my AP English Literature class this past spring, I had the privilege of reading two amazing novels, “Pride and Prejudice” and “Jane Eyre.” For my assignment, I wrote a paper exploring how each piece resonates with the other. Below, I share this paper. I hope it convinces you to delve into these novels if… Continue reading From Thornfield to Pemberley: A walk-through of my favorite novels, “Pride and Prejudice” and “Jane Eyre”

WARNING: Misleading title alert! Brace yourselves because this book is anything but normal. Like many, I stumbled upon this literary gem thanks to the relentless TikTok reviews and the siren call of it’s aesthetically pleasing cover.  Little did I know that with their inked fingers, Connell and Marriane would leave me feeling delightfully empty. Yes,… Continue reading McKenzie’s Bookshelf: Normal People by Sally Rooney

“I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and that’s why” “A guy needs somebody-to be near him. A guy goes nuts if he ain’t got nobody. Don’t make no difference who the guys is, long he’s with you.” Somehow, “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck was… Continue reading McKenzie’s Bookshelf: Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

“In love we find out who we want to be; in war we find out who we are.”  “Of course, men always think war is about them.”  “Wounds heal. Love lasts. We remain.”  In The Nightingale by Kristin Hanah, readers are transported to the tumultuous backdrop of World War II France. Here, two sisters, Vianne… Continue reading McKenzie’s Bookshelf: The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Stepping into the new year, my bookshelf welcomed Daisy Jones and the Six.  What better way to kickstart the year than diving into the story of a fictional 1970s rock band? The genius of this book lies not just in its storytelling but in the unconventional format that Reid employs. Each page is a transcript… Continue reading McKenzie’s Bookshelf: Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

As we gather around the dinner table this Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on the countless blessings that adorn my life.  From the warmth of family and laughter with friends to the simple joys of a delicious feast and good health, there are so many things to be thankful for. Yet, in this post, let’s… Continue reading A Bookish Thanksgiving

“Logic is no doubt unshakeable, but it can’t withstand a person who wants to live” Welcome to the first post of my book review series! With my Goodreads goal set at devouring 40 books a year, this series will serve as a compass, guiding us through the highs and lows of my reading adventures.  I… Continue reading McKenzie’s Bookshelf: The Trial by Franz Kafka

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s debut novel, This Side of Paradise, is like a La Croix- intriguing, sometimes hard to swallow, and leaving a lingering aftertaste. The novel introduces us to the protagonist, Amory Blaine, a character who doesn’t exactly scream “heroism.” He is self-absorbed, privileged, and at times infuriating.  The narrative takes us on a journey… Continue reading McKenzie’s Bookshelf: This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald

With the weather cooling down and the skies getting darker, what better way to reel in the season than with a good old Gothic novel? Let’s dive right into a re-read of one of my all-time favorites, The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.  In summary, the novel follows the story of a man… Continue reading McKenzie’s Bookshelf: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde