Rowan Feasel — “The Penelopiad” by Margaret Atwood

For those who love Greek mythology, feminist literature or a well-crafted yet experimental story, Margaret Atwood’s “The Penelopiad” is sure to intrigue. A retelling of Homer’s “The Odyssey” from the point of view of Penelope, Odysseus’ wife left at home, the 2005 novel explores Penelope’s complicated marriage and guilt over the death of her twelve maids. Atwood weaves poems, a court trial, a love song and theatre conventions into her narrative, experimenting with the story’s form as she develops Penelope’s witty, bitter voice. This work of feminist revisionist mythmaking forces readers to ask questions about perspective, family and gender as well.

Carter Scaggs — “Pillars of the Earth” by Ken Follett

Ken Follett’s “Pillars of the Earth” spares no detail about life in twelfth-century England. The book follows a variety of characters as they attempt not only to survive medieval times, but to fulfill their own dreams and ambitions. Follett’s critically acclaimed historical epic provides a world in which purpose and legacy overshadow individual survival — and even morality — as characters are forced to make decisions that sacrifice their own stability for the sake of personal fulfillment. While the world Follett builds feels more similar to Westeros from “Game of Thrones” than to our own, it is very much grounded in the tragic reality that many people faced in those times.

Erin Erter — “Just Kids” by Patti Smith

Even if you have never heard of her, Patti Smith’s “Just Kids” is a beautiful recount of her life in 1970s New York City and her intimate relationship with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe that will leave readers grieving and celebrating the lives of two young, ambitious and endlessly passionate artists as they weave through the struggles and sacrifices of their lives. Smith’s memoir details her and Mapplethorpe’s relationship like an elegy through the book, giving readers glimpses into their simple love placed in a complex time of artistic revolution. This book feels like reading your grandmother’s diary and understanding the real life she has lived, with every photograph creating a sense of longing to this time of bohemian-city chaos. “Just Kids” is as authentic as the lives we live today. There is a reason why this book is critically acclaimed; find out for yourself.

Phoebe Musial — “100 Unforgettable Dresses” by Hal Rubenstein 

Hal Rubenstein’s “100 Unforgettable Dresses” is encapsulating, in a good way. While most dresses shine through the highlights that Rubenstein provides, he does not shy away from critiquing the “hideous” wedding dress of Princess Diana — among others. He goes into depth about not just the design of the outfits, but the true styling of them as well. From the hair to the shoes, Rubenstein leaves no stone unturned when dissecting looks worn on red carpets, runways and sets. He makes sure to evaluate with the eyes of the fashion industry for the fashionistas who pick up his nonfiction book, eager to learn more about iconic outfits. This stylish compendium will look great on your coffee table, too.

Drew Ruck — “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir

For lovers of math and science or anyone looking for a heartwarming story, “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir is a must-read. Riddled with scientific references and characters that will melt readers’ hearts, the novel explores a world where the sun is dying, and Dr. Ryland Grace, a former molecular biologist turned junior high science teacher, is Earth’s only hope for salvation. With high stakes action and moments that will bring a tear to even the most stoic reader’s eye, “Project Hail Mary” explores themes of sacrifice, friendship, resilience and hope, all while giving readers a few good laughs along the way.

Lucy Hallmark Anderson — “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck’s 1939 novel “The Grapes of Wrath” is hailed as a classic for its showcase of Depression-era America, but its depictions of community and ambition have allowed the novel to stay relevant well into the twenty-first century. The novel follows Tom Joad as he returns from prison to find his family packing up to leave Oklahoma for California, where jobs are thought to be available. Steinbeck’s writing is a piercing depiction of life in the absence of hope. Abject poverty, while a fixture of the 1930s, is still relevant in today’s society, and “The Grapes of Wrath” gives a perfect answer to the question, “Who cares?”

 Kensley Peevyhouse — “Lust, Caution” by Eileen Chang 

“Lust, Caution” is a novella by Eileen Chang. Set in Japanese-occupied Shanghai during the 1940s, the story focuses on a young woman named Wong Chia Chi who goes undercover as a spy to assassinate a powerful collaborator, Mr. Yee. However, she becomes entangled in a complex and passionate affair with him, blurring the lines between her mission and her feelings. While some critics say that Eileen Chang was not a political person for her time, this novella, while not directly stating the author’s loyalties, does show that she was more involved in politics than some might think. The espionage turned lover story line certainly delivers. It is definitely something you can read within an hour that will have you asking, “What in the world?”

Caitlin Morrow — “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak

“The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak follows the life of a young girl who is adopted by an older couple in Nazi, Germany, during World War II. The young girl Liesel navigates her new life as the Nazi party takes root. Narrated by Death, this piece of historical fiction explores topics like love, friendship, loyalty and individual rebellion set against the background of one of the darkest parts of human history. Poetic and unique in perspective, the first page invites readers in and keeps them spellbound until the end of Zusak’s award-winning novel that documents the spread of the Nazi party and the refusal of some German civilians to adhere to the party.

Collin Wensel — “Salem’s Lot” by Stephen King

Stephen King’s “Salem’s Lot” is a dark and descriptive horror-thriller that follows protagonist Ben Mears, an author returning to the town he grew up in only to uncover a vampire’s plot to feed on the townspeople. Ben forms an unlikely team of a priest, doctor, 12-year-old boy and a schoolteacher to kill the vampire and his minions. King paints perfect pictures of scenes with his detailed descriptions of characters, emotions and feelings, leaving readers completely immersed in not only the plot but the livelihoods of the characters themselves.

Willow Stewart — “These Violent Delights: A Novel” by Micah Nemerever

Gay romance, sadism, horrid toxicity, murder, love turned hatred and hatred turned love — “These Violent Delights: A Novel” by Micah Nemerever is a truly intoxicating and enthralling read. Set in Pittsburgh in the 1970s, the novel follows Paul as explores his relationship with another student by the name of Julian. What starts as a sweet relationship quickly becomes filled with horrid sadism and toxicity. With manipulation, threats, hidden truths and hateful stares, they cause one another to regret before it all culminates in a murder. It is exhilarating. They come to hate each other as much as they need each other, and it is amazing to witness.

Neely Rorie — “The Women” by Kristin Hannah

“The Women” by Kristin Hannah follows Frances “Frankie” McGrath, a young woman who joins the Army Nurse Corps during the Vietnam War. The historical-fiction novel shows the harsh realities nurses faced on the front lines and the emotional toll the war took on those who served. When Frankie returns home, she grapples with how the war has changed her and with a society that often overlooks the role of women in the conflict. She battles the public’s disbelief and the people who say that “women were not in Vietnam” and struggles to get the help she needs. Hannah’s novel is both emotional and powerful, highlighting courage, sacrifice and the stories of women whose contributions to the war were often forgotten.