Summer's coming people and if you're a book worm like me that means you have more time to catch up on some good reads. This summer I will be extremely busy balancing working, vacations, and seeing my friends but every night before bed I make time to read a chapter or two of the new book I've picked up from the library. I brainstormed a few of my favorite reads over the years for you guys to pick from and if you have the time I highly recommend reading all of them.
1. It's Kind of A Funny Story - Ned Vizzini
This novel follows the life of stressed out teenager Craig Gilner who, like most of us, is always worried about his future panning out successfully. His worries wear him so thin that he stops eating and sleeping and one night he nearly kills himself. His attempted suicide gets him checked into a mental hospital where he meets a few unlikely and long lasting friends. It's here that Craig is finally able to confront his anxiety, make a lot of memories, and put him back on the road to a happy life.
2. The Leftovers - Tom Perrotta
The Leftovers is a recent book I had started and immediately was hooked on. This fictional roller coaster follows the four members of the Garvey family and the impact the "sudden departure" has on them and the rest of the town. Perrotta strategically made the book is a big puzzle that makes more and more sense as you read, hence why I finished in 2 days. It's also an HBO show, so if you need a new book and a new show I highly recommend it.
3. Thirteen Reasons Why - Jay Asher
This book was a real curve ball for me. The main character, Clay Jenson, a shy high school student comes home one day to find a mysterious package on his front porch. Inside contains 7 different tapes all recorded and labeled by Hannah Baker, a student that just recently committed suicide. The tapes explain the 13 reasons why she committed suicide and mention 13 different people who the tapes are to be delivered to. This story really changed the way I look at the world and the people around me. This was another book that I simply could not put down and truly opened my mind to treating people the same way you would want to be treated.
4. The Outsiders - S. E. Hinton
The Outsiders was a required reading for one of my English classes and I'm so happy they have kept it in the curriculum to this day. This story follows two gangs, the "Greasers" and the "Socs" and the ever-increasing tension they have. When Johnny of accidentally stabs one of the Socs in self defense, he and Ponyboy decide to runaway in attempt to escape the wrath of the Soc's as well as troubles at home. The story has a common theme of everlasting friendship even during inconvenient times, it's a quick but memorable read.
