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Library Classics That You Should Check Out in 2021

Stack of Books | Photo by Kayli Thompson | The Wright State Guardian


Libraries are full of rich stories and wonderful adventures. Most people only look at the new section and miss out on the classics that have earned their keep within the stacks. Here are a few library classics that you should check out! 

“Leaves of Grass” by Walt Whitman 

“Leaves of Grass” is a collection of poems created by Walt Whitman that shows how he views the world and what he finds important within it. The collection focuses on celebrating life and the connections people make with everyday folks.  

Even though poetry tends to intimidate people, it is important to note that you do not have to read everything all at once. Find a poem a day to read and focus on. Let it sit in your mind and reflect on what it is trying to tell you. Just remember, you can always call to renew your book whenever you need to. 

“The Metamorphosis” by Franz Kafka 

This novel tackles the question of what would happen if you were to one day wake up as a giant cockroach. It may seem like an outlandish situation, which when taken literally it is, but replace “giant cockroach” with something else in society that makes one different and uneasy to handle. “The Metamorphosis” dives into how people view others who are different from society’s standards and how it makes that person feel.  

Gregor did not ask to be a giant bug, much like how people do not ask to be mentally ill, disabled or homosexual. The situation highlights the struggles of being different in a bizarre and heart wrenching way.   

“Good Morning, Midnight” by Jean Rhys 

Sasha Jensen travels back to Paris to confront her past tragedies and accomplishments. The readers watch as her narrative jumps from past to present by certain triggers that throw her into memories. This novel is heartbreaking and generally unforgettable. I highly suggest it, though I will give a warning that very sensitive situations are discussed in great detail.  

“Siddartha” by Hermann Hesse 

Siddartha is a wealthy son in India who renounces his lavish lifestyle to find what the meaning of life is. Throughout his journey, he becomes a number of different characters, constantly changing himself to find what inner peace has in store for him. However, as most stories go, Siddartha learns that he can only be happy when he is simply content with who he is.  

This novel goes into what life is about and how people are constantly fooling themselves into mind-numbing lives at the cost of their happiness.


Roxanne Roessner

Wright Life and Laker Life Editor

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