For those who don’t know, I went to graduate school from August 2016 to May 2018. I studied English with a focus on literature. While the area for my thesis was in Irish literature, the program was structured along specific classes and requirements. Also, there was the limitations set in place depending on who was teaching when and there focus of study.
However, I did still read a lot and write a lot, so here are my five favorite books from grad school.
Giovanni’s Room is centered on David trying and failing to come to terms with his sexuality. Baldwin’s novels always leave me breathless and wanting more. A beautifully written novel that will haunt you for days after you finish.
One of Toni Morrison’s lesser known novels, but beautiful and heart-wrenchingly familiar. The novel deals with war, PTSD, loss of home, and identify for blacks in America in a hauntingly beautiful way.
Eavan Boland is one of my favorite poets. In this memoir of sorts, she beautifully uncovers the powerful drama of how the life of woman and poetess affect one another.
A beautiful novel that deals with the ideas of “passing” back in the 1900s. Not only does Passing deal with themes of white supremacy and racial inequality, but there is also themes of LGBTQ+, woman loving woman desires.
One of the primary books for my thesis, so I could write a ton about it here, but I’ll leave that for another time. For now, I leave you with this: “People love Ireland because they can never know it, like a partner in a successful marriage. I am a bit the same way myself. Ireland nearly devoured me, but she has my devotion, at least in the foggy present, when the past is less distinct and threatening. When the terrors associated with being Irish have been endured and outlived.”
Happy Reading, Darlings!
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