If you haven’t noticed yet, I read a lot. I’m going to be recommending five books that I think you should read. Normally I go for more magical, ethereal type books in the springtime. I have, and probably always will, read for escapism. There are some books in here that I’ve more than likely mentioned before but I think they should be on everybody’s radar, not just mine. I’ll try to summarize them as best I can but normally I stay away from the synopsis of a book because it tends to spoil the book. Reading for me is experiencing the book through the characters eyes and seeing everything for the first time as they see the world around them. So, here are the five books that I’ve enjoyed recently and that I think you should pick up this spring.

5. "This Savage Song" by Victoria Aveyard

To put it simply, this is about a girl who wants to be a monster like her father, and a boy who is a monster who wants to be human. The gray morality in this book is simply fascinating and I couldn’t put it down when I read it. This has been on my list of recommendations ever since I read it last fall.

4 "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor

The basic plot of this story surrounds a mysterious city called Weep and Lazlo’s journey in finding it. That synopsis is horrible, but like I said, I tend to go into books blind. This is fantasy, by the way. I’ve read Laini Taylor’s other books and they are exquisite. Her writing is wonderful.

3. "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas

Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement that’s incredibly relevant to our country and its history right now. This book is important and shows what it’s like to be stuck between two worlds in a time where police brutality is harsh in our country. Please consider picking this book up.

2. "To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before" by Jenny Han

Lara Jean never tells her crushes that she likes them. She writes letters to them and keeps them in a hatbox underneath her bed. What happens when they get sent out without her knowing who did it? This is such a fun story of first loves and family, and the main character is Asian American. I read this book in one sitting, easily.

1. "At the Edge of the Universe" by Shaun David Hutchinson

What happens when your best friend since second grade ceases to exist? Ozzie is sure that the universe is shrinking – all while he’s struggling to cope with the general mess that is high school. We Are the Ants was my favorite book last year, by the same author. I highly enjoyed it. I’m really looking forward to getting to this one, and I’m going to keep recommending his books for as long as I can.