Summer is known for outdoor activities - swimming, hiking, tanning, you name it. One of my favorite things to do during hot summer days is go to the beach. In between jumping waves, it's nice to unwind with some light reading material. Here are some of my all time favorites that will hopefully become your all time favorites. I'll try not to spoil anything.
1. "A Walk To Remember" by Nicholas Sparks
If you claim you read this novel and did not shed a single tear, you surely have to be lying. I read this in three days during my freshman year of high school, and it has stuck with me. This is about a guy and a girl from two completely different walks of life who manage to fall in love despite how different they are. However, due to some health issues for one of them, it is hard. If you like romance, this is definitely a perfect book for you. My other Nicholas Sparks favorites are "Safe Haven" and "The Guardian." I could never choose between any of them!
2. "Just Listen" by Sarah Dessen
This is my favorite Sarah Dessen novel along with "Someone Like You." "Just Listen" is about a high school girl who models and seems like she has the perfect life - however, it is far from perfect. She is miserable partially because she hates modeling, but never speaks up. She then meets a guy who helps her realize that she has to stand up for herself and always tell people how she truly feels, not only with modeling, but with every aspect of her life. It's hard to be honest, even with yourself. And, although it is hard to do, it's worth it in the end. The storyline is unique and the romance was cute. It even tackled major life issues, such as eating disorders, with poise.
3. "White Girl Problems" by Babe Walker
This book is laugh out loud hysterical. It revolves around a high-class girl who ends up going to rehab for a shopping addiction, and the book chronicles how she ended up in rehab. The situations she ends up in are completely unimaginable because they're so ridiculous, but that's what makes a great book. If you're looking for a laugh, I guarantee this will satisfy you! There's also a sequel called "Psychos: A White Girl Problems Book."
4. "Wherever Nina Lies" by Lynn Weingarten
I read this when it first came out in 2009 and have been dying to read it again. Ellie's older sister Nina went missing two years ago and Ellie is still determined to find out where she is. After Ellie sees a drawing her sister made and a phone number, she begins to really hunt her down. With the help of Sean, a seemingly goodhearted guy, they take a road trip to find Nina. There ends up being a huge plot twist full of deceit, adventure and love.