By Katherine Dunnagan
There is nothing better than finishing the day in bed with a good book. Personally, I have made it my goal to read over twenty books this year. These are three stories that I’d recommend that you must read in 2025! To preface, I will not spoil anything in my reviews.
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
This is by far the saddest piece of fiction that I have ever read, but I really did love every single bit of it. Suzanne Collins, author of the Hunger Games series, takes readers back 25 years before Katniss Everdeen’s storyline to the 50th Hunger Games. In the book, we witness Haymitch Abernathy become swept into the arena for the second Quarter Quell where things are more gruesome than ever before. Reading each chapter had me on my toes, and I could not put the book down. Though I will add that the overall story absolutely gutted me to shreds. I felt as if my heart was ripped out, stepped on, spit on, then lit on fire. I highly recommend this book to any Hunger Games lover as it was an excellent addition to the series, but I cannot say that I will ever read it again.
The Monkey by Stephen King
Before you go to see The Monkey in theatres, you should pick up the short story first! I recommend this short story to all avid horror readers and to any Stephen King fan out there. The story follows a man who must confront a haunted, wind-up monkey toy. Everytime the monkey bangs its cymbals, a mysterious death occurs. This short story is a quick read, and it will keep you at the edge of your seat!
Animal Farm by George Orwell
Who would have thought that a satirical novel from 1945 would continue to hold so much meaning in today’s world? George Orwell tells us the story about farm animals who rebel against their human farmer. The farm animals’ goal was to create a society where they can be equal, free, and happy. Orwell offers insight into the dangers of letting those in power go unchecked through manipulation and corruption. Reading this book reminded me of the illusion of equality in a society that is actually stuck in a cycle of oppression. Every American should own a copy of this book as a warning and a reminder.
