The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

“you can't regret the life you didn't lead.”

These words have occupied the back of my mind since I first read this book years ago. When I decided to reread Oscar Wao this year, I wondered if this line would jump out - it sure did, and has never meant more to me.

This is a tragic story of growing up, familial pressure and struggles, a culture you don't necessarily understand or agree with, and much more. If you've ever felt like the outcast or the nerd, give this book a try.