Being the daughter of two teachers, it was inevitable that I would fall in love with books. My parents have continuously fed my love for literature from the moment that I expressed any interest in books. The following books are ones that have shaped me as a person. It was hard to narrow them down, but these are a few of the ones that really struck me. I highly recommend reading or rereading all of these books:
1. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
This is an amazing read for anyone, period. But, if you are going through a rough time, this book is especially important. It follows the life of a young boy in high school, who is battling his past and encountering his first love, through letters written to an anonymous pen pal. On top of watching Charlie face his demons and move past them, he shares all of the music that he listens to and the books that he reads with his pen pal. I actually discovered some of my favorites books and albums from reading this book. This book helped me through all of my hard times in middle school and high school, and I reread it every time that I need a little pick me up. This book is like catching up with an old friend. My copy of this book is covered in highlighter and pen, and it is falling apart from being read so frequently. I highly recommend it to everyone.
2. Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? by Mindy Kaling
For anyone who has seen The Office or The Mindy Project, you already know about the comic genius who is Mindy Kaling. If not, you need to watch both of these shows immediately, and then read both of her books. Mindy Kaling is unashamedly herself. She is courageous and hilarious. It is amazing to have a little insight into the life of one woman who is as successful and intelligent as she is. I recommend this book for anyone who wants a quick, hilarious read that will inspire them. She helped remind me that I should always be myself and never apologize for it.
3. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Being required to read this book twice in high school, and once again in college, I could not help but to fall in love with it all over again each time. The book is masterfully created, and the conflict between creator and creature becomes deeper each time that it is read. This book's ability to make you feel not only the pain of the daemon but also the grief of the creator is incredibly powerful. This book is a good read for anyone interested in creation, and it is full of suspense and action.
4. The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
Mitch Albom is arguably one of my all-time favorite authors. His novels, as well as his biographies, are phenomenal. In this book, Albom introduces a simple man and five people whom he met that changed his life. Albom really makes his readers think about how the people around us impact our lives. He reminds us that we should truly live our lives to the fullest and appreciate those around us. For anyone who needs a heartwarming book, this is it.
5. Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
This book, more than any other that I have ever read, never fails to make me happy and remind me how lucky I am. When I was little, my mother read this book to me constantly. She still tells me frequently, "I'll love you forever. I'll like you for always. As long as I am living, my baby you'll be." This book taught me what it means to love someone unconditionally. This book taught me the power of putting your words into action. This book will always be close to my heart.
Books have a timeless way of delivering lessons that transcend time. Netflix is amazing, but take some time this summer to get lost in some of your favorite books. Read new ones. Rediscover your love for literature.
