Summer is the saving grace of all students. It's the time where one can relax, sleep in, and take a breather from the expectations of school -- unless you are taking summer classes, to which that I say good luck. For me, it means more time on my hands to do everything I couldn't do while at school -- read.
There is just something about looking at something that isn't simply a screen, and getting lost for a few minutes or even hours on it. Diving into a new book is something I find joy in, and in honor of that, I've collected the top ten books you must read this summer:
1. Anna and the French Kiss
Written by Stephanie Perkins this novel is anything but cheesy,
despite what the title leads you to believe. Anna is sent to a school in Paris for the year, but doesn't seem too happy about it. Then, she meets Etienne St. Clair, a cute boy from Britain. The only problem? He's taken. Well Anna might be too, if anything happens with the crush she has at home. If you're a fan of Paris, love stories, and cute English guys, I'd say this is the book for you. The novel is the first in a series, but each book can be read as a stand alone.
2. This Is What Happy Looks Like
Everyone needs to read one of Jennifer E. Smith's novels at least once in their life, and this one has to be her best yet. Basically, a teenage movie star accidentally sends a small-town girl an email regarding his pet. This little friendship begins to bloom behind the screens, and he decides to film his latest film in the girl's
small town. Well, you fill in the rest. This book is more than just a cute love story, it's about magic,
family, friends, and taking chances.
3. Throne of Glass
Sarah J. Maas created a beautiful world within this series that is just screaming from the bookshelves for you to flip through the pages. The synopsis goes something like this: in a land with magic banned, and a feared ruler, an assassin is called to the castle to win her freedom in a competition. If she defeats 23 killers and thieves, she is released to serve as the king's champion. When the competitors start dying one-by-one, her fight to freedom becomes a fight for survival. If that doesn't convince you, there is also the classic, witty humor, love interests, and magic within the pages -- you'll be hooked by the first sentence.
4. Stolen
Lucy Christopher basically wrote a masterpiece. In the form of a letter to her abductor, the main character takes you on a journey of her kidnapping from an
airport. By the end of the book, you don't know whether to hate the guy because of the kidnapping or love him because of his actions.
5. Pride and Prejudice
Take a chance, read a classic, and feel smart when you finish it. If you enjoyed Bridget Jone's Diary (the movie or book) then you
will enjoy this. It was all based on this book by Jane Austen. When Elizabeth meets arrogant and handsome Darcy, she immediately hates him; he appears so selfish, full of himself, and rude. This book is basically a story about the saying, "don't judge a book by it's cover." Not everyone is how they appear to be.
6. Virals
Fans of the hit TV show Bones will love this series. Written by the creator of the books that Bones is based off of, the story starts out with a teenager, grandniece of Temperance Brennan, named Tory and her friends. When they rescue a stray
dog from the research lab, they are exposed to a canine virus that alters their DNA. Now they are a pack, known as virals -- and they're dangerous.
7. The Selection
Imagine a much better version of the Bachelor, with a better storyline and characters. Kiera Cass paints a riveting dystopian universe unlike any other. It's a quick read, and the covers are all so pretty -- needless to say, I want every dress.
8. Every Last Word
I've never read a better book that shined a light on mental illness while not romanticizing it. It's honestly so raw, true, and addictive to read. The characters will aggravate you and draw you in; toward the end of the book, you'll be sad to let them go. Tamara Ireland Stone writes a book starring Sam, who suffers from OCD. When she meets Caroline, who introduces her to Poet's Corner, she starts to feel more 'normal' than she has ever been before.
9. Since You've Been Gone
Morgan Matson creates a cute tale about best friends and how far you'll go for them. When Emily's
best friend, Sloane, drops off the face of the Earth, she leaves behind only a list of 13 things that Emily should do over the summer. Emily doesn't know what to do; the only catch except is if she completes each daring task, it will lead her back to her best friend.
10. The Good Girl
If you like psychological thrillers, then Mary Kubica has written the book for you. Mia leaves a bar with a seemingly normal guy, Colin -- except he isn't normal. And instead of turning her in to his employers, he takes her to a remote cabin. Everyone is out to find her, but nobody expects an ending like this.
These books are all available for purchase here! Let me know if you enjoyed, read, or disliked any of these books. And follow my Goodreads page for more recommendations!
