Lethbridge Polytechnic student, Hailey Belisle, takes a break from her studies and cuddles up with a Kindle. Photo by Kaitlyn Dalhuisen.
The twinkling lights are being put up around the neighbourhood and the trees are making their appearances in living rooms, which mean the students are getting ready to escape from their studies and relax. One way to relax is through reading. According to an article by The National University Editorial Contributors on “Reading Improves Memory, Concentration and stress,” posted by the National University, “Reading is actually an important health habit for your brain because it improves memory, concentration and stress, among with other big benefits.”
“13 reasons Why” by Jay Asher
A novel written about a girl who commits suicide in high school and sends out 13 tapes to those who had an impact on the reason she ended her life. The novel “13 Reasons Why” has a deeper meaning than most people would normally look for in a book.
When Hailey Belisle, a student at Lethbridge Polytechnic, was asked about her opinion on the book, she said it was a recommendation worthy novel.
“It’s a very good read and a book that I would definitely recommend to my friends,” said Belisle
“Hate List” by Jennifer Brown
A school shooting victim trying to find her life back after her boyfriend was the shooter. It’s a story of revival and rehab into a life where everyone sees you as the villain.
Belisle says the novel is a great way to showcase the trauma that families deal with.
“The book shows a good perspective on how the victims and their families have to deal with the trauma and grief around traumatic events like school shootings,” says Belisle.
“Jesus Politics” by Phil Robertson
A novel that gives a new perspective on politics, especially if you are religious. It gives you a new approach to entering the voting booth, especially if you are a first timer, and gives a new way of thinking who you want running your country. Written by the late Phil Robertson,” Jesus Politics” is a novel that shows his political reasoning and gives a new perspective to how to view the voting booth, for both religious and non-religious people.
“A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens
A timeless tale and well heard of novel that shows the story of Ebenezer Scrooge being confronted by the ghost of his old business partners to encourage him to change his ways and his “bah humbug” spirit. According to Goodreads, “’A Christmas Carol’ captures the heart of the holidays like no other novel.” Belisle agrees that this novel is a true classic that shows the true meaning of the season.
“A classic that shows that greed does not get you anywhere and shows the true meaning of Christmas, which is giving,not getting,’ says Belisle.
“Dune” by Frank Herbert
Turned into a movie adaptation, “Dune” is a science fiction novel that follows the story of the heir to a noble family on the desert planet, Arrakis, who is tasked with ruling an inhospitable world where the only thing of value is “spice” melange. Wacey Smith, Lethbridge Polytechnic student and athlete, says he saw a different deeper meaning to the storyline.
“It’s just a really good science fiction novel that has a good political undertone theme and good world building that gets you immersed into the story,” stated Smith.
