Summer is the perfect time to lift your spirits. Sometimes, you just need a light contemporary read that will do the job and this list is guaranteed to fill you up with all the feels you'll ever want and need.
1. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
There are times when you solely judge a book by its cover. The cheesy plot line and cringe-worthy title might just keep you away, but trust me when I tell you that you should not pass up this treasure. Opinions may vary, but the world Perkins has crafted along with the distinct voice of our main character and her swoon-worthy love interest will undeniably give you all the good feels and happy tears. This book is inexplicable in the sense that I can read this novel multiple times and continuously fall in love with the story over and over again.
2. Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson
What I suspected to be a cookie-cutter read turned into something quite different, and the experience was worthwhile. In a well-ordered universe, everyone would read this charming gem. Matson is not only the most underrated contemporary writers of our time, but she has consistently published books that truly live up to the hype around them. Her writing has the uncanny ability to sweep you off your feet with a realistically-fabricated plot line and characters while maintaining that quality that makes it unique.
3. To All the Boys I've Loved Before
There are very few books that can rope you in and keep you reading. Something about Jenny Han's writing is beautifully done and genuine. It demands your attention because you're bound to forge a connection with the story. There are also comical aspects that give this novel a familiar, comfortable touch.
The story follows a young girl named Lara Jean who writes letters to all the boys she has loved as a means of saying goodbye, storing them in a hatbox that her mother gave her. One day, they are sent out and she has to build up the courage to confront the situation. The characters, conversations and little bits surrounding the actual story itself are what makes it so phenomenal.
4. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Not only is this a piece of critically acclaimed literature, Chbosky does an excellent job of portraying the main character's growth and development - from extreme innocence to a sense of maturity acquired through first experiences and displaced memories. This book is so touching and comfortable that you can't help but feel yourself being pulled into the story.
It follows a shy, socially-awkward teenager as he navigates the transition between adolescence and adulthood while dealing with childhood traumas that he has surpassed. He meets a rag-tag group of misfits who help Charlie break out from his "wallflower" status through a series of situations dealing with friends, family and love.
5. The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson
Matson always provides us with addictive reads, and this novel was no exception. This book has it all - authentic characters, genuine friendships, real humor and a dimensional plot line. It heavily focuses on the relationships - familial, platonic and romantic - and how they develop after a series of events. Her writing technique pays a great attention to detail, as always, and immerses you into the scene.
"The Unexpected Everything" follows a young politician's daughter as she prepares to leave to her summer program. However, a scandal jeopardizes her father's image and a letter of recommendation to her name is withdrawn. With no plan mapped out for the three months ahead, she is out of options and reluctantly decides to become a dog walker instead. It is here that she meets Clark. The rest unravels in a whirlwind of summer, good vibes and dogs.
There you have it, folks. This prompt but fulfilling list is guaranteed to give you all the feels you'd need from a summer read.
