Ke Alaka’i staff recommends four must-read books people should read at least once during their lifetimes
From personal favorites to the classics, Ke Alaka‘i staff members curated a list of four books they recommend whether it be experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions or immersing oneself in a pool of wisdom. As shared by our staff, these books changed their lives in ways they did not expect.
“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
“‘Pride and Prejudice’ is easily my Roman Empire,” said Ke Alaka‘i Multimedia Journalist Abigail Adams, a senior from California majoring in biology. When asked about her favorite book, she said this Jane Austen classic will always be her go-to answer.
Filled with humor, drama and romance, Adams said the story explores social issues, teaches fundamental life lessons and is something everyone can relate to in one way or another.
According to Encyclopedia Britannica, “Pride and Prejudice” is a timeless classic in English literature that has remained a critical and popular success for over two centuries after her death, reflecting her legacy.
As per Encyclopedia Britannica, the story revolves around the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, opening with one of the most famous lines in English literature: “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
“I think, in some ways, I also associate ‘Pride and Prejudice’ with my independence,” she shared. Adams said experiencing the novel in moments of solitude in her life became a symbol of her own coming-of-age story.
“Babel” by R.F. Kuang
“R.F. Kuang grabbed me by the neck with this piece,” shared Samantha Faith Satorre, a Ke Alaka‘i multimedia journalist and sophomore from the Philippines majoring in accounting. She said the novel deep and even the title itself is layered with interpretation.
Set in an alternate history where the British empire uses language as a tool for imperialism, “Babel” revolves around the power of translation and its impact on social and political structures, Satorre said. It explored themes of colonialism and resistance, and captured feelings of fear, resentment and betrayal, she added.
The story begins with Robin Swift, an orphan boy privileged with a place in Babel, the university of translation and magic, as per the edition published by Harper Voyager. He sets out in his pursuit of knowledge until he, unavoidably, will have to choose between enlightenment or honor.
“Reading ‘Babel’ reacquainted me with the beauty of literature,” she expressed. The book helped her get out of a major writing slump and has since become a huge inspiration for her as a writer, Satorre explained. She said it was the spark to keep her artistic engine functioning.
“The School for Good and Evil” by Soman Chainani
Ke Alaka‘i Multimedia Journalist Myco Marcaida, a senior from the Philippines majoring in communications, encouraged others to read “The School for Good and Evil,” a novel about hope and friendship. “It changed the way I see villains in stories,” she shared.
Marcaida said the book taught her no matter how different people are, there will always be a way to connect and to love each other. “Look out for your besties!” she said as she noted the incredible companionship and dynamic between the main characters, despite their obvious differences.
According to the published edition by HarperCollins, “The School for Good and Evil” is a story of best friends Sophie and Agatha who are set to be trained in heroism and villainy. Though Sophie seeks to be trained in the School for Good, and Agatha in the School for Evil, their fates are switched and their fortunes reversed, as the two seek to uncover their true identities.
“I resonate with all the characters. Even with the author himself,” Marcaida said. She said the book excellently combats the idea of determinism, successfully teaching the power of agency–especially in young children–in real life.
“The Elements of Cadence” by Rebecca Ross
“It’s a fantasy with Scottish folklore vibes, magic, and solid romance plots. What’s not to like?” said former Ke Alaka‘i Editor-in-Chief Manhattan Ethington Prien, a BYUH alumna from Ohio. Though she said the duology wasn’t the series that changed her life the most, because that award goes to Harry Potter, she said it was the series that helped her get back into reading as an adult.
“The Elements of Cadence” is a series sophisticated in writing but engaging in content for all ages, she said. Prien shared the books can tackle mature themes in a way that matches her standards. “The worldbuilding was very whimsical but also centered in elements of Scottish folklore and traditions that I enjoyed learning about,” she said.
According to the published edition by Harper Voyager, the series starts with Jack and Adaira, living in a home ruled by spirits of fire, water, earth and wind. Though connected through a reluctant partnership, they find they must work together towards a common goal: find the missing girls of their isle.
“The books teach that you shouldn’t let yourself get so caught up in revenge or grudges that you forget to focus on your family, friends, or the people who matter most to you in your life,” Prien said. She said the books helped rekindle her desire to find more books to love as an adult.