In high school I was glued to a book every night before bed and would bring them to school with me to read when there was extra time. There is just something about reading a physical copy of a book instead of an electronic one that makes the experience so much better. I like reading to get away from all the electronics in my life, so I could never see myself owning one of those Kindles and such. Over the last few years I’ve read some pretty amazing books that have shaped the way I perceive life and am creative with my own writing. Unfortunately, I don’t have as much time as I used to to read as much, but it is important to start making time for things we love doing. So, here are my book recommendations if you like those classic “coming-of-age” novels that can be relatable to almost everyone who reads them:
1. Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green & David Levithan
This book is from two points of views by two characters BOTH named Will Grayson, if you haven't noticed from the title already. Both of them are from Chicago and live completely separate lives, but what happens when their paths intersect...you'll have to find out for yourself.
2. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
This book takes place in the 1980's and is your classic love story between two "outcasts" in high school.
3. Looking For Alaska by John Green
Miles Halter (main character) seeks to find a more unpredictable life by attending boarding school his junior year of high school. When he is there, he makes friends with a unique group of people. After falling in love with one of them, he faces many challenges that force him to gain a deeper perspective on life.
4. Simon VS. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
First of all I wanted to say that everyone should read this book AND watch the movie because they are both amazing. But anyways, this book (another GREAT love story) follows a gay high school boy named Simon Spier who has yet to come out to his friends and family, and is in an online relationship with a boy named "Blue" from his high school. The story is a journey of Simon trying to figure out who Blue is, while having to deal with problems between his friendships, oh..and blackmail by a student from his school that knows his secret.
5. It's Kind Of A Funny Story by Ned Vizzini
This book follows a high school student named Craig Gliner who gets accepted into a prestigious high school that consists of a lot of academic pressures. With troubles with his best friend, his longtime crush, and the inescapable feelings of loneliness, this causes Craig to develop an eating disorder, disrupted sleep, and suicidal thoughts. He admits himself into a psychiatric hospital after a bad night. While there, he starts taking art classes where he discovers that he has a natural talent. He also meets many new people from all walks of life, including a girl who's friendship eventually turns into a romance.
6. The Upside Of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli
17-year-old Molly-Peskin-Suso has had 26 unrequited crushes. Out of fear of rejection, she has never acted upon her feelings due to confidence and body image issues. Her friends always hype her up and tell her she is beautiful, but she never believes them. During all of this, Molly's twin sister Cassie falls in love for the first time with a girl she met at a concert. Molly feels like she is losing all hope with love until her sister tries to set her up with her girlfriend's best friend Will. Molly finds it difficult to commit to this idea because she starts to develop feelings for a guy she works with, Reid. Who will she end up with? You'll have to find out at the end of the book.
7. Every Day by David Levithan
This story is about a person named "A" who wakes up every morning in a different person's body, but is in love with the same girl. Talk about complicated.
