In busy cities like New York, the subway is a hub of culture and creativity. During the daily commute, many people find comfort in books, turning boring rides into enriching experiences.
Reading offers an escape and a chance to show off your literary taste. You might want to calm your nerves. Maybe you want to avoid awkward eye contact. Or perhaps, you want to seem more sophisticated. Carrying a book can elevate your commute. Here’s a list of ten captivating reads that will enhance your journey and help you look effortlessly cool.
The Allure of Subway Reads
Reading on the subway is more than just a hobby; it’s a statement. Flipping through pages while surrounded by city life is both empowering and comforting. Here are a few reasons why picking the right book for your commute matters:
- Social Connection: Sharing literary interests with fellow commuters can spark conversations.
- Personal Growth: Books can inspire and motivate, providing insights relevant to your life.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Carrying a good book can enhance your style, making you seem cultured.
1. ‘War and Peace’ by Leo Tolstoy
Genre: Historical Fiction
This epic work is not just a book; it’s an experience. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, War and Peace weaves together the lives of five aristocratic families.
- Themes: Love, fate, and the human experience are explored through Tolstoy’s deep reflections.
- Why It’s Cool: Holding this classic shows your appreciation for literature and history.
Notable Quote
“If everyone fought for their own convictions, there would be no war.”
2. ‘The God of Small Things’ by Arundhati Roy
Genre: Literary Fiction
Set in Kerala, this Booker Prize-winning novel tells the touching story of fraternal twins, Estha and Rahel.
- Themes: Caste politics, forbidden love, and societal norms shape the narrative.
- Why It’s Cool: This book captivates readers and inspires discussions about social issues.
Notable Quote
“It is curious how sometimes the memory of death lives on for so much longer than the memory of the life that it purloined.”
3. ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’ by Maya Angelou
Genre: Memoir
Angelou’s powerful autobiography details her early years in the segregated South, exploring identity and resilience.
- Themes: Trauma, racism, and the power of literature are vividly portrayed.
- Why It’s Cool: This memoir is a testament to strength, making it a profound choice.
Notable Quote
“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
4. ‘The Metamorphosis’ by Franz Kafka
Genre: Absurdist Fiction
Kafka’s surreal tale features Gregor Samsa, who wakes up as a giant insect, exploring alienation and existential dread.
- Themes: Isolation, guilt, and life’s absurdity are central to this brief yet impactful story.
- Why It’s Cool: The eerie symbolism makes it a great conversation starter.
Notable Quote
“I cannot make you understand. I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me.”
5. ‘Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind’ by Yuval Noah Harari
Genre: Nonfiction
Harari’s narrative takes readers through human evolution from prehistoric times to today.
- Themes: Biology, sociology, and economics challenge how we think.
- Why It’s Cool: This thought-provoking read is perfect for deep discussions about humanity.
Notable Quote
“You could never convince a monkey to give you a banana by promising him limitless bananas after death in monkey heaven.”
6. ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ by Khaled Hosseini
Genre: Historical Fiction
This moving story spans three decades in Afghanistan, focusing on two women, Mariam and Laila, brought together by fate.
- Themes: Resilience, love, and sacrifice amid violence are beautifully depicted.
- Why It’s Cool: The emotional depth resonates with readers, making it compelling.
Notable Quote
“One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs, or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls.”
7. ‘A Little Life’ by Hanya Yanagihara
Genre: Literary Fiction
This modern epic follows four college friends as they navigate adulthood, focusing on Jude’s harrowing story.
- Themes: Trauma, friendship, and survival are explored in this intense narrative.
- Why It’s Cool: The emotional weight leaves a lasting impression on readers.
Notable Quote
“And so I try to be kind to everything I see, and in everything I see, I see him.”
8. ‘Coming of Age in Samoa’ by Margaret Mead
Genre: Anthropology
Mead’s work challenges Western views on adolescence and sexuality based on her fieldwork in Samoa.
- Themes: Cultural norms and social constructs spark essential discussions.
- Why It’s Cool: This text remains foundational in anthropology, appealing to fans of cultural studies.
Notable Quote
“The children must be taught how to think, not what to think.”
9. ‘1984’ by George Orwell
Genre: Dystopian Fiction
Orwell’s chilling depiction of a totalitarian regime examines surveillance, propaganda, and individual autonomy.
- Themes: Truth manipulation and freedom loss are central to this narrative.
- Why It’s Cool: Carrying this book shows awareness of societal issues and a critical mindset.
Notable Quote
“Big Brother is watching you.”
10. ‘The Bell Jar’ by Sylvia Plath
Genre: Semi-Autobiographical Fiction
Plath’s only novel reveals the mind of Esther Greenwood, a young woman facing depression and societal expectations.
- Themes: Mental health, identity, and self-discovery are poignantly explored.
- Why It’s Cool: This book’s raw honesty resonates with many, making it relatable.
Notable Quote
“I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart: I am, I am, I am.”
What’s Next?
Choosing the right subway read can turn your commute into a journey of discovery. Each of these ten books offers profound insights and engaging stories while reflecting your literary taste.
So, the next time you hop on the subway, consider one of these titles. You’ll look cool and inspire someone else to explore literature. Happy reading!
