Although the "The Fault in Our Stars" craze felt like it was forever ago, it is safe to say that we aren't all over it... at least I'm not. We were all captivated by its heartbreaking narrative, intrigued by the sense of adventure in "Paper Towns" and torn apart by the breathtaking story of "Looking for Alaska." Quirky and relatable, Green's characters bring his reader into a new world one page at a time. As we wait [somewhat] patiently for the next amazing installment in the John Green phenomenon, here are some books to tide you over.
1. "The Beginning of Everything" by Robyn Schneider
"The Beginning of Everything" is everything that a John Green fan could ever ask for! (pun intended) The touching story of Ezra, a high schooler that now walks with a cane due to a serious car accident, emulates Green's adventurous plot and theoretically-minded characters. Enjoyable for all ages, Schneider's work captivates the reader from one philosophical quote at a time.
For more about this book, check it out on Goodreads here!
2. "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson
"I'll Give You the Sun" is one of the best books that I have ever read. Heart-breaking and transformative, this novel uses a dual timeline to tell the story of twins Noah and Jude. Once close in childhood, the pair emotionally drift apart sometime within their teenage years. Jandy Nelson's novel slowly tears your heart into pieces, as Noah and Jude try to figure out how to fall back together again.
For more about this book, check it out on Goodreads here!
3. "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" by Jesse Andrews
Challenging the idea of a sad "cancer book," "Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" is astonishingly funny. Humorous yet honest, the novel tells the story of high school senior/amateur filmmaker, Greg. Encouraged by guilt and his mother, Greg and his best (only) friend, Earl, get roped into making "The Worst Film Ever Made" in efforts to cheer up fellow (dying) classmate, Rachel. Like Green, Andrews's characters feel real and relatable. FYI -- there is also a movie of the same title.
For more about this book, check it out on Goodreads here!4. "First & Then" by Emma Mills
Light and fun, Emma Mills's debut novel reflects John Green's fluffier stories. "First & Then" combines a modern Jane Austen vibe with the small town setting of "Friday Night Lights." Quiet high schooler Devon's senior year is flipped upside-down when her 14-year-old cousin moves in with her family and shows a surprising talent for football. A cutesy contemporary romance in its prime, this is an enjoyable and quick read!
For more about this book, check it out on Goodreads here!
5. "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell
Set in the 1980's, "Eleanor & Park" shares the story of two misfits experiencing young, naive love for the first time. If you enjoyed meeting John Green's realistic characters, you will definitely enjoy spending time with Eleanor and Park. By intertwining an endearing romance with a more serious storyline, Rowell's writing is as enchanting as it is entertaining.
For more about this book, check it out on Goodreads here!
