1. "The Female of The Species"

Content Warning: Rape

We're starting this list off strong with one of my favorite books of all time, but before we get into it like to mention this story, as well as my discussion of it here, include mentions of rape, so if that sort of thing is triggering for you I would steer clear of this one! "The Female of The Species" by Mandy McGinnis is the story of a teenage girl named Alex who is out to get revenge against the man who raped and killed her older sister. Not only that, but it also serves as a brutal, top-down exploration of modern rape culture, from sexual violence all the way to high school slut-shaming. McGinnis' writing style reminds me of "Gone Girl" author Gillian Flynn's because of how concise it is. It's simple and easy to read but also packed with meaning. The book's bluntness combined with the thrilling nature of the plot is enough to keep you turning the pages without even thinking!

2. "Monday's Not Coming"

Continuing on with thrillers for a moment, because I really do think they are the best for getting one's brain re-acclimated to reading, we have "Monday's Not Coming by" Tiffany D. Jackson. Jackson is one of my favorite authors, and her sophomore release does not disappoint. This is the story of the enduring Claudia, a 14 year-old-girl who is on a mission to find her missing best friend named Monday because the police have seemingly given up on the case. Much like the first book on this list, "Monday's Not Coming" functions not only as an intriguing story but also as a look at the systematic disregard of missing black and brown children in America. Likewise, if this is a potentially triggering topic for you the may not be the book for you. However, if not, this book is one that is not only easy to care about, but also necessary.

3. "Snotgirl" series

Graphic novels are a wonderful medium for storytelling that doesn't feel as laborious as text novels sometimes can. Some of the best graphic novels out there are Bryan Lee O'Malley and Leslie Hung's "Snotgirl" chronicles. The protagonist of these books is named Lottie Person, a fashion blogger, who must face her own issues with self-esteem, identity, and allergies as she navigates the superficial and demanding culture of being a public personality in the modern area. She also finds a little more trouble in her romantic life while pursuing another fashion blogger named Caroline. As it turns out, Caroline's mysteriousness goes farther than her aloof, "cool-girl" brand: She is hiding a supernatural secret. Bryan Lee O'Malley is the cartoonist who brought us the "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" series, and he brings the same buoyant wit to this project. That combined with Leslie Hung's stylish design, Micky Quinn's lush coloring, and Maré Odomo's expressive lettering make this comic one you won't want to miss out on.

4. "Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda"

I know when I'm having trouble picking up a book, the first thing I reach for to get back in the swing of things is a good old fashioned rom-com. "Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda," the source material of the hit movie "Love, Simon," is a coming of age story about Simon, a closeted gay teen, navigating crushes and friendship troubles all while under threat of being outed by one of his peers. The author of this book, Becky Albertalli, is also a psychologist and you can tell in the way she writes her character. It is clear she not only understands humans but also teenagers something that is frustratingly hard to come by in a lot of young adult fiction. Certain to give you that warm and fuzzy feeling, "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" is chicken soup for the gay soul (but also a delight to anyone else who decides to pick it up)!

5. "Drink, Slay, Love"

One genre you don't hear a lot about these days is comedy, but you better believe Sarah Beth Durst's novel about a cold, emotionless vampire turned caring by a unicorn attack has comedy in spades. Need I say more? This book's quick pace and tongue-in-cheek tone make it the perfect thing to read if you're feeling burnt out.

6. "One"

"One" by Sarah Crossan is a touching story about Tippi and Grace, a set of conjoined twins who facing the medical and societal struggles that come with their condition. Part of what makes this story so impactful is also the reason why it is on this list: it is written in verse. This story is easy to read and perfect for someone looking. for something a bit more understated than the other books on this list.