When most students hear the word "read" these days, it is followed by a cringe. Or an eye roll and a "yeah, right". I understand just as much as the next person that much of what we are forced to read is the opposite of enjoyable. However, reading for pleasure is an underrated pastime, and I am appalled at how many young people in my life haven't picked up a book in years. I, on the other had, have always struggled putting books down. Now I know life is busy and it isn't easy to find time to sit down and read, but please, do yourselves a favor, and get some of these books into your arsenal. Fiction or truth, classic or contemporary, long or short; these are fourteen (of hundreds) of the books that I have read that I would like to share with all of you. So grab a cup of coffee and a shady tree out in the warm spring air, and disappear into a new story.

1. "The Art of Racing In The Rain"

There is no greater relationship than that between a dog and his owner.

2. "Tuesdays With Morrie"

To show that the most important lessons are not taught in the classroom.

3. "Thirteen Reasons Why"

Though not one of the happiest books of our time, "Thirteen Reasons Why" shines a light on the truth about suicide and how big of an impact the tiniest of actions can have on a person.

4. "A Thousand Splendid Suns"

A heart wrenching, realistic fiction book that takes you deep into the tragedy that is modern-day Afghanistan. If you like having your heart torn in half and sewed back together on every other page, this is the book for you.

5. "To Kill A Mockingbird"

Because it's a classic, that's why.

6. "The Book Thief"

A book to show the true importance of books, and a peek into the life of children in World War II Germany.

7. "Lord of the Flies"

If "Lost" were a book and all of the characters were English school boys. (I think—I haven't actually watched "Lost.")

8. "Looking For Alaska"

Yes, this young adult John Green novel is basic and its popularity may actually turn some people away. But I promise you, it is not the same sappy love story as TFIOS, or even "Paper Towns." Alaska Young will make you look at life just a little bit differently.

9. "Jane Eyre"

I know, I know, required reading for school automatically makes you hate it before you even crack the cover. But please, give Jane a chance. Her journey is one filled with more life lessons than almost all of our other required reading books combined.

10. "All The Bright Places"

The story of an odd friendship formed between two unlikely people and their will to keep each other going through anything. Tears will fall, laughs will be had and hearts will break and be put back together more times than you knew could happen from a fictional tale.

11. "The Outsiders"

A fan favorite across the board; If you haven't read it, you're missing out on the most classic coming-of-age story there is.

12. "Harry Potter." All of Them.

There is no explanation for this. Because Harry is just too important.

13. "Go Ask Alice"

The eerily realistic journal of a lonely teenage drug addict. I know, not the happiest of tales, but a story worth reading.

14. "The Perks of Being A Wallflower"

As a young girl who does a lot of reading, the typical coming-of-age story isn't hard to find. However, there is something about "Perks" that sets it above most. And no, watching the movie does not count, as great as Emma Watson and Logan Lerman are. (Watch the movie after reading the book).