From 'Becoming' to 'The Guest Cat': five books that are next on my reading list

When I was younger, I was an avid reader but as I've gotten older, I've fallen away from that. Hoping to change that, here are five titles that I want to read

Night Bodies by Amanda Kusek (2019).  Independently published

“One day,” I keep telling myself as I look at my growing collection of books. I used to read avidly, but as I’ve got older I’ve dedicated less time to it. However, I hope to soon change that by falling back in love with my childhood pastime. Here are five titles that are on my reading list.

'Becoming' by Michelle Obama (2018)

Gifted by a friend for my birthday, Becoming is the memoir of the former first lady of the United States. The autobiography is broken down into three parts: Becoming Me, Becoming Us and Becoming More, which explain how she came to be who she is today. As Michelle Obama is such an inspirational figure, this is next on my list.

'Celestial Bodies' by Jokha Alharthi (2019)

Jokha Alharthi made history when she became the first Arabic author to win the Man Booker International Prize. Celestial Bodies focuses on three Omani sisters and the country's history of slavery. As someone with close Omani friends, I am quite interested in the history of how their country has changed over time.

'The Guest Cat' by Takashi Hiraide (2001)

A friend gifted me this Japanese novel because of my love for cats. It follows the story of a married couple in their thirties living in Tokyo and the stray cat who one day comes into their lives and changes them forever. As a pet parent to four cats, I’m sure this novel will resonate with me – although I’ve been warned that it may make me cry.

'Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine' by Gail Honeyman (2017)

Friends have recommended this novel to me for a while, and I’m keen to pick it up after hearing about its rave reviews as well. The story deals with adult loneliness through the main character, Eleanor Oliphant. It’s a topic many people can empathise with, especially considering just how busy the world around us has become.

'Night Bodies' by Amanda Kusek (2019)

This one is a bit more personal to me – it’s the debut poetry collection by a close friend of mine. Amanda and I attended the University of Iowa together and grew to have a beautiful friendship in our four years there.  Even though we’re now separated by quite a bit of distance, just having her words with me is a special reminder of our friendship.

Evelyn Lau is an assistant features editor at The National