The article from The Atlantic presents five thought-provoking books that challenge readers intellectually and offer unique reading experiences. It suggests that rather than adhering to rigid reading resolutions, readers should select challenging works that stimulate different skills and perspectives. The five recommended titles are: Dawn by Octavia Butler, which explores themes of alienation and survival in a post-apocalyptic world; One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez, a magical realist family saga that critiques socio-political issues; The Piano Teacher by Elfriede Jelinek, a disturbing examination of mental and emotional entrapment; Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, which provides a postcolonial retelling of the life of a marginalized character from Jane Eyre; and The Vegetarian by Han Kang, which delves into societal norms and personal transformation through the lens of food choices. Each book serves as an intellectual workout, encouraging readers to engage deeply with complex themes and styles.

Key Points:

• The article emphasizes the significance of intellectual exercises in reading rather than just a numerical goal.
• It advocates for choosing books that challenge individual reading capabilities.
• The five recommended books provide varied intellectual challenges:
  • Dawn by Octavia Butler: Explores alienation and survival.
  • One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez: A magical realist family saga critiquing social issues.
  • The Piano Teacher by Elfriede Jelinek: Examines mental and emotional entrapment.
  • Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys: A postcolonial response to Jane Eyre.
  • The Vegetarian by Han Kang: Investigates societal norms and personal change.
• The article encourages readers to embrace discomfort and complexity in literature for holistic growth.
  Link to Article