Woodland’s most avid reader, Meghan Geary, has read hundreds of books in her lifetime. Geary’s love for books reaches across multiple genres and authors, so choosing her top six favorite books of all times, proved to be a difficult task.

Circe is full of ancient Greece’s greatest myths. All freshman students read The Odyssey which is another story encompassing the Greek Ancient Gods. This book features  slithering Scylla; the backstory of Helios and his holy cows, Prometheus and his eagle, and Daedalus, Icarus, and the Minotaur. This book also shows a new side to Odysseus that wasn’t depicted in The Odyssey. In addition, it features the character growth of Telemachus and the voice of Circe herself. Geary believes the story was beautifully written.

“Madeline Miller, the author, has a deep understanding and obvious love for the classics,” Geary said. “This book was mythology beyond the classroom, and it is magical.”

Click here for Good Reads summary.

Concrete Rose is the prequel to The Hate U Give which is now both a book and a film. Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas, writes the story of Starr’s father, Maverick Carter.  

Concrete Rose takes readers through seventeen year old Maverick’s journey.  

“Maverick’s journal is stressful, joy to read,” Geary said. “And I felt, from the jump, deeply invested in his life, his survival, and his quest.”

Geary loved the fact that the book also took her back in time to the 1990s. 

“It was a great read. The writing is easy, honest, and authentic,” Geary said. 

While this book has made many of its readers tear, it has also made readers laugh out loud.

Geary loved traveling through the character’s journey. She found that all the characters in the book were really likable and well developed. She also appreciated the meaning behind Maverick’s life. 

“Learning how Mav became Mav was so gratifying and delightful. He went from being a character I admired to a character I adore, and I feel like I understand Starr’s evolution so much better now. There’s so much to love and learn here!” Geary said. 

Click here for Good Reads summary.

For anyone who loves sci-fi/fantasy, Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor would be a perfect fit. It is the first book in its trilogy.

Geary described this book as a Harry Potter twist featuring Black Panther. This book was set in a futuristic African landscape. The main character Sunny, who is an albino American Nigerian, happens to be an amazing athlete and possesses many other gifts. 

“This young heroine’s journey toward self-discovery and saving the world is fantastical, imaginative and adventurous,” Geary said.

Click here for Good Reads summary.

Number four is Punching the Air  by Ibi Zoboi, an author that Geary is quite fond of. 

“I first fell in love with Ibi Zoboi after reading American Street, one of her breathtaking novels,” Geary said. 

Punching the Air is her newest book. Zoboi actually wrote the novel in verse. Geary described this book as a “‘Ripped from the headlines’ type of story,”  because while it is not factual, it isn’t fiction either. It is based on Salaam’s real experiences. The story isn’t uncommon either, which makes it all the more sad. 

“It’s lyrical, infuriating, penetrating, and inspiring, all while affirming the power of art and literature to change, and even save, live,” said Geary. 

On Geary’s top two, is Falling by TJ Newman. This thriller is very fast paced and will keep you on your toes.

“Falling by TJ Newman is a book you must read!” Geary said. “A short but powerful novel about terror in the skies, where a flight is hijacked and the crew must work together to try and stop the terrorists.” 

In many ways it will sound familiar, but there are many twists and non stop action both on the ground and in the air. 

“It also sheds new light on the reality of what flight attendants are up against, and what their job actually is,” Geary said. “Hint: it’s not to bring you a soda and a bag of chips.”

Click here for Good Reads summary.

Geary’s number one book right now is Crying in H-Mart by Michelle Zauner, who happens to be the lead singer of an alternative Indie-Japanese Breakfast. The main character is often misunderstood by the people she loves the most.

“[Crying in H-Mart] is a compelling and relatable memoir about Zauner’s difficult relationship with her mother, her mother’s death, and how she learns to heal and move forward.” Geary said. 

Zauner is the daughter of a Korean mother and a White father. Throughout the story, readers sore through her losses and grievances, but also through her love. 

Click here for Good Reads summary.