With summer in full swing, I have been able to dedicate more time to reading.

These are a small collection of books that I have enjoyed reading, and in some cases re-reading, these past few weeks. Hopefully these wonderful books can make their way to your library if they aren't already there!

1. "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" by John Berendt

This novel walked into my life unexpectedly. After browsing Second and Charles for what seemed like an eternity, finally a book snagged my interest just as I was about to give up hope on my search. Though “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” revolves primarily around the murder of of Danny Hansford, I found Savannah’s society to be much more entertaining. From learning gossip of the murders of the past that have since been covered up but far from forgotten, to the history of Savannah itself, the Yankee author is able to make it feel as though we are walking through the historical city right along with him.

2. "Falling Leaves: The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter" by Adeline Yen Mah

Historically I have never been fond of the books assigned to me over the summer, but this is an exception. From the moment I started reading I was entranced by Yen Mah’s words and how they painted such a horrific story so beautifully. Her stories of an abusive childhood and the pain she went through makes the reader fall in love with author and hope that she finally can find the love and acceptance she had been searching for her entire life. Even if you are unable to relate to the circumstances the author is going through, there is a universal love for the underdog, and this memoir showcases the hardships it takes to rise above it all

3. "A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey

This novel is the intimate, in-depth, and scandal clad events of a junky’s time in a rehab facility. James Frey walks the reader through all of his thoughts, emotions and pain during his time in rehab, which is far from pleasant. Again, this novel appeals to those of us who want the best for the underdog. This book keeps you captivated by documenting the author's unstable rise towards what he hopes is recovery.

4. "The Stranger" by Albert Camus

"The Stranger" is an incredibly interesting story of a very disinterested man. Though the events happening to this man would seem monumental, from death, to marriage, to murder, he tends to have a more apathetic view on his life. I found that since the narrator failed to give the stereotypical reactions to these events, my own perception of what was happening was heightened. Every page added vibrancy to the world I was reading about, yet the narrator continued to see it as monotonous.

5. "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky

This is a modern classic that has gained a massive following after the novel was adapted into a film in 2012. It showcases the letters of a troubled teen, Charlie, and his first year in high school. Because of the intimacy in these letters, the reader is able to easily become invested in Charlie’s life. This novel reaches out to us all by focusing on events nearly everyone can relate to like having crushes on people we aren't supposed to, a far from perfect family, and finally finding the people you can be yourself with.