I love reading. I always have, and I hope that I always will, because I really think that there is nothing in the world that can make you feel the same way that a book can. And because of this, I have compiled a list of some of my favorite books ever created that I think everyone should take the opportunity to read.
I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
Read When: Someone you love passes away
I’ll Give You The Sun gives a unique insight into the life of twins, both artists, both dealing with different struggles and trying to find their own way in the world. Noah’s story begins when the twins are 12, when he first realizes he wants to go to art school and their mother decides that he has an insane amount of talent, and just as he’s beginning to fall in love with the boy next door. Jude’s story begins after they turn 16, when she is dealing with the death of her mother and the feelings of guilt she faces after her death. The story is so beautifully written, giving such life and personality to each character, and each character is so beautifully flawed and strange in the best ways. This book brought me a lot of comfort right after my dad passed away, and it gives an insight to the grieving process as a whole.
Yes, Please! By Amy Poehler
Read When: You're feeling a bit lost
This book. I can’t explain how much I love it. I love Amy Poehler. She’s absolutely hilarious. I laughed for the entire time I read the book. Amy Poehler has such a unique take on the world, and the advice she offers can be applied to both grown-ups and teenagers alike. Her tell-it-like-it-is approach is masked by this wonderful, light humor, and the way she talks about her friends shows that she is truly Leslie Knope epitomized. We should all be a little more like Amy Poehler.
Oh the Places You’ll Go!
Read When: Being a grown up is too hard
Okay, I know that this is a children’s book that almost everyone has read, but hear me out. This is probably my favorite book of all time, so much so that I have the entire thing written on notes in my phone to read when I feel overwhelmed or sad. It’s a children’s book, sure, but it’s one that carries such an important message of perseverance and optimism. It’s the last book Dr. Seuss ever wrote, and it’s about overcoming the ups and downs of life. I think that everyone should carry out the message it gives us.
Dreamland by Sarah Dessen
Read When: You first fall in love
This book is about an abusive relationship, so be warned. It’s pretty heavy, and it shows how a relationship that seems healthy on the outside can slowly slip into a very, very unhealthy one. It begins with Caitlin waking up on her 16th birthday to her beautiful, perfect, Yale-bound older sister having run away from home. Caitlin then feels as though she has to take on the life and the pressures that her older sister left to get away from, as she doesn't want to disappoint their family or her mother any more than they've already been. She meets Roger, a dark and mysterious boy, who convinces her he could make all of her problems go away. Can you see where this is going? This was recommended to me by my sophomore year English teacher, and its message is still one I think about often.
the princess saves herself in this one by Amanda Lovelace
Read When: You forget just how badass you really are
This book is great. It's a compilation of free-verse poetry, separated into 4 parts: i. the princess, ii. the damsel, iii. the queen, and iv. you. It talks about all the different struggles that she's had to overcome in her life and the way that it led her to where she is now. Warning: some of the poems discuss her sister's possible suicide, her own eating disorder, and her mother's death. This book is not for the weak of heart. But I loved it. It was empowering and beautiful and I cried a lot when I read it the first time.
So if you feel the way I felt when I read any of these books for the first time, I hope you give them a shot.
