With summer break rolling along, school is out, I get to sleep in, and free-time is 24/7. Now that I have more time, I can catch up on books that I've been dying to read, along with books that are so good that I want to read again. Whether it is a bestseller from this generation, a collection of short stories or poems, or timeless coming-of-age story, there is no doubt that I will be taking these books everywhere I go. Here is my summer reading list, in no particular order of course!
1. "Catcher in the Rye" by J.D Salinger
This book is infamous for its brutally honest and somewhat graphic content. I've read this book many times before. After being introduced to this novel in my sophomore year, and being amazed by the book cover before then, it has become my favorite book and a story that I can dive into again and again.
2. "Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky
The main character, Charlie, writes letters to his friend after he loses a friend to suicide. While dealing with his own demons, Charlie meets a set of step-siblings who give him the best first year of high school that anyone could ask for. I found this novel in middle school when I had to read a book from the perspective of a teenage boy. It definitely wasn't my first choice, but, after I read the book, it instantly became a favorite due to its themes of mental illness and other issues that we are too afraid to discuss.
3. "American Psycho" by Bret Easton Ellis
We've all seen the '90s thriller with Christian Bale, but how is the book? My advice is to always read the book before you watch the movie. The themes in the book, along with the movie, may be a bit intense for some, but if you're interested in a psychological thriller, then I definitely recommend American Psycho.
4. "Tulips & Chimneys" by E.E Cummings
I've had this book for a while now and I love the cover. After having a poetry class this past year, I took a liking to poetry and I began writing it as well. Reading a collection of poetry that suits you is a great way to get into poetry if you're ever interested.
5. "I'll Give You The Sun" by Jandy Nelson
I picked this book up at Target and I instantly loved it due to the quote on the front page, "We were all heading for each other on a collision course, no matter what. Maybe some people are just meant to be in the same story." Aside from its fabulous cover, it's about a set of twins who are distant due to a tragic event, but who eventually come back together. I'm excited to read it and I definitely recommend it if you're interested in young adult literature.
6. "The Complete Poetry" of Edgar Allan Poe
Edgar Allan Poe is my favorite writer. Not only did he write poems, but he is also famous for his intense and thrilling short stories. After I finish his collection of poems, I am going to Barnes and Noble and picking up his collection of short stories.
7. "Gone" by Michael Grant
This book is one I've began and began and began, but that I never got around to finishing. It is on the bigger side, maybe just as long as the later "Harry Potter" books, but it features really interesting characters and a plot line that is so good you won't be able to put it down. It is a part of a series (thank goodness) and, if I'm correct, Michael Grant is still making more books for this series.
8. "The Martian" by Andy Weir
I really enjoyed watching Matt Damon in "The Martian" this past year. It was comedic, interesting, and lively. It was everything that I want in a book.
I look forward to reading these books and I will write reviews and feedback for each novel on my Tumblr. You should consider putting these books on your list if they aren't already on there.
Have a great and safe summer!
