Desert Island Books

In today's post, Eli Joseph and Rory McConnon choose the five books they'd take with them to a desert island. First of all, here's Eli's selection:  

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

A compelling story of four friends growing up from college, tracking their lives into adulthood. The central question of the novel is how does someone go from years of suffering and shame to live out the rest of a life?

The depth of the characters Yanagihara creates is what makes this book so brilliant yet also so difficult to read. I also really appreciated the grammar and narrative structure which mirrors the psychological state of Jude the protagonist. In nearly every section, a present-moment scene is interrupted for dozens of pages by elaborate flashbacks, mimicking the way Jude’s past erupts into his present. In the novel, we are watching Jude, not being Jude. For me, this reflected wise editing, because Jude is a spectator too. He cannot control his memories — they control him. A lengthy emotionally brutal read but one I would definitely recommend.

This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay
For anyone interested in UK politics and the NHS, this is a must read! A revealing set of diary entries from a doctor’s time moving up the ranks in the NHS. 

It reveals the harsh realities of working there, highlights its deep structural issues, and calls for action from the government. Like A Little Life, at moments it is an incredibly tough read, but the emotional weight of it made it even more impactful.

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
A brilliant book about a student returning to his dying professor for his last ever lesson. 

Revealing the downsides of corporate America, it provides genuine and important life-lessons for the reader. It is also mixed with brilliant comedy. A philosophically enriching and easy read.

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides

An inter-generational story which gives the reader a fascinating insight into Turkish and Greek history, as well as a vivid portrayal of what striving for the American dream truly entails. 

The journey of Calliope - the main character - is incredibly moving and deserves much attention. Another tough read at moments, but definitely worthwhile.

The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
A classic college campus sporting story. I loved the mechanism of sport to propel the novel and its exploration of the themes of loyalty and friendship which sport can generate. 

The bond between Schwartz and Skrimshander which comes together at the end, unspoken, highlights the friendship derived from sport. It also highlights the importance of a place, here Westish College, and how it can bring people's lives together. A much easier, yet equally as enjoyable read.

And now Rory's suggestions - equally excellent (and also practical):

 

How to Stay Alive by Bear Grylls

No explanation needed here. If I am on a desert island I want to stay fed and I don’t want to die of thirst so this book will get me through that.

I used to be very into survival stuff when I was younger so I actually have read this cover to cover, I am not just saying it. I’m not sure what surviving I needed to do in central London but 12 year old Rory thought this book was paramount.

Dune by Frank Herbert

To state the obvious, yes - on a desert island I would be surrounded by sand so this book is relatively perfect.

When I read this epic I did feel myself transported to Arrakis and I really could not put it down. Now I feel like being surrounded by salty water I can’t drink on a bleak island of sand I will feel right at home when reading Dune. Plus I would do the book with all three parts in one which is very long so hopefully it would pass the time.

The Power of One by Bryce Courtney

I read this book when I was younger as well but I loved it because of the message that the book sent. Triumph of the human spirit.

Peekay is met with challenge after challenge but also blessing after blessing with all the inspirational people he meets on his rocky journey. I feel on a desert island I will need a book or two that will pick me up and instill grit in me so I don’t die of heat exhaustion.

Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Fun fact, I wrote her name without looking up how to spell it so I hope it’s right. This book was absolutely phenomenal.

Reading it for my GCSE was amazing because I got to pick it apart and really appreciate the phenomenal writing done by Adichie. Additionally the attitude of the grandfather, which was to appreciate life and nature no matter what level of wealth you sit yourself at is an attitude I would very much like to take on a desert island.

Art Day by Day by Alex Johnson

I think this book would be an easy and enjoyable way to keep track of the days. I wouldn’t have to mark any notches in trees to see how long I had been on this island. For a year (god forbid I have to stay any longer) I would know exactly what day it is and would be able to count my way through my leisurely stay on a desert in the ocean.

Many thanks to Eli and Rory for these excellent suggestions: and if anyone else would like to send in their list of top five books for taking to a desert island, feel free to email us at spsbookblog@stpaulsschool.org.uk  - we'd be delighted to publish your recommendations.