by Anisa Vigil and Zoie Wong
As many students and staff members at Logan find themselves buried in school work, they look for an outlet and hobby to destress and relax their mind. Many individuals find comfort in reading a good book and immersing themselves in a new world. Around Logan, students and staff members are reading about stories in all genres: historical fiction, nonfiction, romance, mystery, and many more.
At Logan, there are many opportunities to explore new books. Logan’s librarian, Ms. Chakrabarti, puts many new trending books on display for many students to read.
“We’re currently reading The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller,” says Ms. Chakrabarti. “She had written a book called Circe that we read last year and everyone really liked it.”
Popular books can be found on the shelves at the Logan library as it is a great way to find a community to join. Ms. Chakrabarti explains that many students connect with one another through finding book recommendations as she bonds with her TAs through new books she recommends to them or inquires about what they’re reading now.
Currently, Ms. Chakrabarti is reading several different books throughout the day. She switches between physical books and audibles during her mornings when she drops off her daughter at school.
“I recently just finished Night Crawling by Lila Motley. It’s set in Oakland and she’s a local author, so I really loved this book and she actually graduated from the School of Oakland School Arts where my daughter attends right now,” Chakrabarti said.
As reading provides many students with a community and serves as an opportunity to find and meet new people, Ms. Chakrabarti encourages students to start a book club. A student-run book club for students can provide an inclusive environment, especially during stressful times.
“I know some students have talked about that before,” says Ms. Chakrabarti. “If you wanted to start a book club, I’m happy to help you. You can host it here and it use the library for the space and even see if any teachers wanted to be part of it too.”
Three of the many Logan students who read are featured below.
1. Laila Khan
Currently reading: Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
What it’s about: “These two sisters had an estranged father and, now, they’re getting inheritance from him,” says Laila. “They’re just trying to navigate through growing up and romance and life in general. It’s not really over the top and extravagant. It talks about raw human emotions and how these young girls are living.”
Book recommendation: Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Why?: “The book taught me how to balance my time and prioritize what’s best for me.”
2. Prabhleen Bahia
Currently reading: The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
What it’s about: “A murder mystery where a lot of people are part of a will have money from this dead person, but nobody knows how they’re related to him,” says Prabhleen. “So I have to find out who that is.”
Book recommendation: Emma by Jane Austen
Why?: “Because it’s my favorite book of all time.”
3. Samantha Espino
Currently reading: Beneath the Underground by Bob Black
What it’s about: “It’s a nonfiction book about the history of underground venues and magazines,” says Samantha.
Book recommendation: The Stranger by Albert Camus
Why?: “I would recommend The Stranger by Albert Camus because it’s a compelling story with important statements about human nature.”
