Critique and Chill: 10 Books to Review

Introduction

Looking for a fun way to get back into reading, while also satisfying your inner critic? Look no further than “Critique and Chill” – the perfect blend of literary analysis, storytelling, and well, chilling out. Below we’ve compiled a list of 10 books that are perfect for reviewing, whether alone or with friends, all while taking advantage of the waning days of summer.

Ten Books to Review:

1. Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino

A collection of thought-provoking essays on a wide variety of topics, “Trick Mirror” is the perfect book for deep-dive discussions, weighing in on everything from internet culture, Trump-era politics, and even reality television.

2. Normal People by Sally Rooney

“Normal People,” the Irish novel turned wildly popular miniseries, is a nuanced look at friendship, love, class, and rivalry. Dive deep into the storylines alongside your peers and critique whether the transitions from page to screen retained the original rich talent of Rooney’s writing.

3. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

The tragic pivot points of identity comprise an unconscious theme expertly tackled in Brit Bennett’s latest work. Themes of colorism, racism, sisterhood, womanhood, and unity pepper The Vanishing Half. The novel is a tough but necessary inclusive dive into American identity.

4. The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich

Take a walkthrough an uncertain period in American history via Louise’s most recent book. The critically acclaimed novel takes on identity as told through the stories of Chippewa families living amongst America’s historic unrecorded stories.

5. Educated by Tara Westover

This memoir following the author’s journey from a secluded, abusive survivalist community to an Ivy League education is perfect not only for sparking debates about homeschooling vs. traditional education but also representation, making Tara Westover’s story memoir an insightful account to discuss.

6. The Black Friend by Frederick Joseph

This guide features accessible presentations and straight-shooting conversations to challenge systems of oppression layered in university settings and interpersonal relationships that keep those systems alive. It’s an essential text that every critical consciousness building syllabus citing.

7. A Promised Land by Barack Obama

Offering insights from Obama’s life before politics and student complaints amongst others will make this memoir a heated source of curious debate material to critique by looking at former President’s legacy.

8. The Appalachian Wilderness by Katherine Faw Morris

This novel features drunk family dysfunction, survivalism, bare-knuckle fighting humans, corrupt and pathetic politicians, suspicion, lots of hardcore sex, secrets female abuse, and casual drug discourse at a simultaneously flourishing in-upstate region. It depicts immediate needs the interpretation of violence in a rural setting effect on county residents’ and is perfect for your “Critique and Chill” evening.

9. Kingdom of Souls by Rena Barron

It wouldn’t be an effective reading session without a good dose of the fantastical, Barron’s debut guarantees imaginative exploration of tradition demands. The thriller tells Naama’s mystical experience who, just like any teen, wants acceptance. While featuring everything from tribal magic to sins that are culturally familiar throughout the reading experience.

10. Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam

Approach this loaded, mysterious story. Tap into progressive conceptual uncertainties concerning critical social problems and topical social issues before critiquing Rumaan Alam’s acclaimed novel.

The Bottom Line

Winter’s grails detailed up top shouldn’t remove an essential feature of the cultural richness “Critique and Chill” and their worthy mentions can revive reading time, discussion in all and casual ambiance settings. Reading any of these ten novels shouldn’t make it tough to get prepared for book discussion sessions weekly. Does your head need feedback? Trust in the “Critique and Chill” plan.