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Book Recommendations
| The Wrath & The Dawn, Renee Ahdieh | |
 | Keywords: Action-packed, Dark, Vivid, Magical |
| Description: The Wrath & the Dawn is a book based off a Thousand and One nights, that follows the young woman Shahrzad who volunteers to be the bride of Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan. But the catch is every one of the Caliph's brides have been executed by sunrise, including Shiva, Shahrzad's best friend. However, Shahrzad has a plan, she is not going into this blindly led by vengeance, no she plans to stall out her execution by tricking the Caliph, and when the time is right, she will avenge every bride of the Caliph. Except, Shahrzad starts to be held back by factors she never expected to restrain her, now she needs to sort out her heart's conflicting desires. I am recommending this book because I deeply fell in love with Ahdieh's storytelling, her unique diction and imagery bring the story to life in ways I never imagined. I am also recommending this book because I simply adore books based on West-Asian concepts and characters, it's so rare to see done so nicely. I wholeheartedly fell in love with this book from the first page, and I hope others can as well. | |
| Recommended for: I would recommend this book for those who like intricately woven stories. I think anyone who enjoys fantastical stories would enjoy this book. I would say that anyone 13 and up would be able to enjoy the book, because of its violent themes and serious topics. | |
| Bad Luck, Pseudonymous Bosch | |
 | Keywords: Adventurous, Action-Packed, Funny, Exciting |
| Description: Bad Luck follows a kid named Clay, who doesn't have magical powers like the rest of his summer camp. But even on the remote volcanic island where his camp is located, he stumbles upon clues leading to a massive secret. After the mystery is revealed, everyone goes after it, and Clay is the only one who can stop them. I recommend reading this book because it proves that anyone can be a hero if they have the right mindset. One of my favorite parts is when Brett eats all the parfaits in the Lido Deck and stumbles upon a giant cage. | |
| Recommended for: This book is highly recommended for late-elementary and middle-grade readers. It is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys reading stories packed with action and adventure. | |
| One of Us Is Lying, Karen McManus | |
 | Keywords: Suspenseful, thriller, mystery, murder |
| Description: Five people walk to detention on a Monday afternoon: Bronwyn, the Yale bound student; Addy, the picture-perfect home-coming princess; Nate, the criminal who is already on probation for drugs; Cooper, the destined MLB star; and Simon, the creator of the school's gossip app. Except Simon didn't make it out of detention alive. But before his death, Simon made one final blog post, revealing big secrets from the four people in the room. Now each person is a murder suspect, with a secret to hide. I am recommending this book because it was a suspenseful read with an unexpected ending. My favorite part of this book was how fast-paced the opening scene in detention was and how every character immediately became a murder suspect. | |
| Recommended for: This book is highly recommended for teens thirteen and older. People who like murder mysteries and suspenseful books will find this a great read. | |
| Siddhartha, Herman Hesse | |
 | Keywords: Philosophical, spiritual, meaningful, inspiring |
| Description: The novel follows the character Siddhartha on his lifelong search for wisdom and purpose. Through various experiences and relationships, he learns and develops a deeper understanding of life. I recommend Siddhartha because it encourages the audience to reflect on personal growth and what happiness means. I enjoyed its calm, thoughtful writing style and how it explores life’s bigger questions. | |
| Recommended for: I would recommend Siddhartha for older teens and adults who want a philosophical fiction book and stories about self-discovery. It is especially recommended for readers who like literature that is reflective and has meaningful messages. | |
| Exhalation, Ted Chiang | |
 | Keywords: Futuristic, science fiction, philosophical, reflective |
| Description: This is a collection of short stories, and it explores topics such as AI, memory, humanity and free will using imaginative scientific concepts. Each story shows a different view on what it means to be human. I recommend this collection because every story provides a fascinating idea while still being emotionally engaging. I enjoyed how the stories combine science with meaningful philosophical questions, which allowed me to think critically about how such concepts relate to today’s society. | |
| Recommended for: This book is recommended for mature teens and adults who want to read science fiction with philosophical concepts. Readers who enjoy thought experiments and speculative fiction will definitely find it engaging. | |
| The Great Automatic Grammatizator, Roald Dahl | |
 | Keywords:Satirical, humorous, witty, thought-provoking |
| Description: The story is about an inventor who creates a machine capable of writing works automatically. As the invention becomes successful, it prompts questions about creativity and originality. I recommend the book because it is entertaining and really relevant in today’s world and its current situation. I enjoyed its witty humor and the way it makes readers think about how valuable human creativity is. | |
| Recommended for: This is a short story, and I would recommend it for teens and adults who are looking for a satirical read with clever humor. It is suitable for those who like stories with unexpected twists. | |
| The Candy House, Jennifer Egan | |
 | Keywords: Futuristic, thoughtful, imaginative |
| Description: The book is set across different time periods and perspectives. It explores concepts of how technology influences memory and personal connections. The stories gradually connect to reveal a larger idea. I recommend this book because it provides a unique method of showing multiple connected stories while exploring modern issues. I liked how each chapter of the book introduced a different view that added to the overall narrative. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend it for adults and older teens who are into literary fiction and interconnected stories. Those who like exploring the relationship between technology and humans will definitely enjoy reading The Candy House. | |
| The Omnivore’s Dilemma, Michael Pollan | |
 | Keywords:Educational, thought-provoking informational, nonfiction |
| Description: The Omnivore’s Dilemma examines where various foods come from and how food production impacts humans, animals and the environment. It talks about several popular food chains to help readers better understand what they are consuming. I recommend this book because it changes the way readers think about food and the choices they make. Something that stood out to me was how the book made significant issues accessible through research, storytelling, and real-world examples, making it very thought-provoking. | |
| Recommended for: I would recommend this book to older teens and adults who are interested in topics related to food, health, and environmental issues. It is especially engaging for readers who enjoy nonfiction that explains everyday topics in detail. | |
| Kingdom Keepers: Inheritance: The Shimmer, Ridley Pearson | |
 | Keywords:Futuristic, magical, mysterious, suspenseful |
| Description: The Shimmer follows a kid named Eli who lives in Epcot, the futuristic park of Walt Disney's imagination. However, on his birthday, he gets kidnapped and pulled into a mysterious shimmer during a solar eclipse. As time goes on with his friends looking for him, they piece together the clues. Eventually, they uncover the life-changing truth about their parents. I recommend reading this book because it shows how greatly friends and family impact our lives and should always come first. My favorite part in this book is when Eli was talking to the rats. | |
| Recommended for: This book is highly recommended for middle-grade readers. It shows that friends and family should always come first, rather than taking reckless risks. | |
| The Beat I Drum, Dusti Bowling | |
 | Keywords:Inspiring, relatable, empowering, heartwarming |
| Description: The Beat I Drum zooms in on a boy named Connor who navigates life with Tourette syndrome. As pressure mounts with a school bully and the sudden reappearance of his absent father, school becomes challenging. But as school goes on, he forgets about the pressure inside of him and makes new friends, even one with Tourette's. Eventually, he learns how to control his own beat and overcome the pressure. I suggest reading this book because it shows not to treat people differently because of their issues. It also reminds us that family should always come first. My favorite part of this book is when Amanda tried to teach Connor the piano, but instead, it triggered both of their tics. | |
| Recommended for: This book is highly recommended for middle grade readers. This story explores how even people with neurological and physical problems can adapt to common environments and thrive. | |
| Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury | |
 | Keywords:Futuristic, dystopian, symbolic, suspenseful |
| Description: The book is set in a future society where books are banned and a firefighter’s job is to burn them instead of putting out fires. As the main character, a firefighter, begins to question the world around him, he realizes the significance of knowledge and independent thought, and why keeping books is so valuable. I recommend Fahrenheit 451 because it has an engaging premise, prompts readers to question the extent of censorship, and encourages critical thinking. I liked how it makes the audience compelled to think about the role of literature and information in society. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for older teens who like dystopian fiction pieces and stories that prompt you to think about society. It is an excellent read for those who enjoy concepts related to technology, censorship, the importance of books and preserving literature. | |
| Hidden Figures, Margot Lee Shetterly | |
 | Keywords: Motivational, inspiring, educational, empowering, nonfiction |
| Description: Hidden Figures is a nonfiction book that beautifully tells the stories of several African American female mathematicians whose work played an extremely crucial role in the success of NASA’s early space missions. It emphasizes their contributions while also highlighting the discrimination and barriers they overcame. I recommend this book because it brings attention to remarkable women whose achievements were overlooked for many years because of society’s stereotypes at the time. I enjoyed learning about both the history of the space program and the determination of the women involved because it was so motivational. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for adults and teens who like a blend of history, science, and true stories that are inspirational. I especially recommend the book for readers who enjoy topics about space exploration and women’s achievements earned through their hard work. | |
| 1984, George Orwell | |
 | Keywords:Dystopian, dark, political, suspenseful |
| Description: 1984 is set in a future society where the government monitors almost every aspect of daily life; one man begins to question this system he has always known. His search for the truth results in him confronting difficult choices about freedom and identity. I recommend 1984 for adults and mature high school students who want to read a dystopian piece of fiction that includes philosophical themes. It is especially suited for readers who are interested in politics and the effects of authoritarian governments. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend 1984 for adults and mature high school students who want to read a dystopian piece of fiction that includes philosophical themes. It is especially suited for readers who are interested in politics and the effects of authoritarian governments. | |
| Animal Farm, George Orwell | |
 | Keywords:Satirical, political, symbolic, classic |
| Description: A group of farm animals overthrows their owner in hopes of establishing a fair society where everyone is equal. As they create a new system, the farm animals begin to question whether their dream of an ideal society is becoming something very different under the authority of leaders who govern the farm in different ways. I recommend this book because it creatively depicts powerful ideas through a simple yet incredibly engaging story. Its themes about leadership, abuse of power, and corruption remain relevant in many different contexts, which makes the message of the text significant to understand. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for high schoolers and adults who are looking for a satirical political piece with allegory throughout. Those interested in social issues as well as history will especially enjoy Animal Farm, as the story and characters refer to historical events and figures around the time period of 1917. | |
| The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald | |
 | Keywords:Extravagance, ambition, romantic, symbolic |
| Description: The book is set during the Roaring Twenties and is about a mysterious millionaire whose luxurious and extravagant lifestyle disguises a personal dream. Through the perspective of his neighbor, the novel allows the reader to explore themes of ambition, wealth and love. I recommend The Great Gatsby because its writing draws you into each character’s story and its themes remain prevalent in today’s society. The novel offers meaningful commentary on relationships and the American Dream, making it a good read for those who want to explore deeper themes. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend The Great Gatsby for older high school students and adults who are looking to read a classic work of literature. The novel is ideal for those interested in symbolism, history and characters with complex traits in a lavish setting with extravagant lifestyles. | |
| The Secret Life of Bees, Sue Monk Kidd | |
 | Keywords: Heartwarming, inspiring, coming of age, inspiring. |
| Description: The Secret Life of Bees is set in South Carolina during the 1960s. The book follows a young girl who is searching for answers about her mother’s past and finds support in an unexpected community. Along her journey, she gets the opportunity to learn about love and belonging. The Secret Life of Bees is set in South Carolina during the 1960s. The book follows a young girl who is searching for answers about her mother’s past and finds support in an unexpected community. Along her journey, she gets the opportunity to learn about love and belonging. It balances addressing important topics with a hopeful story. | |
| Recommended for: This book is recommended for teens and adults who want to read an emotional and character-driven story. Specifically, readers who enjoy themes of building friendships and personal growth will likely be interested in it. | |
| Lord of the Flies, William Golding | |
 | Keywords:Psychological, symbolic, morality, conflict, power struggles |
| Description: A group of schoolboys becomes stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash and attempts to govern themselves while waiting for rescue. As time passes on the island, conflict, fear, and the power struggle between them begin to change their relationships in unexpected ways. I am recommending Lord of the Flies because it shows how people behave under fear and pressure, and prompts significant questions about civilization and morality. The symbolism and character development make it intriguing, and the shifts in power dynamics encourage discussion. | |
| Recommended for: This book is recommended for high school students and older readers who are looking for thought-provoking stories about human nature and survival. It is especially recommended for readers who understand how symbolism and psychological conflict can create interesting discussions about society. | |
| Delicious in Dungeon, Ryoko Kui | |
 | Keywords:fantasy, comedy, cooking |
| Description: The story, contained in 14 volumes, follows a party of adventurers as they traverse a dungeon in search of their companion, who was devoured by a dragon. Lacking the funds for proper rations, they turn to the dungeon's diverse ecosystem of monsters for their meals. This series is a refreshing take on many of the decades-old tropes seen in many high-fantasy stories. Although it begins as a comedy, it eases the reader into some of the darker implications of its setting. There is never a dull moment between its comedic moments and action sequences. | |
| Recommended for: Those who enjoy traditional, high-fantasy settings and a blend of comedic and intense moments. If you play video fantasy games or tabletops, you'll be familiar with some of the content. Recommended for high schoolers and up due to moderate violence and graphic scenes. | |
| Greatest Hits, Harlan Ellison | |
 | Keywords:sci-fi, horror, grim, psychological, absurdist |
| Description: Greatest Hits is a collection of Harlan Ellison's most acclaimed sci-fi horror short stories. These stories are mostly self-contained, varying in length, setting, theme, and intensity. As a big fan of both science fiction and horror, I was pleased to see these two genres interwoven so perfectly within Ellison's array of stories. I initially picked up the book for just one of these, "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream," but became engrossed in many of the other narratives it had to offer, some of which have inspired my own writings. | |
| Recommended for: Those who enjoy the horrific, sometimes nonsensical aspects of science fiction and self-contained short stories. Recommended for high schoolers and up on account of its intensity and dark subject matter. | |
| Squirm, Carl Hiaasen | |
 | Keywords:Adventurous, Exciting, Funny, Emotional |
| Description: Squirm tells the story of a kid named Billy Dickens, who stumbles upon his missing dad's address on a letter in the trash and goes to search for him to find out about his mysterious job. Upon finding him, Billy realizes how dangerous his dad's wilderness job actually is as he goes all out to save wild animals from illegal hunters. I am recommending this book because it teaches us about human cruelty toward nature. My favorite part of the book is when Billy bravely uses a drone to drop a knife and free his captured dad. Although the knife falls hard and injures his dad in the process, it beautifully demonstrates the powerful bond of love between a parent and a child. The book does a great job of making you root against the villain, Lincoln Baxter IV and highlights how wrong it is to hunt nature for fun. | |
| Recommended for: This book is ideal for middle-grade students. It is a perfect fit for readers who love to read about protecting endangered species and preserving the wilderness. | |
| Summer at Meadow Wood, Amy Rebecca Tan | |
 | Keywords: Adventurous, Exciting, Heartwarming, Immersive, Bittersweet |
| Description: Summer at Meadow Wood zooms in on a teenager named Vic who didn't want to go to camp. She can't forget the secret reason why she and her brother were sent there. But as she gets closer to her wonderful companions, she slowly forgets about her stressful household issues with her parents separating. Eventually, she starts questioning why she wouldn't want to spend her summer in such a perfect place. This book shows that some issues and problems can be healed over time. It also reminds us that family should always come first. One of my favorite parts of this book is when Vic's younger camp sister, Vera, got a new frog named Jolly. | |
| Recommended for: This book is an excellent choice for middle-grade readers. It explores how tough challenges can affect a person and shows how spending time in nature can help someone feel calm and peaceful. Readers who enjoy realistic stories about friendship, feelings, and finding peace will like this book. | |
| The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins | |
 | Keywords: Dystopian, Survival, Action-packed, Suspenseful, Emotional, Rebellious |
| Description: The story follows Katniss Everdeen, a teenage girl living in a future society where children are forced to compete in a dangerous televised competition called the Hunger Games. As she fights to survive, Katniss begins to challenge the unfair system controlling her world. I would recommend this book because I enjoyed the dystopian society and the suspense throughout the story. I also liked the romance in the background because it added emotion without taking away from the action. | |
| Recommended for: This book is recommended for ages 13 and up. It includes violence, emotional themes, and some romance. People who like action, survival, and emotional stories would enjoy this book. | |
| The Maze Runner, James Dashner | |
 | Keywords: Dystopian, Fast Paced, Survival, Dark |
| Description: The story follows Thomas, a teenage boy who wakes up in a strange place called the Glade with no memory of his past. Surrounded by a giant maze full of dangers, he and the other boys have to work together to figure out how to escape and uncover the truth about why they are. I would recommend this book because I enjoyed the suspense and mystery throughout the story. The dystopian setting and constant action kept the book exciting and hard to put down. It’s a really good beginners book. | |
| Recommended for: This book is recommended for ages 13+. The type of people who like mystery, action, and survival stories would enjoy this book. It’s good for readers who like fast-paced plots and dystopian settings. | |
| Shatter Me, Tahereh Mafi | |
 | Keywords: Dystopian, Dark, Dramatic, Romance, Action-Packed. |
| Description: Shatter Me follows Juliette who is a teenage girl who has been locked away because her touch is dangerous and can seriously hurt people. When a powerful government called The Reestablishment decides they want to use her ability as a weapon, Juliette is forced into a world full of danger and difficult choices. Along the way, she begins to discover her own strength, forms deep relationships, and learns that she may be more powerful than she thought. I would recommend Shatter Me because I enjoyed the dystopian society and the suspenseful world the story takes place in. I also liked the slight romance that lingers in the background of the book because it added emotion to the story without taking away from the action and plot. This book was the reason I discovered my love for dystopian society books! | |
| Recommended for: This book is recommended for ages 14 and up. This book is recommended for people who like romance, action, and emotional stories would enjoy Shatter Me. It’s good for readers who like dramatic plots and strong characters. | |
| Witch Hat Atelier, Volume 1, Kamome Shirohama | |
 | Keywords: Fantasy, character-driven, exciting |
| Description: The first in a series following Coco, a young girl infatuated with magic who wishes to be a witch. After accidentally drawing forbidden magic and turning her mother to stone, she's thrust into the world of witches as an apprentice at an atelier. She practices magic with apprentices Agott, Tetia, and Richeh, as well as their master, Qifrey. She must work together with her peers and teacher to find a way to bring her mother back to life. This book wholly satisfies my love for art through its unique magic system. The carefully constructed fantasy world makes the series immediately engaging. The political themes presented throughout the book elevate the already fleshed-out setting. It's still ongoing as of 2026, so there's plenty of content to read and enjoy. | |
| Recommended for: Middle school and up. People who enjoy both art and fantasy, as well as dark and/or political themes. | |
| The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger | |
 | Keywords: Coming-of-age, funny, psychological |
| Description: The Catcher in the Rye follows 16-year-old Holden Caulfield following his expulsion from Pencey Prep. As he journeys through New York City, Holden struggles with his expulsion, isolation, grief, and the expectations of 1950s suburban society. He meets a variety of people from all walks of life as he struggles to find connection in a world he believes is not for him. While I don't relate entirely to Holden's story, his struggles in socializing and finding his way in the world shook me to my core. I made a lot of realizations about my own life and started to consider what I want as I transition into adulthood myself. | |
| Recommended for: High school students, particularly those in junior or senior year. Teens who are struggling to transition into adulthood, socialize, and apply themselves in school. Those who enjoy crude humor and a light storyline. | |
| Long Way Down, Jason Reynolds | |
 | Keywords: Thought-provoking, Heavy |
| Description: A story about gun violence, the cycle of revenge, and which rules are meant to be broken, all told in one elevator ride. Fifteen year old Will is on his way to shoot his brother’s murderer. In his eyes, it’s in the rules that he must avenge Shawn. But every floor the elevator stops on, a ghost enters the elevator, all someone Will knew that died to a gun. With their stories, Will’s resolve crumbles bit by bit, and he wonders whether going through with his plan would truly make him happy. The stories of the people in the elevator resonated with me because of how, despite the vastly different circumstances, they were all interwoven through unjust violence. | |
| Recommended for: Anyone who wants an introspective story about the people in our lives and gun violence. Middle school and up. | |
| Educated, Tara Westover | |
 | Keywords: Memoir, Growth |
| Description: A memoir from Tara Westover about overcoming her life in Idaho and earning a PhD from Cambridge University. Living with a family distrusting of the government and modern medicine, Tara was strongly discouraged from an education. Eventually, with some pushing from her older brother, Tara pursued a college degree. Filled with anecdotes and small stories, Tara recounts the journey she took to become the writer she is today. Though I'm not usually a fan of memoirs, this one was written in a way that at first I didn't even realize it was one. Tara makes her story compelling and digestible. | |
| Recommended for: Fans of memoirs and learning that the story you read actually happened. High school and up. | |
| Check and Mate, Ali Hazelwood | |
 | Keywords: Romance, Fun |
| Description: Mallory Greenleaf swore to never play chess again. She only does it this time because her friend is beeeeeggging her to join the tournament so she gets accepted to college. With her family on her mind, all the bills to pay and needs to fulfill, Mallory hopes to earn some cash from this at the very least. Distracted, she almost completely ignores the fact that she has just won a game against Nolan Sawyer, the current world-renowned chess player, nicknamed “Kingkiller.” One thing leads to another, and now Mallory has to play competitive chess again. For her family, she tells herself, but she can’t say she isn’t intrigued by the curiosity Nolan has developed for her… This was a romance book where the balance between the actual plot and the romance fit well together, without one overpowering the other, so it was easy to fly through the pages rather than get annoyed by plot points. | |
| Recommended for: Fans of fun romance with a side of competitiveness. Middle school and up. | |
| Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, Gail Honeyman | |
 | Keywords: Uplifting, Moving |
| Description: Eleanor is a finance clerk, and has been one ever since she graduated college. A loner and a bit socially awkward, Eleanor’s hobbies are eating frozen pizza, drinking vodka, and calling her mother, whom she calls Mummy. One day, after winning a concert ticket, Eleanor sees the musician and falls in love. Determined to be good enough for him, Eleanor goes on a journey of self-improvement and the quest to cure her loneliness. Eleanor chasing after something that she believes will make her normal and happy was a journey that makes you keep cheering for her to get her happy ending. | |
| Recommended for: Fans of books about self-discovery and realizing the thing you want may not be what you need. High school and up. | |
| The Wild Robot, Peter Brown | |
 | Keywords: Heartwarming, Family |
| Description: A robot gets shipwrecked on a remote island. Roz is certain she doesn’t blend in here, but nevertheless, starts a journey to adapt and understand her new surroundings. Little by little, she starts to communicate with the wildlife around her. After some time, Roz has learned the ways of nature, from camouflage to learning the language of the animals. She even adopts a baby goose after an accident. But when the factory that made her come to retrieve Roz and destroy the forest, Roz must protect her newfound family at all costs. With a heartwarming story about finding your place and your own family, The Wild Robot was an addictive read! | |
| Recommended for: Anyone who wants a short, fun story. Fifth grade and up. | |
| The Fury, Alex Michaelides | |
 | Keywords: Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Horror |
| Description: Though this is a story some may heard of before, Elliot can guarantee they haven’t heard the full truth. Via a play of five acts, Elliot recounts a single night on a remote Greek island, and the events that led up to it. Every act introduces a new perspective, forcing you to rethink everything you’ve been told. One twist leads to another, the past piles up, and secrets are revealed. What happened that fateful night? Out of all of Alex's books, this one was by far my favorite because of how it utilizes time skips and cliffhangers. | |
| Recommended for: People who love a huge amount of plot twists that make your head spin. Middle school and up. | |
| The Silent Patient, Alex Michaelides | |
 | Keywords: Mystery, Psychological |
| Description: Alicia Berenson was a famed painter. Her final piece was inspired by Alcestis from a Greek play, painted right after she shot her husband five times. She now sits in The Grove, a psychiatric ward, and refuses to speak to anyone. A few years later, psychotherapist Theo Faber asks to be put on her case. What starts as an attempt to get Alicia to talk quickly turns into an obsession, with Theo crossing every line and every boundary to figure out the truth of Gabriel Berenson’s murder. I recommend this book because it was one of the books that genuinely had me shocked at the ending. You might be able to infer one thing and be right, but find out your guess was actually a very minor part of the truth. | |
| Recommended for: For people who want huge pet twists, and an ending that makes you rethink the whole book. Middle school and up. | |
| The Women in the Window, A.J. Finn | |
 | Keywords: Mystery, Thriller |
| Description: Anna is stuck to her home. Even stepping outside for a second can cause immense panic. Which is the main reason she stays at home, advising people as a psychologist on WebMD and drinking huge glasses of red wine. The tries to befriend the newly moved in Russells, but witnesses a murder shortly after in their home. Yet, despite being an eye witness to someone dying, the police tell Anna that she is hallucinating, because the woman Anna thought died was actually perfectly fine and healthy. Anna goes down a dark road of questioning her own mentality, and observing the Russells from her window. This felt like a similar story to The Fury, with a few less plot twists, but still with the same amount of confusion and discrepancies from the protagonist that makes you feel like you can't really trust what they say. | |
| Recommended for: Fans of a mystery and a good plot twist. Middle school and up. | |
| Good Omens, Neil Gaiman | |
 | Keywords: Humorous, Witty |
| Description: It all starts with the antichrist. More specifically, a misplaced antichrist. Because the angel Aziraphale and demon Crowley weren’t really paying much attention. The two are pretty well acquainted with Earth. In fact, they might dare to say they prefer Earth over Heaven and Hell respectively. But when the antichrist turns ten, he’ll kick start Armageddon, and Aziraphale and Crowley won’t be able to live their peaceful lives. So the two hatch a plan: find the true antichrist, and find a way to stop him for destroying Earth. The shenanigans that follow though? Completely unplanned. I first watched the show, and then the book, and the wit and funny moments in both never fail to make me laugh. | |
| Recommended for: Fans of any Neil Gaiman book, and the witty lines that come with it. Middle school and up. | |
| Pachinko, Min Jun Lee | |
 | Keywords: Family, History |
| Description: Pachinko is a multi-generational story, starting from a couple who owns a boarding house. From there, the lives of their son, and his daughter, and everyone who follows paints the picture of what it was like in Korea when it was occupied by the Japanese. A tale spanning a little less than a century, Pachinko explores familial bonds and the struggles that people go to through live happily. The shift in perspective between new and old generations, along with the changing environment is what truly made this book enjoyable to me. | |
| Recommended for: Anyone who isn’t afraid of a story changing protagonists several times. High school and up. | |
| Reverend Insanity, Gu Zhen Ren | |
 | Keywords: Fantasy, World Building |
| Description: Fang Yuan is a monster in everyone’s eyes. Including his own. The difference is, everyone else treats it as a thing to be ashamed of, something to fix. Meanwhile, for Fang Yuan, it’s just a simple part of life. And when he finds a way to turn back time and start his journey of power fresh, he takes it, planning to become the strongest he can get. No matter the drawbacks, it will always be a one-man show for Fang Yuan. Though it was a long read, the world building is truly on another level, and the main character is written in such a way that the story doesn't get extremely boring. | |
| Recommended for: People who really like focusing on the journey one person goes through, with no solid/specific goal in mind other than improvement. Fans of any story focusing on survival, the gain of power/rising to power, etc. High school and up. | |
| Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, singNsong | |
 | Keywords: Drama, Apocalypse |
| Description: Kim Dokja is an ordinary man. Graduated from a third-rate university, got sent to the military for a while, and got a contract job at a game company. But since childhood, Dokja has been reading something called Three Ways of Survival every day for ten years, a web novel that releases its final chapter today. In fact, he’s been the sole reader of this story for a while, so when the author sends him a personal messaging thanking him for reading, Dokja thinks nothing of it. He even congratulates the author for winning a competition they said they won. But right at 7, on the subway home, the train starts shaking violently. A small creature floats in the air, explaining how the apocalypse has started and everyone would have to fight for themselves and blah blah blah… As the people around him start to panic, Dokja only has one thing on his mind: “Isn’t this exactly like Three Way of Survival??” This is the one story that will always remain my favorite, from the complexity of the characters to the little hints and details scattered throughout the entire story leading to the ending. | |
| Recommended for: People willing to dedicate a long time to one story, and willing to reread it to fully grasp the complex writing. High school and up. | |
| Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare | |
 | Keywords: Old-time play, Drama |
| Description: This is a tragedy. A tragedy with its fun and cute moments, but never forget that this is a tragedy. Set in 14th century Verona, Italy, we follow the story of two households who despise each other, and two lovers who get caught in this rivalry. With bold declarations of love, humorous comedy, taunting fights, and a fateful tipping point, Romeo and Juliet is a story of destiny and how everything is intertwined. Though the language was hard to understand, finding an online translation and doing some research about Shakespeare's background helped tie in all the elements and small details that were added in the play, and it is a reward to see how everything interconnects. | |
| Recommended for: People who are willing to look into the nuances that come with the time period in which this was written. High school and up. | |
| The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Mark Twain | |
 | Keywords: Funny, Growing Up |
| Description: Tom Sawyer’s just a boy. A hyperactive, rowdy boy, but still just a boy. The Adventures of Tom sawyer follow Tom in his shenanigans, from tricking boys into painting a fence for him, to running away to an island, to witnessing a murder. We witness Tom start to develop and mature, taking into consideration other’s feeling, thinking about things from a different perspective, and learning the nuances of life. It was a very fun to watch tomorrow Sawyer grow and mature and start to gain consciousness about other people in his life. | |
| Recommended for: Anyone who is willing to analyze the characters in a book a little bit more than normal. Middle school and up. | |
| If You Could See the Sun, Ann Liang | |
 | Keywords: Witty, Funny |
| Description: Alice is one of the star students of Airington International Boarding School. Top marks, always on task, perfect grades. Except one day her parents tell her they can’t afford the tuition anymore, even with her scholarship. However, with this bombshell comes another strange thing: Alice has been uncontrollably turning invisible. Instead of freaking out, she knows that she can use this to her advantage: by offering to do tasks secretly and completely anonymously, Alice can earn money to put towards her school tuition fees. But one thing leads to another, and when petty spying jobs turn into actual crimes, Alice has to decide how far she’ll go. This was one of my favorite romance books in terms of wit and circumstances, and the ending was more bittersweet than happy. | |
| Recommended for: Anyone who likes or wants a slow burn romance, or wants to read about stories in an academic setting. Middle school and up. | |
| Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, Ransom Riggs | |
 | Keywords: Mystery, Drama |
| Description: Jacob loves his grandfather, even if his stories are a little outlandish most of the time. Like when his grandfather claims to have been friends with a girl who could conjure fire from her hands, and a boy who was invisible. Eventually, Jacob learns that these stories couldn’t possibly be true. He becomes angry with his grandfather for a while, until he gets an emergency call. He rushes over, only to see his grandfather with wounds in his chest. Before dying, Jacob’s grandfather leaves him with a cryptic message to “find the bird in the loop.” Some time passes, and Jacob convinces his father to take a trip to Wales, where his grandfather attended a children’s home. When Jacob arrives, he learns that the children’s home is actually stuck in a time loop, and all the friends his grandfather spoke about were still there. Now stuck between two worlds, Jacob must make choices regarding the magical children and the protection of his own life. The story was very interesting to me, from the time loop to Jacob's role in both worlds. | |
| Recommended for: For anyone who loves a little unease and mystery. Middle school and up. | |
| Pax, Sara Pennypacker | |
 | Keywords: Bittersweet, Nostalgic |
| Description: A story about a boy and his pet fox. Separated by a war, Peter tries to find his way back to Pax, with the help of a war veteran named Vola. Pax, on the other hand, patiently awaits Peter’s return, meanwhile making friends with two other foxes named Bristle and Runt. One boy slowly making his way back to his friend with determination and stamina, and a fox who slowly gets accustomed to the new environment without losing hope. A reunion is near, but can things go back to the way they were? It was a very heartwarming story, and the ending makes you think about your own friends and family. | |
| Recommended for: Anyone who wants a nice animal story. Ages 10+. | |
| The Hate U Give, Angie Thomas | |
 | Keywords: Justice, Morality |
| Description: Starr is used to feeling out of place. How could she not be? She attends Williamson Prep, a school with mostly white kids, while she herself is black. But the divide between the white kids and the black kids doesn’t just stop at the social scene, a painful lesson Starr learns when her childhood friend Khalid is shot dead by a police officer. Even though a child has been brutally killed, no one really seems to care enough, even going so far as to ask whether Khalid was the problem. Starr realizes that these opinions could not continue, and starts to fight for what she knows is right. It made a very strong point about the racism, both pointed and casual, that happen in the modern day, and how it harms innocent people. | |
| Recommended for: People who like reading about the flaws in our society. Middle school and up. | |
| Ungifted, Gordon Korman | |
 | Keywords: Silly, Funny |
| Description: Donovan Curtis is your average hooligan; some mischief here, some mischief there, etc. And ye one thing leads to another, and he ends up destroying the school gym. By some luck however, he doesn’t get some harsh punishment, but is instead sent to the Academy for Scholastic Distinction. Now he must do everything in his power to make sure he isn’t outed as a fake, and stay out of the eyes of Dr. Schultz. No matter what grade I'm in, this is a story I always come back to, both for the laughs and how invested I get in the characters stories and development. | |
| Recommended for: Fans of wit and silly situations. Middle school and up. | |
| Circe, Madeline Miller | |
 | Keywords: Mythology, Drama |
| Description: The story follows Circe from her early childhood to the legend she has become today. From the workings of the gods, to falling in love with a mortal, and to getting banished, Circe records her growth and journey for us to follow. Numerous characters from other myths and fables appear was well, such as Odysseus, Daedalus, and Medea. It presented Circe's whole story through her own eyes, rather than the snippets of her we see in other famous tales. | |
| Recommended for: People who love Percy Jackson, and want it to lean more on the mythology side. Middle school and up. | |
| Song of Achilles, Madeline Miller | |
 | Keywords: Mythology, Drama |
| Description: This story is a spin-off of Homer’s Iliad from the eyes of Patroclus. It explores the friendship and eventual romance between Patroclus and Achilles. From their first encounter, to their training together, to their fateful tragedy in the Trojan War, the Song of Achilles explores fate, love, and loss. It presented the story of Achilles and Patroclus in a heartfelt way, and rather than feeling like the story of two strangers, it felt as if they were relatable people. | |
| Recommended for: Fans of Percy Jackson or anything of the sort. People who want their books to be more on the mythology side. Middle school and up. | |
| The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupery | |
 | Keywords: Sweet, Nostalgic |
| Description: A pilot has crashed into the Sahara. Among the endless sand dunes, what he doesn’t expect to find is a young prince who gleams like starlight. The pilot really has nothing to do, so he listens as the prince tells his story. From asteroids, to talking roses, to the people he’s talked to on other planets, the little prince tries to figure out what really matters in our lives. Even with it being catered to a younger audience, it takes maturity to understand what this book is trying to say about our daily lives and how we interact with everything around us. | |
| Recommended for: Anyone who wants to explore their own emotions and what means to be alive. Fifth grade and up. | |
| Eragon, Christopher Paolini | |
 | Keywords: Fantasy, Drama |
| Description: Eragon’s just a farmboy. What’s he supposed to do with a dragon egg, especially when it could get him in trouble? But when the dragon Saphira hatches, there’s nothing he can do. He’s going to have to become a Dragon Rider, even at the cost of his life. Aided by the town storyteller Brom, Eragon embarks on a journey that will change him forever. This was one of my favorite books that I decided to reread, and the intense story building along with the plot paired very well together. | |
| Recommended for: Fans of high fantasy and intense world building. Middle school and up. | |
| The Inheritance Games, Jennifer Lynn Barnes | |
 | Keywords: Mystery, Thriller |
| Description: Avery Grambs has her hands full: Living in her car most of the time, her half-sister Libby swearing her boyfriend has changed for the better, and a cafe job that barely pays enough. So of course when a guy in a suit with no wrinkles and perfect hair shows up saying she’s part of a multi-billion dollar inheritance, Avery thinks it’s a scam. Unfortunately for her, it’s not, and now that she’s been given a whopping 40 billion dollars and a huge mansion, the family of late billionaire Toby Hawthorne is less than pleased with her. However, there’s more to this than it seems, and now Avery and the Hawthornes must play a game to figure out the truth to this inheritance. I loved how fast paced this book was, as it didn't drag the plot or the drama. | |
| Recommended for: Fans of YA mysteries books. Middle schoolers and up. | |
| Where the Red Fern Grows, Wilson Rawls | |
 | Keywords: Witty, Heartwarming |
| Description: Billy Colman really wants two dogs, specifically coonhounds. He works for two years, saving up money wherever he can, and eventually gets two puppies, Old Dan and Little Ann. Together, the three become a fierce hunting trio, working to win various competitions and make a lot of money. However, as they grow closer and closer, and time keeps passing, Billy learns that nothing good lasts forever. I am recommending this book because the challenges and milestones Billy reaches and overcomes is inspiring, and every event will have you cheering on this boy and his dogs. | |
| Recommended for: For anyone who wants a heartwarming, bittersweet story. Ages 11+. | |
| The Naturals, Jennifer Lynn Barnes | |
 | Keywords: Gritty, Thriller |
| Description: Cassie Hobbes works a normal counter job, serving food and coffee to customers. What makes her amazing is her ability to judge what other people might like, like telling the boy sitting alone at the table that she thought he would prefer his eggs over-easy. However, the boy ends up giving Cassie a business card, and her keen observation skills gets her scouted by the FBI. She gets accepted into a secretive group called The Naturals, a group of kids who naturally excel at all sorts of things, like detecting lies and calculation. When a new killer strikes, the Naturals must work together and put all their skills to use to prevent the next murder. The psychological aspect of this book is well done, and the way one thing leads to another will keep you flipping pages for hours. | |
| Recommended for: Fans of the The Inheritance Games will love this, as it is by the same author. Ages 14+. | |
| Not Even Bones, Rebecca Schaeffer | |
 | Keywords: Revenge, Thriller |
| Description: Nita is a rare kind of supernatural-the type that can heal themselves. Despite this, she helps her mother dissect some of the more common ones (and some rare ones, if they can get their hands on them) to sell body parts on the black market. Everything is going smoothly, until she decides to save one person who she thought was innocent. And now she's the one stuck in the black market. There is no line she won't cross to never be on that side of the black market again, including destroying the lives of everyone involved. I recommend this book because revenge arcs are one of my favorite, and the careful planning and almost hunting-esque vibes this book had were very appealing. | |
| Recommended for: People in seventh grade and up. People who like dark thrillers. | |
| Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury | |
| Keywords: Dystopia, Political Fiction |
| Description: Guy Montag loves his job. Every day, he gets calls from the fire house, and they go to a location to burn traitors and felons who hide books from the government. He doesn't question anything, not the people in the houses screaming that books have meaning, not the way his wife is completely, utterly hypnotized by the TV screens in his home, and definitely not the head fireman's suspicious knowledge of literature. He doesn't question it, that is, until a girl who radiates energy like the moon and curiosity like a flower comes and asks him if he is truly, genuinely happy. The commentary this book has on modern problems, despite being published in 1953, makes the audience question many things about their own life. | |
| Recommended for: For people 14+ years. For people who want a dystopia with commentary on today's society. | |
| To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee | |
 | Keywords: Nostalgia, Morality, Growing Up |
| Description: Scout and Jem Finch look up to their just lawyer father, Atticus Finch. However, the rest of town don't feel the same for some of Atticus's ideologies. Through the eyes of Scout, the audience witnesses the hypocrisy of society, and how different people can be treated differently just because of their looks. Along with their imaginative friend Dill, Scout and Jim navigate growing up, maturity, and what justice truly means. I recommend this book because of the lessons it teaches, and how much more impactful those lessons are made through the eyes of a child. | |
| Recommended for: Anyone 6th grade and beyond. Anyone looking for a book with a slight nostalgic feeling. | |
| The Martian, Andy Weir | |
 | Keywords: Sci-fi, space, survival |
| Description: Mark Wanted is stranded on Mars. Alone. With a very limited number of supplies and an even lower chance of survival. With no way to contact Earth, he has to somehow survive for two years, until the next Mars ship is sent. With hurdle after hurdle, he slowly loses hope in being found. But unbeknownst to him, a few grainy satellite images might save his life... This book managed to make one person stranded on an alien planet actually be an interesting read, instead of a boring, stretched-out plot line. Every sentence makes you wonder how Mark solves his problems, and keeps you flipping pages frantically. A very good read! | |
| Recommended for: Fans of sci-fi and survival books. Ages 14 and up. | |
| Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck | |
 | Keywords: Classic Literature, real-world, relatable, hard decisions |
| Description: George Milton and Lenny Small have always had a hard time staying put, especially with Lenny getting into trouble one way or another. When they get run out of town because Lenny got entranced by a red dress, the duo tries one more time on a ranch miles away. Hoping to make enough money to get their own house, they converse with other ranch hands and people living on the ranch. Their dream feels just within reach, but is it really? The characters in Of Mice and Men feel like real people, with their variety of flaws and reasons for their flaws that make them feel like they could be any one of us. The decisions, the insecurities, and the constant mistrust reflect both the time of the Great Depression, when this book was written, as well as the world today. | |
| Recommended for: Ages 13 and up, for people who want their characters to feel like real, relatable people. People who enjoy learning more the second read around. | |
| There There, Tommy Orange | |
 | Keywords: Contemporary, indigenous, trauma |
| Description: This novel follows the perspective of twelve characters from Native American communities. All of their separate journeys converge at the Big Oakland Powwow. Every character as a different relationship to their heritage, exploring what it means to be a Native American. I like this book because of its unconventional way of conveying a story of a commonly overlooked group of people. | |
| Recommended for: Those aged 14 and above. Anyone looking for a book with many perspectives and voices. | |
| The Mystery Knight, George R.R. Martin | |
 | Keywords: Fantasy, mystery, novella |
| Description: This is the third book in the Dunk and Egg series. The duo travel to a wedding tournament, but underneath the surface, conspiracy brews. As Dunk enters the lists, the true identity of Egg threatens to be revealed. Dunk and Egg must uncover this plot before the tournament turns into something even more deadly. This is probably my favorite of the series. The characters are fun, but the plot is interesting and mysterious. We even get a reveal of an extremely important side character from the main series at the end. | |
| Recommended for: Young adults and anyone over the age of 14 would enjoy this novella. Anyone who enjoyed the previous two installments. | |
| Flowers for Algernon, Daniel Keyes | |
 | Keywords: sad, existential |
| Description: This story follows a man named Charlie Gordon, who has a low IQ, as he goes through an experimental process to increase his IQ. After first being tested on a lab mouse named Algernon, Charlie volunteers for the experiment because he wants to be treated like others. He experiences quick intellectual and emotional growth, allowing him to create relationships and experience life in a new way. Because of the haste to make this experiment useful in humans, they didn't wait to see the long term affect of the experiment. Algernon slowly starts to deteriorate, before leading to his untimely death. After Charlie learns the outcome, he brings flowers to Algernon's grave, now realizing his newfound intelligence was temporary. He begins to regress mentally, and eventually must go live in a home. I enjoyed how this book challenges the morality of experimentation. And it looks into the treatment of people with mental disabilities. We see in the book how Charlie was treated due to his mental abilities, and the tragic effect some experiments can lead to. | |
| Recommended for: People aged 14+ | |
| Lord of the Flies, William Golding | |
| Keywords: Violent, Action-packed, Primal, Allegory |
| Description: This story follows a group of boys after they get stranded on a remote island. Forced to fend for themselves, they face challenges of survival and power dynamics. They try to create their own society, but some of the boys begin to become infatuated with hunting and becoming more primal. This causes a divide between the boys, one half wanting to create a community with rules, and the other reverting to savagery. Eventually, we see this lead to chaos and murder. Forcing the boys to grow up and lose their innocence. I really enjoy how this story challenges the idea that people are inherently evil and how fragile civility is. We see throughout the story how the lack of structure leads to chaos and a regression to more primitive ways, even in young boys. | |
| Recommended for: People aged 16+ or anyone who enjoys a more graphic way to challenge classic themes or lessons. | |
| Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck | |
 | Keywords: friendship, prejudice, American Dream, somber |
| Description: This book follows two lifelong friends, George and Lennie, as they travel for work, in hopes of owning their own farm. To protect Lennie, George takes a paternal role over him, as he has intellectual disabilities. Without the mental capability to know right from wrong, Lennie accidentally kills a woman, forcing George to send Lennie into the woods. In an attempt to protect Lennie from the manhunt against him, he ultimately decides to save Lennie from a worse fate at the hands of the men in town. I enjoy books that challenge the way people think. People are taught that anyone can achieve the American Dream. But this book highlighted the issues with chasing the American dream and how hard it really is to achieve. As well as the blatant prejudice against Lennie for his mental disabilities, and how class can affect the way people treat others. | |
| Recommended for: People aged 15+ | |
| The Fine Print, Lauren Asher | |
 | Keywords: Addictive, Steamy, Romantic |
| Description: The Fine Print by Lauren Asher is the first book in the Dreamland Billionaires series. It follows Rowan Kane a billionaire who is forced to change the park and Zahra Gulian, who works at the Dreamland Park. Their story follows an enemies-to-lovers relationship. I like that this theme park resembles Disneyland. I love the song playlist that Lauren Asher chose for this novel. Zahra is a great character because she isn't afraid to speak up for herself and her employees. She is an independent women. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for ages 16 and up due to mature content. This is a romance book that centers "grumpy-sunshine" trope. | |
| It’s Not Summer Without You, Jenny Han | |
 | Keywords: Nostalgic, Emotional, Somber |
| Description: It's Not Summer Without You by Jenny Han is the second book in The Summer I Turned Pretty series. It follows Belly dealing with the result of her first love. She navigates through a difficult death and leading a reunite to Cousins Beach. This book is so hooking that you really feel they are real people dealing with struggles. There are so many characters I related to so it definitely was a great read. This novel will leave you experiencing every emotion. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for ages 12 and up due to its clean love triangle. It is an entertaining love triangle. | |
| The Summer I Turned Pretty, Jenny Han | |
 | Keywords: Bittersweet, Romantic, Protective |
| Description: The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han that follows Isabel "Belly" Conklin's journey to the age of 16. For the Summer she visits Cousins Beach with her family as well as the Fisher family. She finds her crushes that are brothers, Jeremiah and Conrad who finally notice her. This causes emotional love and shifting relationships. I really like the love triangle that follows in this story. The characters are fun and it is such a good summer read. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for ages 12 and up. It is a fun love triangle read. | |
| It Ends with Us, Colleen Hoover | |
 | Keywords: Emotional, Powerful, Heartbreaking |
| Description: It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover is a romance novel that follows a young woman, Lily Bloom, who begins a relationship with a neurosurgeon, Ryle Kincaid. Although her past lover, Atlas Corrigan, resurfaces forcing her to confront love, and her future. One of my favorite quotes from this novel is "There is no such thing as bad people. We're all just people who sometimes do bad things." I like Colleen Hoover's writing style. It was an easy fast-paced read. This novel was very emotional read, and it prioritizes finding self-love. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for ages 16 and older due to domestic violence, sexual assault, and emotional trauma. If you enjoy "gut-wrenching" stories, this book is for you. | |
| Taming 7, Chloe Walsh | |
 | Keywords: Funny, Emotional, Romantic |
| Description: Taming 7 by Chloe Walsh is the fifth book in the Boys of Tommen series. The story dives into Gerard Gibson's dark past, and Claire Biggs who tries to heal him from his past. Gerard is known for being the funny character but is really struggling with grief and using humor as a coping mechanism. Together they will try to heal from a traumatic past. I really like these characters backstory. Especially Gibsie because he went through so much and still managed to put on a smile on his face. His character is really funny I was always laughing at his jokes. And Clare is his "sunshine" who always cared for him. She is a great burst of energy and is what Gibsie needed. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for ages 16 and up due to its mature content and strong language. It contains childhood-friends-to-lovers trope! | |
| Redeeming 6, Chloe Walsh | |
 | Keywords: Emotional, Heartbreaking, Intense |
| Description: Redeeming 6 by Chloe Walsh is the fourth book in the Boys of Tommen Series, that continues the story of Joey Lynch and Aoife Malloy. As they navigate childhood trauma, and addiction recovery, they find a way to rebuild trust. I really like the character development Joey and Aoife go through. They face so many obstacles together but their chemistry really holds them on. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for ages 16 and up due to drug abuse, and mature content. If you love an emotional read you will enjoy this book. | |
| Saving 6, Chloe Walsh | |
 | Keywords: Romantic, Emotional, Hopeful |
| Description: Saving 6 by Chloe Walsh is the third book in the Boys of Tommen series. It follows the backstory of Joey Lynch and Aoife Malloy. Joey Lynch is the protector of his family since a young age. He develops a complicated relationship with Aoife, and as he works for her father she uncovers his secrets. I really liked this backstory of the characters, Aoife and Joey. He goes through devastating battles at a young age, and always yearned for Aoife Malloy. She is a relatable character who struggles with personal conflicts herself. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for ages 16 and up due to mature content, and addiction. This book involves heavy emotional trauma, and first love. | |
| To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee | |
 | Keywords: Coming-of-age, classic, justice |
| Description: This coming-of-age story follows a young Scout Finch, who lives in Maycomb, Alabama. Her father, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer who defends a black man falsely accused of a crime. Scout and her brother Jem navigate through the mysteries of their neighborhood, and learn lessons about prejudice and empathy. This piece of classic literature does a great job at telling a charming childhood story, while also showing complex themes of racial inequality, prejudice, and morality. | |
| Recommended for: Ages 12 and up. Those who enjoy classic literature, coming-of-age stories, social justice. | |
| Anthem, Ayn Rand | |
 | Keywords: Novella, individualism, dystopian |
| Description: This book tells of a future where the concept of "I" has been destroyed from the language, and society is a collective "We." A young man finds a tunnel from the past, and there he conducts forbidden scientific experiments and gains individualism. Eventually, he escapes to the wilderness with a desire to rediscover the ego and the self. I like this book due to its short and powerful nature. It tells of the simple human desire to be unique. | |
| Recommended for: Ages 14 and up. Those interested in political philosophy. | |
| 1984, George Orwell | |
 | Keywords: Dystopian, totalitarianism, revolution |
| Description: This book follows Winston Smith in a future world where Big Brother monitors your every move. In this world, everything is controlled by the government, and even thoughts are limited. Smith works at the Ministry of Truth, rewriting history. A growing desire for rebellion leads him into a hopeless battle against a power that demands total submission. I like this book at is serves as a warning of the dangers of totalitarianism and propaganda. Many of the concepts are still used today to describe how language and the truth can not be definitive. | |
| Recommended for: Ages 14+, those who enjoy dystopian settings. Or anyone wanting a better understanding of totalitarian governments. | |
| Rebecca, Daphne Du Maurier | |
 | Keywords: Gothic, romance, thriller |
| Description: This book follows an unnamed female protagonist, who married a rich widower. She finds that his estate, Manderley is haunted by the ghost of his first wife, Rebecca. The heroine must deal with a sinister housekeeper and the expectations of the great Rebecca. A dark secret is revealed though, that changes everything. I like this book as it is extremely suspenseful, and always keeps you on your toes. There isn't a lot of sappy romance, but I think that it is for the better. | |
| Recommended for: 13 and above. Those who enjoy gothic settings, or psychological thrillers. | |
| Slaughterhouse-Five, Kurt Vonnegut | |
 | Keywords: Sci-fi, anti-war, existentialism |
| Description: This book follows the life of Billy Pilgrim. Billy has become "unstuck in time" and experiences his life out of order. He jumps from his experiences as a POW in WWII, to even an alien zoo. This book raises anti-war themes and highlights absurd ideas. This book may be a tough read due to how the plot works, but the dark humor is enjoyable. It uses sci-fi in a very unconventional way, while also providing insight on familiar themes. | |
| Recommended for: Ages 16 and above. Those who enjoy dark humor and non-linear plots. | |
| A Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled Hosseini | |
 | Keywords: Historical, emotional, powerful |
| Description: This book spanned three decades of Afghani history. It follows the lives of two women, Mariam and Laila. They are brought together through war, and form an unexpected bond. Together, they try to endure great hardships and trauma through the hands of their shared husband. Even though this book is extremely traumatic and heartbreaking, it also shows beautiful relationships. This is probably the only book to make me cry. | |
| Recommended for: Adults and mature teens due to explicit violence and themes. Those who enjoy powerful and emotional historical fiction. | |
| Frankenstein, Mary Shelley | |
 | Keywords: gothic, sci-fi, classic |
| Description: A brilliant and obsessed scientist under the name of Victor Frankenstein is successful in bringing a creature to life using separate body parts. He is first horrified by his creation and runs away. The creature, often referred to as "Frankenstein's Monster" has great intelligence and is desperate for love and affection. He is only met with hatred however, because of his appearance. As a result, he goes on a quest of revenge against his creator. This is a timeless class that laid the foundation for the science fiction genre. It raises morally ambiguous questions, that are constantly asked today. | |
| Recommended for: Ages 15+, Anyone interested in science fiction. Those interested in classic literature. | |
| The Sworn Sword, George R.R. Martin | |
 | Keywords: Fantasy, novella, character-driven |
| Description: This novella is a continuation of The Hedge Knight. Dunk and Egg find themselves in the service of an old knight during the time of an extreme drought. What starts as a simple dispute over a river transforms into a wound-opening conflict. Dunk must discover what is means to be a true knight. Even though the previous installment has a more compelling and fast-paced plot, I really enjoy the lore building and characters in this book. | |
| Recommended for: Young adults and anyone over the age of 14 would enjoy this novella. It is a much lighter book in comparison to the rest of the series. | |
| The Hedge Knight, George R.R. Martin | |
 | Keywords: prequel, fantasy, short-story |
| Description: This short story is set about a century before A Game of Thrones. It follows our protagonist Dunk, who is a very tall but humble squire to takes up his dead master's arms to fight in a tournament. On the way, we picks up a bald boy named Egg to be his squire. This motley duo navigate the social hierarchies and dangers of a Targaryen ruled Westeros. I like this book as it is quite a departure from the main series, in terms of both tone and theme. This is a much more stereotypical fantasy story, but not in a bad way. It has likeable characters and a wholesome ending, but not without conflict. | |
| Recommended for: Young adults and anyone over the age of 14 would enjoy this novella. It is a much lighter book in comparison to the rest of the series. | |
| A Storm of Swords, George R.R. Martin | |
 | Keywords: Fantasy, grim, high-stakes |
| Description: The war in Westeros reaches its peak as the contenders who remain grow increasingly desperate. This third installment follows the destruction of families, striking betrayals, and the rise of underdogs. The supernatural threat North grows, rendering the southern conflict meaningless, as Daenerys Targaryen gains more power in the East. I recommend this book as it is the culmination of two books of conflict, and is often considered the best book in the entire series. | |
| Recommended for: Adults and mature teens (17+). Fans of the series, those who enjoy medieval fantasy. | |
| A Clash of Kings, George R.R. Martin | |
 | Keywords: Strategy, military, alliances |
| Description: This book is the second book the A Song of Ice and Fire series. It directly follows the events of the first. The Seven Kingdoms of Westeros are split as five leaders all compete for the Iron Throne. As civil war rages in the countryside, power brews in the eastern continent of Essos. Alliances are fluid, and the first signs of real magic return to the world. I like this book because it really focuses on military strategy, it is interesting to see the unique battle philosophies of each faction. | |
| Recommended for: Adults and mature teens (17+). Those who enjoyed the previous book, or like military strategy and politics. | |
| A Game of Thrones, George R. R. Martin | |
 | Keywords: Fantasy, medieval, politics |
| Description: This book is the first installment in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, which was adapted into a HBO show. It tells of a fantasy world of Westeros in which the nobles houses are pulled into a conflict for the Iron Throne. After the Hand of the Kind dies under mysterious circumstances, Lord Eddard Stark goes to the capital to investigate. There, he discovers a plethora of political schemers, while an existential, supernatural threat looms in the North. I recommend this books as it turns typical fantasy tropes on its head, and it is realistic to how humans act. It is sometimes tiring when the good guy(s) always beat the one-dimensional big bad. | |
| Recommended for: Adults and teens (17+) due to graphic violence and language. Anyone interested in fantasy, or those who watched the show and are interested in the book. | |
| Keeping 13, Chloe Walsh | |
 | Keywords: Romantic, Emotional, Heartfelt |
| Description: Keeping 13 by Chloe Walsh is the second book in the Boys of Tommen series, that continues the story of Shannon Lynch and Johnny Kavanagh. They navigate through their trauma and high school drama. Shannon is trying to protect her siblings, while Johnny is struggling with his future and battles of Shannon. I really love the slow burn romance in this novel. It was written quite well. I was intrigued of learning about Irish in 2005. Some characters are based off real people that Chloe Walsh is familiar with and someone that represents her. It is great to get to know a part of her life. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this novel for ages 16 and up due to strong language, and drug use. It is a heartfelt read that deals with heavy trauma involving sport romance. | |
| Twisted Lies, Ana Huang | |
 | Keywords: Romantic, Exciting, Action-packed |
| Description: Twisted Lies by Ana Huang is the fourth book in the Twisted series. It follows a shy social media influencer, Stella Alonso, and her landlord, Christian Harper, a really powerful CEO. They can't have a public appearance but then Stella gets threatened by a stalker that challenges their relationship. I recommend this book for people who enjoy a fake-dating trope. It is the final book in the Twisted series that deals with hidden desires and a passionate secret relationship. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for ages 17 and older due to mature themes, and strong language. This is popular for its "fake dating" trope. | |
| Twisted Hate, Ana Huang | |
 | Keywords: Romantic, Intense, Emotional |
| Description: Twisted Hate by Ana Huang is the third book in the Twisted series. It follows a soon to be doctor, Josh Chen, and a future lawyer, Jules Ambrose, who have intense hatred towards each other. This explodes into a relationship with strict rules, but with their past it threatens to destroy everything they built. I recommend this book because it is a good enemies to lovers, and it is the most realistic love story in the series. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for ages 18 and up due to mature themes, including violence. It is quite a steamy "enemies to lovers" story. | |
| Twisted Games, Ana Huang | |
 | Keywords: Romantic, Funny, Action-packed |
| Description: Twisted Games by Ana Huang is the second book in the Twisted series. This story follows a bodyguard, Rhys Larsen,and a beautiful princess, Bridget von Ascheberg, who falls into a forbidden relationship that threatens her kingdom. This can be read as a stand alone, and is known for its "enemies-to-lovers" trope. I recommend this book because it is one of the best enemies-to-lovers books I have read. It is very engaging and the character development is written well. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for ages 16 and older due to mature themes, and intense romantic situations. This novel is a royal romance, so if you love that you will enjoy this book. | |
| If He Had Been With Me, Laura Nowlin | |
 | Keywords: Loving, Intense, Inseparable |
| Description: If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin is a YA romance that follows Autumn exploring her childhood best friend, Finny, in their journey in high school. They share unspoken feelings for each other. This book was an emotional read for me. It showed how people drift apart in high school and having other partners. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for ages 14 and up due to grief and depression. If you are looking for a good cry, this book is for you. | |
| Frankenstein, Mary Shelley | |
 | Keywords: Ambitious, Miserable, Remorseful |
| Description: Frankenstein by Mary Shelly is a gothic tale that follows Victor Frankenstein, who discovers a secret of life. He is horrified by what he created, so he abandons it. The creature seeks revenge against his creator leading to a tragic chase around Geneva. I like the deep psychological theme that we get to explore towards the responsibility of Victor's creation. It was interesting that this book is told through letters, Victor's side of the story, and the creature's story. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for ages 15 and over due to its gothic horror, and complex themes. If you love gothic horror, you will enjoy this novel. | |
| Just for the Summer, Abby Jimenez | |
 | Keywords: Bittersweet, Emotional, Healing, Playful |
| Description: Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez follows Justin and Emma who share a "curse": every person they date finds their true soulmate after breaking up with them. They meet online and agree to date each other and then break up to end their cycle. Things start to get complicated when they start falling for each other while dealing with their own personal struggles. I really like how well this book is written. It is a funny read but also dives into the character's struggles. It focuses on letting people in while exploring responsibility. One of my favorite quotes from this novel is "It's easier to leave before anyone has the chance to leave you." | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this novel for ages 16 and over due to mature themes. This novel is a runny and emotionally intense read, so if you love rom coms, this one is for you! | |
| Beach Read, Emily Henry | |
 | Keywords: Heartfelt, Romantic, Funny |
| Description: Beach Read by Emily Henry follows a romance writer, January Andrews, who no longer believes in love, and a literary fiction author, Augustus Everett, who is her college rival, but also living next door. Both are struggling with writer's block, so they decide to swap genres for a summer. They make a bet to see who can sell their book the fastest, leading to unexpected romance. This book is realistically written in a way that shows messy humans rather than a"perfect" or over idealized. I really liked that the characters swapped their perspective's because it adds a funny storyline. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for ages 16 and up due to string language and mature content. If you love romance novels with "realistic" characters you will enjoy this one. | |
| Binding 13, Chloe Walsh | |
 | Keywords: Emotional, Romantic, Raw, Addictive |
| Description: Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh is a slow-burn Irish YA romance, set in 2005, that follows Shannon Lynch who transfers to a new school escaping her trauma. She finds an unexpected Rugby player who protects her through her battles. Their story explores an emotional bond and eventual romance. This novel was a great easy read and I was up all night reading this. The writing style is perfect, you read it in their accents. The ending was a big cliffhanger and I was onto the next book and devoured it as well. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for ages 16 and up due to bullying, intense language, and other mature themes. If you love slow-burn, emotional high school romance with comforting themes, you will enjoy this book. | |
| Twisted Love, Ana Huang | |
 | Keywords: Passionate, Intense, Romantic |
| Description: Twisted Love by Ana Huang is the first book in the Twisted series that follows Alex Volkov, a heartless man, who needs to take care of his best friend's sister, Ava Chen, a photographer with a hidden past. Together their story follows a forbidden romance. I am recommending this book because it is a well written "brother's best friend" romance novel. Ana Huang does an excellent job at writing amazing characters. Their story is an emotional path but it is wonderful to see their character developments. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for ages 18 and over due to mature themes of relationships, and violence. This is a great "grumpy sunshine" trope. | |
| The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson | |
 | Keywords: Sci-fi, Mysterious, Grim, Grotesque |
| Description: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde follows Mr. Utterson, a lawyer from late 1800s London. He learns from his cousin, Mr. Enfield about a man named Mr. Hyde who trampled a young girl. Mr. Enfield then demanded that Mr. Hyde give the young girl's family compensation money. However, this checked had been signed by a well respected, distinguished gentleman, Dr. Jekyll, who happens to be friends with Mr. Utterson. Mr. Utterson has been concerned with Dr. Jekyll lately, for he has been becoming more and more distant. What's worse, Dr. Jekyll has rewritten his will to make the Mr. Hyde the sole inheritor of his money. Suspicion continues with Mr. Hyde becoming more violent, and Dr. Jekyll jumping between periods of his past, outgoing self, and periods of him being more distant and hidden than ever before. Everyone knows the basic concept of Jekyll and Hyde. Experiencing the full story is what makes this one of my favorite Halloween, horror reads. It's a classic and one of the first sci-fi novels ever written. It's one of those books where it's handy to have the book in one hand and a dictionary in the other. Although the language is challenging, that's only what makes it more engaging. | |
| Recommended for: I would recommend this book to anyone 13+. Particularly if you are looking for a good, short, sci-fi horror read. It is a little bloody, so if that makes you squeamish, maybe not your book. Also, as stated before, the language is challenging, but I'd still recommend an unabridged version if you can find one. Perhaps one with foot notes if you really struggle with that. | |
| Antigone, Sophocles | |
 | Keywords: Morality, loyalty, pride, fate, grim, family |
| Description: This play follows Antigone, who defies her father, the King, for her own moral purposes. This sparks issues within their family and kingdom. As this is now an issue between following the laws or following your heart. This disagreement pushes issues through all family relationships, leading to untimely deaths and ending up alone. What happens when people who value power and those who value morals clash? This book is a classic play about a tragic heroine, which I think everyone should read. It allows you to question what traits you value most. And the consequences of going against laws and morals. | |
| Recommended for: People aged 15+, anyone who enjoys plays about tragic heroes. | |
| Moby Dick, Herman Melville | |
 | Keywords: Revenge, obsession, human nature, action-packed, classic |
| Description: This story follows a sailor named Ishmael as he joins Captain Ahab on a whaling ship. Throughout the story, we see recollections of the trip as Captain Ahab becomes obsessed with killing the great white whale that previously took his leg. As the story progresses, Ahab shows he will stop at nothing to enact his revenge upon the whale. Constantly putting his crew in harm's way, he allows his emotions to cloud his judgment. This book follows classic ideas such as man vs. nature and human obsession, which I find extremely entertaining. This is also a classic story that everyone should read. | |
| Recommended for: People 15+, anyone who enjoys American Renaissance writing, and classic stories. | |
| A Raisin in the Sun, Lorraine Hansberry | |
 | Keywords: Dreams, Segregation, Hardship, Hope |
| Description: This book follows an African-American family in the 1940's, a time in which segregation was extremely prevalent, preventing people of color from socially and economically advancing in America. The Younger family has to decide how to spend the $10,000 they got from life insurance. Each was trying to get the money for their individual dreams, which would typically be unattainable for people of color during this time. In the end, Mama decides to purchase a house in a majority white neighborhood, which sparks them being the target of racism, hoping to set future generations up for wealth and success. This story follows this family through disagreement, racial discrimination during segregation, and drive to attain the American Dream. This book shows how society was systematically set up against people of color and shows just how hard it was for them to socially and economically advance. | |
| Recommended for: Teens aged 13+, anyone interested in the effect of the American Dream on people of color. | |
| The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde | |
 | Keywords: Witty, Funny, Absurd, Playful |
| Description: This book offers a witty, satirical approach to Victorian social expectations. It follows Jack Worthing and Algernon Moncrieff through their encounters with alternate identities, using them to escape any social expectations/obligations. Which eventually proved problematic and confusing in their prospective love lives. The way the story plays out, it hints at the title, how important it is to be earnest. I found this book really funny, and I enjoyed how it poked fun at social norms. Especially considering the time period it was written in, showing rebellion through writing, which would typically not be accepted. | |
| Recommended for: This book is recommended for teenagers aged 16+. And anyone who enjoys Oscar Wilde's satirical approach to social expectations and class. | |
| Hamlet, William Shakespeare | |
 | Keywords: Revenge, Mortality, Corruption, Indecisive |
| Description: Hamlet follows the story of Young Prince Hamlet, who goes mad seeking revenge for his father's murder. Hamlet goes through moments of insanity and contemplating life and death. Throughout the story, we see how love and revenge can affect someone and their relationships with people around them. Seeing how, when people let their feelings control them, rather than thinking before acting, it can be detrimental to everyone involved. Hamlet was really engaging to me; I was constantly hooked, wanting to know what would happen next. It also helped understand the importance of thinking before acting. Famous Quote: "To be, or not to be, that is the question." | |
| Recommended for: Anyone who enjoys reading Shakespeare's tragic love stories, or teens 16+. | |
| Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom | |
 | Keywords: Heartbreaking, Inspirational, Heartfelt |
| Description: This book follows the heartbreaking and inspirational story of Morrie Schwartz, a teacher and mentor who was diagnosed with ALS. In the beginning of the story, we see Morrie's impact on people before his diagnosis, offering his students life advice and companionship, sparking meaningful relationships, particularly with Mitch. Later in his life, after a TV interview regarding his diagnosis, Mitch reconnected with Morrie to learn more about the important things in life and to offer Morrie love and support. Over time, after deciding to dedicate Tuesdays to each other, Mitch began recording their meetings to capture Morrie's insights into life. As the story progresses, we see how ALS affects a person in such a short amount of time. How it slowly regresses a person to nearly nothing before ultimately killing them. In the end, Mitch and Morrie were able to produce something that could help someone understand life more, deal with grief, and try to understand the effects of ALS, a disease that currently has no cure. This book offered an insight into the meaning of life, navigating grief, and a look into the life of someone with ALS. While it was extremely heartbreaking, I found it to be extremely inspirational and made me want to learn more about ALS. | |
| Recommended for: This book is recommended for teenagers and young adults, as well as anyone learning to navigate life. It may also be helpful to anyone who is learning to deal with grief. | |
| A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, Holly Jackson | |
 | Keywords:Addictive, Analytical, Action-packed |
| Description:A Good Girl's Guide To Murder by Holly Jackson is a YA mystery that follows Pippa Fitz-Amobi, who investigates a closed murder suicide for her school project. She believes that the accused boy is innocent and wants to prove herself right. She uncovers many secrets of the town, and puts herself in danger to hunt for the real killer. I really like the relatable characters Holly Jackson created. It is packed with twists that will keep you hooked from start to finish. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for ages 14 and up due to themes suitable for teens. If you love a mystery book you will love this one. | |
| Looking for Alaska, John Green | |
 | Keywords: Heartbreaking, Unpredictable, Nostalgic |
| Description: Looking for Alaska is about Miles Halter who leaves for boarding school in Alabama. He meets a rebellious group where he meets Alaska Young. They navigate first love, friendship, and a life altering event. This book will change the way you think about life. It will teach you to follow your gut no matter what situation you are in. It was an easy fast-pace read that has really great life lessons. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for ages 15 and older due to mature themes. This book is for people who enjoy an emotional read. | |
| The Housemaid, Freida McFadden | |
 | Keywords: Action-packed, Chilling, Addictive, Twisty |
| Description: Millie Calloway is a young woman with a tough criminal record desperate for a fresh start. After living in a car, she is shocked to be hired as a Housemaid that gets to live in the house. The Winchesters, a wealthy family living in an amazing mansion. As she gets closer to the family she realizes the family's secrets are dangerous. I recommend this book because it was so plot twisting. I read it in one sitting from how hooked I was. It was a chilling experience and you would think everyone of the characters is lying... I like how well Freida McFadden wrote this novel. It is one of my favorite thrillers. | |
| Recommended for: I would recommend this book for ages 16 and up due to violence, and thriller themes. If you love a chilling thriller this one is for you. | |
| Once Upon a Broken Heart, Stephanie Garber | |
 | Keywords: Romantic, Funny, Intense, Magical |
| Description: Once Upon a Broken Heart is a young adult fantasy romance that follows Evangeline Fox, who encounters a dangerous deal with Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, to stop her one true love from marrying her stepsister. In order to receive his help, she must kiss three people of Jacks choosing. This book is filled with magic, chaotic themes, and a journey to the Magnificent North. I love the magic in this fun read. It is a great fairytale romance that will leave you feeling every emotion. I highly recommend to read the Caraval series before starting Once Upon a Broken Heart because Caraval provides an important backstory for Jacks. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for ages 13 and up. It is a fun fantasy read, if you love that you will definitely enjoy it. | |
| The Silent Patient, Alex Michaelides | |
 | Keywords: Intense, Unsettling, Fast-paced, Cinematic |
| Description: The Silent Patient is a psychological thriller that focuses on Alicia Berenson, a painter who refuses to speak after murdering her husband. Theo Faber, Criminal psychotherapist, is obsessed with unclocking her voice. He investigates her past trying to unlock her motive, leading to a shocking twist. I really loved the plot twisting tension in this novel. It is very fast-paced and will have you hooked from the beginning. The author Alex Michaelides did a very well job with this book. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for ages 16 and up due to mature elements. It is a psychological thriller containing strong language and moderate violence.. | |
| The Naturals, Jennifer Lynn Barnes | |
| Keywords:Fast-paced, mysterious, romantic, addictive |
| Description:This book follows a 17 year old Cassie Hobbes, who is recruited into a top secret FBI program for young teenagers with natural crime solving skills. She meets other gifted teens and together they work to solve cold cases and face a dangerous serial killer that resembles her dark past. This book had me HOOKED from the beginning. It was a nice easy read and it was fun learning each individual teens natural gift. The characters are unique and it includes a popular love triangle. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for ages 13 and up. If you love murder investigations, this book is for you. | |
| Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom | |
 | Keywords: Heartfelt, Reflective, Inspiring |
| Description: Mitch Albom reconnects with his old university professor after 15 years. Unfortunately, his professor, Morrie, is slowly going through a fatal disease. Morrie chooses to spend the time he has left being positive. He has a unique perspective of life which is shared in this memoir. I recommend this book because it has complex philosophies talked into simple stories. It addresses many topics such as forgiveness, marriage, relationships, etc. Morrie gives the most "raw" impact about advice in life. My favorite quote from this memoir is "The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come in." - Morrie Schwartz Recommended for: I recommend this book for ages 13 and older due to mature themes of grief and death and anyone seeking an inspirational, heartfelt quick read. | |
| A Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled Hosseini | |
| | Keywords: Grim, Historical, Moving, Heart-Breaking, Powerful |
| Description: Set in Afghanistan, it moves through time within the perspective of two women. It starts in the Soviet occupation, into a time of war and unbalance, and then into Taliban rule. It starts off with Mariam, one of the women, as she lives in a rural area, fostering a difficult relationship with each of her parents. It follows her life through marriage, children, and struggling to belong in a world where she's expected to cook, clean, raise children, and never speak out of turn. The story then moves to Laila who has grown up in Kabul with a progressive family who also has a complicated relationship. Their lives change and intermingle as political unrest and disasters rushes its way through Afghanistan. It's not a book directly talking about history, giving a timeline of wars and random names you won't remember. It gives meaning and perspectives to the individual lives being affected. Through the view of the two women, it shows the struggles they had to face being under the control for the Taliban and battling with the cultural ideas in that time. It shows how the wars and decisions of the government had an impact on people, on families. It helps you to understand the reality and the harsh lives they have faced. It's a book that sticks with you for a while. It makes you value your life and the freedoms we have here. It's just a riveting book. Recommended for: This book is for someone who wants to read something impactful. Many know of Hosseini's other book, The Kite Runner. Like that book, this one is also set in Afghanistan and carries heavy themes. I'd recommend it being an older age read as it has themes of war, violence, death, forced marriages, abuse, and miscarriages. Overall, as much as it is a good book, it is a very heavy book and a few times I had to take a pause while reading it. | |
| There There, Tommy Orange | |
| Keywords: Exciting, Sad, Informative, Tense, Unflinching, Interconnected, Honest |
| Description: In a new view of Native American culture in a new age, Orange highlights individual stories of people in different generations, races, classes, and identities. Each chapter is set from a new person's perspective, all of which are all coming together at the Big Oakland Powwow. It explores how each person's life has been affected by time and place as well as culture and upbringing. It brings in the idea of the "Urban Indian" and how each identifies with it. This book gave me a new view of America and the people that occupied it long before European countries discovered it. In most book and movie adaptations, they focus on the killing of Natives from disease and violence, the taking of land, some white savior ideas set in a historical background. As important it is to learn the past, we also need to highlight the present. This includes the fallout of colonizing tribes, trying to maintain native culture in a modern context, the idea of what being "enough Native" is, and the struggles they still face related to systematic racism, prejudice, and poverty. This book focuses on all of that and does very well sharing different perspectives. It was a very interesting book with a powerful ending. For being his debut book, Orange uses it to cement himself as an important and persuasive writer and I look forward to reading some of his other stories. | |
| Recommended for: Anyone who wants a new and modern perspective on Native American culture and the shift towards urban practices. Some heavy themes of alcoholism, death, violence, abuse, generational trauma, suicide, poverty, and colonization. In two parts, some direct history is narrated by the author that is heavy. It highlights the horrible things that have been committed against Natives and how they have suffered. So I'd recommend 16+ read this book. | |
| Fairy Tale, Stephen King | |
 | Keywords: Funny, Adventurous, Page-Turner, Interesting |
| Description:It's unlike other Stephan King books. One of his newer ones, it follows a young boy who saves an old man after he fell and broke his leg. The boy takes on the role of caregiver for the anti-social, grouchy man. Through this he learns of his past, finding something supernatural in his backyard. After the man dies, it's all left to him, the house, the dog, the giant well to another world. In there, he meets new people and learns about their troubling history. The young boy becomes an unlikely hero in this adventure-fantasy novel very different from King's usual wiring style. This book was far from what I expected and I found it rather fun. Some reviewers disliked it as it was not a usual Stephan King book but I found it refreshing. It was an adventure book in a new world with interesting characters and plot points with elements of King's typical horror/mystery style thrown in. It was a good book to start the year with and I got really involved in it. Give it a chance. It may not be like his other books, but King's storytelling is detailed and interesting, leading to a turning of page after page at 3 am to finish it. | |
| Recommended for: Recommended for teens aged 16 and up. It doesn't have the same effect as some of his other books though it can follow some heavy themes like parental death, alcoholism, violence, and oppression as well as some strong language throughout as is usual with King. | |
| No Longer Human, Osamu Dazai | |
 | Keywords: Grim, Questioning, Dread, Exploratory |
| Description: No Longer Human follows a man named Yozo as he limps through life trying to figure out why he doesn't feel "human". It starts in his childhood and leads up into his struggling adult life. From a young age, he's felt different, alienated. So he covered it up with humor and wit. This follows him as he grows up and meets new people. This book features themes of suicide, social conformity, misunderstanding by others, hidden self-hate or shame, and asks the main question of "why?". This book had an impact on how I viewed the world and how other people besides myself function within it. There was a specific quote that stuck with me, "What is society but an individual?". This follows the theme of our fear and desires living in each individual person. The idea of a "failed human" lives in this book and is explored in a profound way. It was very different from the mysteries or classics I usually read, but it was well worth it and stuck with me for a while after. As much as it may be a bit grim to read, it was worth it to get another perspective from someone who struggled through life. I may not have feelings of being an outcast as deep as the author, but I identified with some of the things he mentioned. It was a short read that left an impact. | |
| Recommended for: Teens ages 16 - 18 and adults. It has mature themes in it and would likely be recommended for readers 18 and above. This book is meant for people in the "discovering life" stage, people trying to figure out who they are and why they may not feel like others their age. This is for people who want to read a different perspective on life in a different country. | |
| Powerless, Lauren Roberts | |
 | Keywords: Romantic, Action-Packed, Funny, Fantasy |
| Description: In the Kingdom of Ilya, everyone has powers, except for Paedyn Gray. In a society that purges the powerless, Paedyn has learned to survive by stealing and pretending to be a psychic. Paedyn is orphaned and lives with her best friend Adena in the Slums of Ilya. Meanwhile, in the royal palace lives half-brothers Kitt and Kai. Kitt is the heir to the throne while Kai has spent his whole life training to protect the kingdom and rid it of the powerless. When Kai makes a venture to the Slums, Paedyn unknowingly robs Prince Kai and gains the attention of the Kingdom in a dramatic act of raw strength. When the Kingdom hears of her and nicknames her the silver savior, she is forced to compete in the purging trials. At the risk of revealing her true powerlessness to the kingdom, Paedyn must play along and fight to survive among those who harness the most powerful abilities in the Kingdom. Meanwhile, Paedyn manages to capture both of the Princes interests while a rebellion brews in the shadows. I am recommending this book because I thought the world-building was exceptional and brought all the characters to life. Paedyn is a great protagonist because although she is flawed, her character changes throughout the story and shows great character development. This book also contains two excellent princes who deliver many lines that will make you laugh, cry, smile, maybe even all three at once. The plot continues to progress steadily throughout the story and you'll never see the plot twists coming. Filled with angst, betrayal, and battle, Powerless will have you on the edge of your seat til the very end. | |
| Recommended for: I would recommend this book for anyone 13 and up who enjoys reading books like the Hunger Games or Red Queen. The world-building will completely immerse you in the story, so if you like reading about magical powers then this book is for you. | |
| This Woven Kingdom, Tahereh Mafi | |
 | Keywords: Magical, Surreal, Vivid, Romantic |
| Description: Tahereh Mafi has created an illustrious world with a vibrant story based on Persian mythology in This Woven Kingdom. The book follows Alizeh, a unique young woman who just wants to live her life unnoticed and quietly. Alizeh is a Jinn, a magical and ancient race of people who were created from fire, and she hides this truth about her herself, for the world has not been kind to Jinn. Alizeh is more important than she lets on and someone begins to notice her and her skills a bit too much, and this someone is of great importance. Now, Alizeh must know who are her friends and who are her enemies. I loved this book mainly for Tahereh Mafi's beautiful and one of a kind writing style, and yes while the first book moves slower than the rest, it is just as good in my opinion. I also without a doubt loved the book for Alizeh, She is such a refreshing female lead, she isn't too violent, but she certainly isn't weak; she is generous, bold, and colorful. She is just a young woman trying to survive in a world that hasn't been kind to her. A quote that best captures this book: "Alizeh, who had no ally, no kingdom, no magic, and no resources, knew her life was best spent simply trying to survive". | |
| Recommended for: I would recommend this book series for people who are looking for a fantasy book that has depth to it. I would say that this book series is best for people who are at least 13 and up, due to violence and romantic themes which develop over the series. | |
| Better than the Movies, Lynn Painter | |
 | Keywords: Romantic, coming of age, fake dating trope, short and sweet |
| Description: BTTM follows Liz and Wes, high schoolers who have grown up together as neighbors while they start a fake relationship together in order to catch the attention of the boy Liz likes, Michael. During the process of their fake dating scheme, Liz realizes her compatibility with Wes and how it has grown through all these years. Wes and Liz’s feelings are confusing and all scrambled up, and whether she wants to still pursue Michael or if she’s feeling something different for her childhood best friend is what is found out by the end of the book. As someone who doesn’t really read all that often, I finished this cute story so fast and was hooked on to the chemistry and tension between the different characters. I think this cute rom-com really resembles a typical highschool love story movie and could be the right book for someone who’s into those types of films. This book is the first out of a I think trilogy! I have yet to read the other 2 but the story of Liz and Wes is continued after BTTM. | |
| Recommended for: Teenagers who are looking for something easy to get into with a sweet and short rom-com story. | |
| We Were Liars, E. Lockhart | |
 | Keywords: Mystery, Grief, Questionable, Guilty, Memory, and Secrets. |
| Description: The main character in this book is Cadence. She comes from a rich family. Every summer she goes with a friend and her cousins to her private island. They call their group the liars. During the summer trip, Candace loses her memory. She doesn't remember anything that happened in her past and goes through an emotional time. After 2 years, she goes back to the island to try to gain her memory back. Nobody from her family is telling her what happened which is why she decided to go. I recommend this book because of the major plot twists that occur in the book. This book has these plot twists that resist you from putting the book down and to continue reading. Some parts of the book have poetic pieces which makes everything from the book comes together. You understand the book more clearly with the poetic parts. | |
| Recommended for:This book is recommended for people who like shocking plot twists in books. They enjoy twists that change up the way they thought about the book or the character. This book is also for people who enjoy mysteries about certain things in people's families. | |
| Ugly Love, Colleen Hoover | |
 | Keywords: Emotional, heartache, love, and pain |
| Description: A girl named Tate Collins meets a pilot named Miles Archer. When they first meet each other, they both didn't like each other. Miles stated when they first met that he isn't looking for love. As time goes on, they are in a weird relationship that doesn't consist of love or anything due to Miles not wanting it. As they are in the relationship, Tate is falling for Miles. But Miles doesn't want to be in love due to his traumatic past. I recommend this book because it's not a normal romance book. There are lots of bumps that both the characters go through during their relationship. This book shows the not so pretty things about getting in a relationship with another person. When I was reading this book, I enjoyed this book very much. | |
| Recommended for: This book is recommended for people who enjoy emotional romance books. This book isn't a typical romance book because there are plot twists that change the perspective of the characters. It's recommended for people who are adults/early adulthood. | |
| Frankenstein, Mary Shelley | |
| Keywords: Horror, monster, grim, exciting |
| Description: Victor Frankenstein is a man in the 18th century that is interested in the science of life and death. With the power of electricity, Victor believes he can play as God and create life. However when he is met with his creation, chaos consumes his family. I read this book in my English class and I actually really enjoyed it. Even though it was a lengthy book it kept me interested with the conflict between Victor and the monster. | |
| Recommended for: This book is great for anyone fifteen and up. There are some dark themes but it is a compelling story that people of all ages could enjoy. | |
| The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald | |
 | Keywords: Romantic, sad, satirical |
| Description: Jay Gatsby leads a lavish life in order to impress the love of his life. The life he leads offers him no form of happiness or relationship. Gatsby's main attempts at love are recalled by a close friend, who is his only real relationship. This book was a roller coaster of emotions, which always kept me on my toes. And it is probably the most classic love story. It does a really good job at highlighting the negative parts of chasing money over family/love. | |
| Recommended for: This book would be enjoyable for anyone over the age of 13-14. Especially for people who enjoy love stories. | |
| Into the Wild, Jon Krakauer | |
 | Keywords: Tragic, adventure, insightful |
| Description: Chris McCandless is a young adult who travels by himself all around the west coast to escape a life filled with money and poor relationships. During his travels he creates meaningful relationships and escapes money. Eventually, finding himself to want nothing to do with society, he disappears into the wilderness of Alaska. He keeps a journal recalling his life up until his death. This book was very interesting in terms of seeing what was inside his mind. He chose to follow his transcendentalist ideals, without much preparation and disregarding the consequences. While it was sad, Krakauer offered a different point of view on the story. Rather than seeing it as a tragic, suicide mission, he saw it as a journey of self-improvement gone wrong. | |
| Recommended for: This book should be read by those aged 15 and older. It is for anyone who enjoys a story about a more tragic way of finding yourself. | |
| Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury | |
 | Keywords: Powerful, suspenseful, intense |
| Description: This book is about a firemen whose job is to burn all books in the society he lives in. The society that Guy Montag lives in (the main character in the book) is a society where all books are banned. Nobody is allowed to get information from books because the society claimed that all books will give those the information that they shouldn't have. Where nobody should get that type of information. Throughout the book, you will see what Guy Montag's true opinion on the society that he lives in and what he does with the opinions that he has. I recommend this book because of the way the author writes this book. They write it in a way where you cannot put the book down because of how interesting the book is. I enjoyed this book the most because we see the character development from Guy Montag and how his opinions change on what his job really means. | |
| Recommended for: This book is recommended for people who like philosophical literatures that talk about issues that occur in the society that people live in. The age group is above 14 years old and mainly if they are in high school. The type of person that would enjoy this book is if they like literature about what could possibly happen to the society we live in. | |
| The Secret Life of Bees, Sue Monk Kidd | |
![The Secret Life of Bees](https://suemonkkidd.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Sue-Monk-Kidd-The-Secret-Life-of-Bees-663x1024.jpg") | Keywords: Hopeful, historical, inspiring. |
| Description: This book takes place in South Carolina in 1964. The main character of this book is a 14 year old girl names Lily Owens who lost her mother at a young age. Lily wants to find out more about the mystery of her mother's death. Lily has a father who's distant and harsh, but is mainly being taken care of by Rosaleen who's her African American caregiver. The town that they live in is full of racist people which causes Lily to run away to find more about her mother's death. I recommend this book because throughout the book Lily is doing everything that she can to keep the few memories that she has of her mother in her head. She does everything that she can to find out exactly why her mother died and other people that her mother may have known in her life. | |
| Recommended for: This book is recommended for teens above 14 years old and adults. The type of person that would enjoy this book are those who are interested in history and historical time periods. | |
| I am the Messenger, Markus Zusak | |
 | Keywords: Mystery, action-packed, humorous, grim |
| Description: Ed Kennedy, a nineteen year old taxi driver, was always known as the “least-accomplished” of his family. Compared to his younger brother, Thomas, who goes to the local college and frequently helps out his parents, Ed lives a monotonous life with no definite purpose. However, on an ordinary day, Ed miraculously prevents a robbery in the local bank. From that day on, he was known as a small hero of his town, but little did he know, his career of preventing bad was far from ending. A few weeks after the incident in the bank, Ed started receiving playing cards from an anonymous person in the mail. These cards offered clues that led to a variety of tasks ranging from enjoyable to gruesome. Over time, after accomplishing challenging tasks such as killing another person and helping a grandma escape her loneliness, Ed gained confidence and became a better version of himself, realizing that he was destined from the beginning to help others. This book is a great book that I recommend for the reluctant reader. Reading the book, I was astonished by Zusak’s ability of using description. Through his eloquent writing, I was able to picture scenes vividly in my head, making me feel as if I was Ed himself. Furthermore, the suspense and anticipation incorporated into the book made it enjoyable to read. Moments such as when Ed knocked on the dusty door of Edgar Street kept me on the edge of my seat. It’s a great book! | |
| Recommended for: This book is most suitable for students grades 8-12. I feel certain that every reader will enjoy this uniquely formatted book. | |
| Night, Elie Wiesel | |
 | Keywords: Holocaust, survival, death, trauma, torture, faith, loss, survival, humanity |
| Description: Night is a work of Elie Wiesel, describing his experiences about the Holocaust. It chronicles the experiences of being a young Jewish boy inside several Nazi concentration camps, incluidng Auschwitz and Buchenwald, losing family and beliefs. Using personal experiences, Wiesel covers issues of suffering, survival, and how war humanizes people against their will. He wrestles throughout with the devastation of innocence and the problem of hanging onto hope while facing what cannot be believed. I recommend the book Night because it provides powerful, firsthand evidence of the Holocaust; the themes, survival, loss, and resilience in human spirit stand out, while Wiesel's writing is poignant for insights into history and humankind, thus making for a compelling read. | |
| Recommended for: Night by Elie Wiesel is for readers 16 and up, especially those interested in history, the Holocaust, or survival stories. It's best for those who can handle emotional stories and non fiction. | |
| Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero, Rick Riordan | |
 | Keywords: Humorous, exciting, action packed, suspense, and romance (the friendly and funny kind, one way or another). |
| Description: This book basically maximizes the elements that compose a good book packed with what satisfy readers. Completely controlled in pacing and tone, the author balances a faultless comic banter against the deeper notes that reveal characters' vulnerability. The reason I'm recommending this book is because once you've read a simply amazing book like this it just doesn't feel right not to recommend this book and let others in on the fun. | |
| Recommended for: Readers from ages 8-14 that love action packed books with enjoyable humor will love this book. Readers that are in for action, suspence, romance and laughs might as well be in for this book! | |
| Wings of Fire: The Dangerous Gift, Tui T. Sutherland | |
 | Keywords: Humorous, relatable, and anti-boredom |
| Description: A whirlwind of story, alternating with wry sarcasm, Wings of Fire fans won't just like it, they will love it!! Sutherland is offering a terrific cast that is effortlessly diverse. All of the well constructed characters bring different skills, personality, backstory, and interests. I am recommending this book due to its well-paced vast variety of genres and characters. Just reading it will get your blood pumping, plus it has a humorous disposition. | |
| Recommended for: Readers from ages 11 to 15 that love humorous and relatable books will find this a most exhilarating page turner. Readers from all over the world that are looking for something to cleanse their boredom might as well be looking for this book. | |
| Time's Convert, Deborah Harkness | |
 | Keywords: Action and adventure, romance, vampire, gore |
| Description: The main character in this All Souls Trilogy spinoff is Matthew's son Marcus. Chapters flip-flop between the past and present, revealing both Marcus's life before and after he was turned into a vampire during the Revolutionary War. This book's secondary focus is on Phoebe's journey of self-adjustment after she turns into a vampire. Despite all of the preparation that went into her change, she soon finds that becoming a vampire is not as simple as she had thought. This book is very similar to Twilight, another series of novels which I really like. This book is sort of a prequel to the All Soul's trilogy that Deborah has written. It has quite a bit of action, romance and many other genres that just give a lot of character to the novel. | |
| Recommended for: This book is recommended for the young adult or high schooler, not really preferred for the younger audience. It's about vampires somewhat like Twilight. | |
| The Book Thief, Markus Zusak | |
 | Keywords: Gut-wrenching, sadistic, gloomy, grim, mysterious |
| Description: This book is set during the time of World War II, and it is narrated by Death. "The Book Thief" is about a girl named Liesel and how she overcame the many challenges of her life, while meeting interesting people along the way. At the start of the book, one of Liesel's loved ones dies, and she is sent to foster parents. At first, she finds it hard to adjust to her new life and finds her foster parents rather odd, but soon she finds new friends and finds solace in a new hobby of stealing books to read. As the war goes on, Liesel develops a deep bond with her foster parents and develops new friendships with the kids in her school, the Hitler Youth Academy. Will she survive the hardships of war, or will she be overcome by Death? "The Book Thief" is a very interesting book that I strongly recommend. The book really expresses the hardships and realities of war, while it still has heartwarming moments such as when the main character develops profound connections with other characters. The book is also entertaining because of the ways Liesel can get away with stealing books. A very unique thing about this book is that Death narrated it. Throughout the book, Death also tells us about his perspective on the war, and it shows that he is also sympathetic in certain ways. | |
| Recommended for: This book is recommended for ages 13 and above. People who are interested in the historic-fiction genre will love this book. | |
| The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain | |
 | Keywords: Action and adventure, violence, gore |
| Description: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is set in the 1840s Mississippi Valley where Huck and Tom continue their adventures. Huck faces the threat of being ''civilized'' by the widow Douglas, while his friend Jim believes Tom's father is alive. Huck stands to inherit $6,000 but his father, Pap, wants the money. Pap kidnaps Huck, prompting Huck to escape down the river, faking his death to avoid him. This book was very intriguing because of the crazy adventures a 14 year old goes through, such as travelling to different states and faking his own death. I really recommend anyone to read this book at least once in their lifetime. | |
| Recommended for: This book in general is recommended for middle school going kids as well as early high school going kids, but anyone above the age of 12 who likes action and adventure themed novels will surely appreciate this story. But just to be warned there are scenes with abusive parents, narcotics, etc. | |
| City of the Dead, James Ponti | |
 | Keywords: Action-packed, espionage-like, mysterious, intense |
| Description: A series of attacks hit London, and a team of spies lead by Kat are sent to investigate the British museum and test the security. As they do more research on the attacks, hidden messages are discovered, which leads them to the city of the dead, also known as Cairo. There, they find out more clues and ultimately come to a conclusion about the ominous and mysterious attacks. I am recommending this book because it really works your brain along the way of reading it. While I was reading it, I tried to discover clues likes anagrams, and what some messages really meant. This book is also very satisfying to read because the team discovers many clues along the way, but it is towards the end of the book where they actually put together these clues together to come to a conclusion. | |
| Recommended for: City of The Dead by James Ponti is great for readers ages 10-14 who love solving mysteries and riddles. It involves a lot of code-cracking, and an interest of coding might even spark after reading this great book! | |
| The Seance, Joan Lowery Nixon | |
 | Keywords: Supernatural, enticing, thrilling, unpredictable, hard-to-put-down |
| Description: This enticing and thrilling book is about a girl named Lauren, who has to deal with a “sister” named Sara. Sara isn’t Lauren’s biological sister, she is fostered and is older than Lauren, and prettier, meaning all the boys are wrapped around her well-manicured finger. These two don’t get along at all, but after finding out that there is a girl at their school who can hold seances, which are sessions to talk to the dead, Sara tries her hardest to get Lauren to go to the Seance with her. After a lot of convincing from her best friends and Sara, Lauren agrees to go to the Seance with them, held by Roberta Campion. But just like Lauren thought, things take a turn for the worst when Sara starts acting weird during the Seance, and ends up falling on the candle and ruining their source of light. When they get the lights back on, the girls find the shocking truth that Sara has disappeared from the house, even though the doors were still locked. The next day, they find out that Sara’s deceased body was found in the swamp. Later, another girl from the Seance is also found dead in the swamp. Now it’s up to Lauren to find out what happened before it’s her turn. I’m recommending this book because I personally found it SO thrilling. It was full of plot twists and things you never saw coming. It left me on the edge of my seat the whole time and I could not put it down. It is by far one of the best thrillers I have ever read and I 100% recommend this book for others who also like thrilling and supernatural books that leave them staring at the wall once they finish that last sentence. | |
| Recommended for: Kids who range from grades 5-8, but it is an amazing book for anyone older who wants to read it. It is meant for those who are into the paranormal/horror realm, and people who love books that have them on the edge of their seat trying to figure out what happens next. | |
| The House on Mango Street, Sandra Cisneros | |
 | Keywords: prejudice, discrimination, sexism, male dominated world, Latinx, justice |
| Description: Esperanza, a young Mexican American woman, is the protagonist of this novella. The story is told through vignettes that tell the story of her family and the Latinx community in Humboldt park, Chicago. Using literary devices and a poetic style, Cisneros follows Esperanza as she struggles to discover her identity as a Chicana, her Chicano positionality, her English and Spanish speaking role, her growing sexuality, and her gender as a woman in a patriarchy-ridden society. In the end, Esperanza finds that her community is Mango Street, and because others cannot escape, she has to use her strength to stand up for the women and fight against prejudice and sexism. This book is about a girl whose life is pretty similar to some girls in California. Being a foreigner isn't easy for a woman in a male dominated country. The story also explains the struggles of such a girl and how she copes with it in her daily life. Young teen girls who can relate to this story would love this story and such girls can be found all over the nation especially in California. | |
| Recommended for: This book is recommended for tweens and teens. The main point of the book is about the struggles of a young girl from Mexico who is having issues with getting along with the male dominated world outside of her country. People who can relate their life with this book would enjoy it quite a lot. | |
| Hoot, Carl Hiaasen | |
 | Keywords: exciting, suspense |
| Description: This book's main character is a boy named Roy. He is a new kid who moves to Florida. On his first day of school, Roy is bullied on the bus. But he sees something odd on the bus. Roy sees a boy running without any shoes or backpack. Roy's curiosity gets so intense that he followed the running boy, but he can't keep up. He sees the running boy running without any shoes every day. Soon a girl named Beatrice finds out that Roy has been chasing behind the running kid. It turns out that the running kid is Beatrice's stepbrother. On the way to school, Beatrice tells Roy to stay away from the running boy, but Roy doesn't. After a few days, Beatrice tells Roy everything about her stepbrother. The truth is that the running boy had been sent to Juvi Hall even though he didn't do anything. So he had escaped from Juvi Hall. And now, he trying to save some burrowing owls that were abandoned. But the problem is that there is a new Mother Pula pancake house that is being constructed right above the owls. So Beatrice's stepbrother is laying traps to stop Mother Paula from making the pancake house. The assistant at the construction site doesn't care about the owls. Roy and Beatrice start to help the running boy to save the owls, but will they be able to save them? | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book so that people can know about the importance of nature and animals. This book also shows how to speak up for the right thing. Grades 6-9. | |
| Six of Crows, Leigh Bardugo | |
| Keywords: fantasy, complex, action packed | |
| Description: A group of six and their leader go try to pull off an impossible heist. There is amazing character building and world building. Once you get through the first few pages, it is nearly impossible to put down. It is an extremely entertaining book. | |
| Recommended for: I would recommend this book to those who are into fantasy novels and who have an active imagination. Students in 8th-10th grade. | |
| The Bone Witch, Rin Chupeco | |
| Keywords: dark fantasy, magic, necromancy | |
| Description: Tea doesn’t intend to raise her brother from his grave. It just happens. She learns that she is a bone witch, one of the most feared type of asha there is. Tea is taken under the wings of Lady Mykaela, who is a bone witch as well. In a different timeline, Tea is exiled and is telling a story to a Bard about her life when she was an asha novice. While telling her story, she raises daeva, one of the most terrifying creatures in existence, from their graves. Readers will be captivated by this dark fantasy story and its memorable characters. (first in series) | |
| Recommended for: This book is for middle school students and fantasy/dark magic lovers. Perfect for you if you want to read late into the night, not being able to rip yourself away from the book. I am recommending this book because of how it captivated me from beginning to end. I loved all the ways the unnatural portions fit right in like it was the most normal thing in the world. | |
| The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho | |
| Keywords: Deep, thoughtful, spiritual, encouraging | |
| Description: The story follows Santiago, a young shepherd who leaves his sheep to follow a dream he had about treasure hidden in the pyramids of Egypt. Along the way he meets deep, intriguing characters who influence his journey. I really enjoyed this book, it moved at the perfect pace and I felt connected to the characters at every moment. Though the advice given to Santiago is fictional, it felt just as applicable to a modern human life. It’s a book you’ll check out again and again. | |
| Recommended for: The Alchemist is a fantastic book for fans of high fantasy, magic, and spiritual journeys for grades 6 and up. If you enjoy reading about characters who are open to change and new experiences, then this one is for you. | |
| The Woman in the Window, A.J. Finn | |
| Keywords: Thrilling, fun, exciting, surprising, mysterious | |
| Description: An agoraphobic woman who has locked herself in her home for almost eleven months spends her (abundance of) free time drinking too much, playing chess online, and spying on her neighbors through her windows. This has been a habit of hers for a while, but one night, everything changes because she sees something at the house of her new neighbors. Her world changes overnight and she is forced to question what she saw happened, or better yet, if it happened at all. This book was such a page turner, and I finished it in only two days, even though it has a good four and a half hundred pages. The pace is fast, and the chapters are short, making it easy to just keep flipping through. The writing is suspenseful, the characters are well made, and the twists are never ending. The book will keep you on your toes. One of the best thrillers I've read so far! | |
| Recommended for: This book is recommended for highschoolers and young adults that are interested in thriller/mystery books. | |
| All of Us Villains, Amanda Foody and C.L. Herman | |
| Keywords: competition, survival, magic, battle | |
| Description: Everything changed for the seven families of Ilvernath that participated in the Tournament. When the book A Tradition of Tragedy was published, the murderous ways of these seven families came into light, how they would send seven of their children to fight to the death, and the one who came out alive would be awarded with high magick for the next twenty years. Then the cycle would repeat again. After the release of the book, paparazzi and reporters and even the government hunted down the families. But when the time for the Tournament came, and with the whole world watching, of course everything went wrong. Briony Thorburn forcefully took the name of champion, one who competes in the Tournament, from her sister. Isobel Macaslan lost her sense for magick, both high and common, and Gavin Grieve resorted to a test experiment that made sure his magick use was restrained to his life. But within it all, a way to end this horror has been found. The only question is if the champions are smart enough to be truthful. Yet even that could be too much for children bred and raised to kill others and trust no one but themselves. I am recommending this book because it is like the Hunger Games, except more rich and with more fantasy and lore to it. It has unexpected twists and turns that will keep you up at night reading. | |
| Recommended for: People who like books about shifting loyalties, a competition, and people fighting to be the last ones standing. Perfect for Hunger Games fans ages 13+ | |
| The Black Witch, Laurie Forest | |
| Keywords: fantasy, magic, action, adventure | |
| Description: Elloren Gardener is the granddaughter of the famous Black Witch, who killed the Icaral, a winged demon, of the Prophecy. People are stunned by how much she looks like her grandmother. Elloren lives with her uncle, but when Aunt Vyvian takes her with the intent to have her wandfasted, a kind of marriage, Elloren tries to refuse. She goes to the University, and is doomed with two Icarals, her aunt’s way to torture her until she agrees to wandfast. Elloren faces many difficulties, like one of her roommates trying to kill her, a girl who is a powerful mage and is quite jealous of her, and, above all, Elloren, for the first time, sees how cruel her people are to other species. I am recommending this book because it’s fast-paced, especially for people who don’t like to wait for action. It is very different from other fantasy books, leaning a bit more to dystopian than others do. | |
| Recommended for: People ages 13+ who like fantasy, magic, and different worlds. For people who like to read a well-written story with a complete history and background, and different fantasy religions. | |
| Caraval, Stephanie Garber | |
| Keywords: magic, fantasy, mystery, descriptive | |
| Description: Scarlett Dragona has for seven years been waiting for a letter from Legend, the mastermind behind the magical world of Caraval. People say that Caraval is a whole different dimension, with magic potions, creatures, and secrets. When she finally gets the letter, she's already engaged in a mysterious count, and she knows her father will kill her sister, Donatella, if he finds out that she has escaped. But then a mysterious sailor offers to take Scarlett and Tella to Caraval, and also pose it as a kidnapping so their father wouldn't find out. Though Scarlett only wants safety for her sister, she's dragged along by her sister's immense feeling for adventure. But when Legend kidnaps Tella and announces that whoever finds her would win Tella and a wish, Scarlett knows she will have to win the game before anyone else does, and to make sure her sister doesn't go mad like the girl who got fantasy and reality mixed up. | |
| Recommended for: For people ages 12+ who love fantasy, magic, and wonder. Also for fans of mystery and suspense. I loved that this book combined mystery with fantasy. It was a very enticing book about love for siblings, magic, and sacrifice. | |
| Spy School, Stuart Gibbs | |
| Keywords: suspenseful, amusing, thriller | |
| Description: Ben Ripley is elated when an agent from the CIA comes to recruit him for a secret school for spies in training. But as soon as he gets there, he's attacked by men in black suits and helped by a girl who might hate him. In the following weeks, he's attacked by assassins, makes more than a few enemies, and also badmouths the principal. With the help of a girl named Erica, Ben figures out that the authorities are hiding secrets, and there might be a mole in the school. And they're coming right after Ben. This book was humorous and suspenseful; amusing in a deadpan way, and suspenseful in that there was a lot of frustration and going back to square one after learning more. | |
| Recommended for: Middle school students ages 9-13, Gordon Korman fans, Rick Riordan fans | |
| Raybearer, Jordan Ifueko | |
| Keywords: fantasy, lyrical | |
| Description: This book is about a young girl named Tarisai who was raised in isolation. Tarisai is commanded by her mom to befriend the prince so she can kill him. I'm recommending this book because I found I lost myself in this rich world. It's so unique and unlike anything I have ever read. | |
| Recommended for: I would recommend this book to someone 8th grade and up who is into fantasy novels. If you are looking for something unique, exciting, heartbreaking yet uplifting, this is the book for you. | |
| A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Holly Jackson | |
| Keywords: suspenseful, thriller, engaging | |
| Description: In the town of Fairview, everyone agrees on one thing: Andie Bell was murdered, and the murderer, Sal Singh, later killed himself. But Pip isn’t so sure, and she researches this for her Capstone project. As she starts to investigate, the accepted story and the evidence she gathers don’t match up, and she realizes that the murder case has gaps in it. With the help of Ravi Singh, Pip digs deeper; what was once a school project is now a mission to clear Sal’s name. But someone doesn’t want her investigating, and others are hiding secrets. It’s up to Pip to solve the case and find out what really happened before someone else is taken, or worse, killed. | |
| Recommended for: Murder mystery, thriller, and suspense fans and readers ages 13+ and fans of One of Us is Lying. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is written like a true crime podcast, and this format with the original story narrative makes it a fun read. The book is a well-written case, with connections to be made everywhere. It is similar to One of Us is Lying, as it gives you information about the case as well as the problems the main character is facing as well. The ending is very surprising, one that readers will probably never guess. | |
| Howl’s Moving Castle, Diana Wynne Jones | |
| Keywords: comedy, fantasy, magic | |
| Description: When Sophie took over her stepmother’s hat shop, she didn’t expect to be turned into an old woman by the wicked Witch of the Wastes. She comes across Howl’s castle, and makes a deal with the fire demon, Calcifer. Calcifer tells Sophie that she will have to find a way to break his contract with Howl and free him. In return, Calcifer will try to find a way to break the spell the Witch placed on her. In the following month, Sophie works as a cleaning woman for Howl’s castle, and they travel around. Along the way, Sophie is chased by a scarecrow, pretends to be Howl’s mother, and tries to protect her sister Lettie from Howl. Sophie also learns that she may have own magic. I am recommending this book because I liked the humor and comedy in the story, and it’s pretty fast-paced. It’s hard to put down once you stop, because you just want to know what Sophie and the other characters will do next. | |
| Recommended for: For readers ages 9 & up and fans of fantasy, magic, and spells. | |
| We Were Liars, E. Lockhart | |
| Keywords: summer, cousins, privilege, lyrical, atmospheric | |
| Description: There’s nothing like getting together with your cousins in the summer. These cousins look forward to their family’s annual trip each year because it's when they get to catch up with each other. Everything is great until one night, it's not. This book definitely takes an unexpected twist. I'm recommending this book because it keeps you in suspense. Maybe even confuses you a little, in a good way. It keeps you thinking and paying attention. | |
| Recommended for: Recommended for teens and young adults; someone who enjoys reading already. | |
| Since You’ve Been Gone, Morgan Matson | |
| Keywords: summer, honest, engaging | |
| Description: When Emily cannot get into contact with her best friend, Sloane, she panics. That is until she receives a letter from Sloane with a list of things to do outside of her comfort zone. I'm recommending this book because of how amazing the writing is. The writing made it feel like the characters were real and like you were there with them in real time. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this to anyone in 8th grade and up who hasn't read it. You will fall in love with the characters and the writing style. | |
| One of Us is Lying, Karen M. McManus | |
| Keywords: Mystery, murder, suspenseful, secretive | |
| Description: Simon Kelleher - the writer of a blog that exposes all - has some secrets to share about 4 students who are deemed to be perfect. Bronwyn - the smart, Harvard bound student; Nate - the felon of the group; Addy - the perfect, pretty girlfriend; and Cooper - the MLB destined star. One fateful day, these 5 students are all given detention. Simon dies. Who could have killed him? Which one of the detention kids committed this crime? Together, the remaining 4 juggle through the difficulties of being suspected murderers, and reveal their deep, dark secrets, which are enough to make anyone stop trusting them. I enjoyed this book because the secrets made me more invested in the novel, to find out if the characters would be caught. I also enjoyed it because it had a plot twist at the end, which was something that did not occur to me. It was a great mystery book, that kept me guessing. | |
| Recommended for: Teens aged 13 and older, who enjoy murder mysteries, and suspenseful novels filled with secrets that will keep you on edge. | |
| Twilight, Stephanie Meyer | |
| Keywords: romantic, energetic, action, beautiful, exciting, intriguing, strong | |
| Description: Twilight is about a young girl named Bella Swan. Her parents are divorced and she had been living with her Mom for a while, but Bella's Mom tends to move from place to place a lot with her boyfriend. Bella starts to realize she wants to stay put in one place for a little while so she decides to move to a small town named Forks in Washington with her dad. Forks is the complete opposite of what Bella is used to; Forks has a wet, very cold climate, something Bella is not very fond of. One day Bella arrives at her new school in the middle of the year which makes her a bit nervous. She meets a lot of new people, people that tend to be a bit more on the extroverted side while she is more introverted. As the day goes on, Bella arrives at one of her classes and is sat beside a mysterious young man who would change her life forever. This is one of my favorite books and it definitely made me interested in reading the rest of the series. This book series is also a movie series, which is also amazing. This teenage story is not your classic coming of age story and has many different interesting aspects that aren't really used in the typical girl meets boy style of writing. I really enjoyed this factor about this book because it made the book very unique in its own way. I also really liked the use of detail in this book. When I read it for the first time, it felt as if I was a part of the story, still, every single time I read this novel I always feel as I am sucked into the story-line. This book is an amazing book to choose if one is going for a drive, at the beach, sitting by the pool, or even flying on an airplane. | |
| Recommended for: I would recommend this book for older teenagers, around the ages of 13 and over. It is the perfect choice for those that love romance, whether it be movies or books. | |
| Why Fish Don’t Exist: A Story of Loss, Love, and the Hidden Order of Life, Lulu Miller | |
| Keywords: Scientific, historical, introspective, biographical | |
| Description: Lulu Miller takes the reader on a journey as she details the story of David Starr Jordan, a 19th century scientist and explorer set on discovering as many fish as possible, even as the universe creates constant roadblocks. It’s not the normal read for me but turned out to be endlessly enjoyable. Interestingly, did not make me hungry for fish. | |
| Recommended for: This book is a great read for people ages 15 and up wanting something both historical and thought-provoking. If you’re an NPR listener, a history buff, or one with an affinity for niche interests, this book is for you. | |
| The Song of Achilles, Madeline Miller | |
| Keywords: sad, grim, adult books for teens | |
| Description: A classic retelling of the Iliad from the point of view of a minor character, Patroclus. Strong characters with a beautiful plot. | |
| Recommended for: I would recommend this book for someone in 9th to 10th grade who just started reading as a pastime and who just hasn't found the right book yet because this will lure them in. I normally would recommend reading the original story or source material, but not this time. If you have any interest in Greek mythology, this book is for you. | |
| Iceberg, Jennifer A. Nielsen | |
| Keywords: Tragic, adventurous, mysterious | |
| Description: 12-year-old Hazel sails away from England to find a job in New York City. Things at home have been hard ever since her father passed away two years ago. Once Hazel boards the Titanic, she learns that there is a fire on the ship. She also learns that the captain has once caused a disaster while sailing another ship. Hazel turns more and more curious after finding out more and more about the Titanic, and the secrets it holds. She also starts to sense that something is off about the ship and grows insecure. She tries to find out as many things as she can about the ship, but before she can do this, disaster strikes. I recommend this book because it really shows how a person overcomes hardships. It is also very adventurous, and while I was reading, I could picture all the scenes that were happening. Finally, I recommend this book because it brings a life lesson, which is to be careful of who you make friends with, and who you stay away from. | |
Recommended for: This book is recommended for kids in grades 5 to 8 who love other adventure and mystery books. It is also recommended for people who like tragic books that are based off of true events. | |
| All the Bright Places, Jennifer Niven | |
| Keyword: heart-wrenching, love, tragedy | |
| Description: This book is about two teens struggling with their mental health. It is about a girl who learns to live from a boy who wants to die. | |
| Recommended for: I am recommending this book for anyone dealing with mental illnesses. It'll break your heart and fix it at the same time. I would recommend this book to someone in 9th grade or above. The message of the book is something worth hearing and reading. The book left me speechless and I didn't know what to do with myself for the rest of the day. | |
| Delirium, Lauren Oliver | |
| Keywords: sci-fi, dystopian, romantic, lyrical | |
| Description: In the year 2091 in the U.S., love has been considered a disease and is commonly referred to as deliria, or Amor Deliria Nervousa. A cure for it has been found and is required for people of at least 18 years. Most people are afraid of the cure. Lena isn’t. She’s always believed wholeheartedly that the potential for love in her heart was disgusting, something to be ashamed of. She wants to be cured from something that had the potential to ruin her, like it did to her mother. Her friend, Hana, is quite the opposite. She’s prettier and more rebellious than Lena. While Lena prepares to be the perfect wife for her approved match, Hana goes to underground parties and listens to music unapproved by the DFA (Deliria-free America) But when she meets Alex, an Invalid who pretends to be Cured and shows Lena that the government has been lying all along, Lena wonders whether her entire life was ever true. | |
| Recommended for: Sci-fi and dystopian fans. Ages 13+ This is a very riveting dystopian tale about what it means to learn the truth and change completely. | |
| Dorothy Must Die, Danielle Paige | |
| Keywords: Adventurous, exciting, entertaining | |
| Description: Amy is a high schooler who lives in Kansas. She is bullied at school and lives with her mother who ignores her. One day, there is a tornado and Amy’s mother ditches her to go to a tornado party. Soon the tornado hits Amy and sweeps her into the land of Oz. She discovers that Dorothy is a tyrant and a heartless villain that rules over Oz and is corrupted by its magic. She learns that the only way to return home is to help Oz first. In order to take down Dorothy, she must strip her of her power by killing her. With the help of her newly found friends, Nox, Gert, Glamora, and Mombi, she must train in order to kill Dorothy and save Oz once and for all. I like this book because the author puts her own spin on the classical book “The Wizard of Oz”. It has plot twists and leaves you on the edge of your seat. | |
| Recommended for: This book is recommended for readers who like fantasy and adventure. I would recommend this book for ages 12+ because it has mild language. | |
| Divergent, Veronica Roth | |
| Keywords: romantic, action-packed, thrilling, energetic | |
| Description: Beatrice Prior, the protagonist of this story is a shy, young girl who lives in a society in which classes are ordered and made up by different sections of the society known as factions. The five factions include Abnegation, Candor, Erudite, Amity, and Dauntless, all very different sets of living. At a certain age, all in the society must take a test, one in which their biggest fears are presented, and the results conclude the faction they best fit into. There is then a ceremony, in which they pick a faction that sets them off to live a new life. While Beatrice is born into Abnegation, however, the test does not quite think so. I really enjoyed the energy in this book, seeing how Beatrice explores the sets of life and obstacles she faces were very interesting to read about. Those that love both action and romance will definitely enjoy this story. | |
| Recommended for: Those that are 13 and older who love all things dystopian when it comes to books would definitely enjoy this romantic, powerful story. | |
| Lock Every Door, Riley Sager | |
| Keywords: Surprising, suspenseful, creepy, exciting | |
| Description: Jules moves into The Bartholomew building in New York which has a twisted and dark past to be unraveled. With apartment sitters and friends going missing, Jules must figure out the secrets of the building in order to save herself and her friends before it’s too late. I have always been an enjoyer of thriller books that keep me on the edge of the seat to keep me reading. This book definitely did, with many new twists added to always keep you reading to find out what’s next. The flow of the book is perfect, keeping you on edge of your seat the whole time. Everything is perfectly calculated and leaves no plot holes by the end. | |
| Recommended for: This book would be recommended to someone aged 14+ years. I think someone who enjoys suspense and whodunnit books would like it. This book is a thriller with a bit of murder mystery thrown into it. | |
| As You Wish, Chelsea Sedoti | |
| Keywords: adventurous, exciting, delightful, engaging, and expressive | |
| Description: Madison is a small town in the Mojave Desert. It's in the middle of nowhere and it's not the most exciting place to live. But Eldon wouldn't wish to live somewhere else because it's almost his 18th birthday. If you live in Madison, everyone gets a wish on their eighteenth birthday and it always comes true. Many of Eldon's classmates wish to be beautiful or to be rich. Eldon doesn't know what to wish for, but he has seen how wishes can hurt the people he loves. All Eldon knows is that he has 26 days to figure out his wish and for the rest of his life, he has to live with consequences. I am recommending this book because you can be so invested to the plot. When I was reading this, I thought I was only going to read a couple of chapters. I was so interested in the story that I ended up finishing this book in a day. But I also would recommend this book because it makes readers realize to be content with what they have. In this book, many characters have wished because they weren't satisfied with their lives. But at the end of the day, these characters live with consequences from their wishes. | |
| Recommended for: Recommended for 14+ or young adults who enjoy the genre fantasy fiction. | |
| They Both Die at the End, Adam Silvera | |
| Keywords: love, friendship, tragic | |
| Description: The title is self-explanatory. You'd think you're prepared for what's going to happen but you'd be very wrong. If you were going to die today, what would you do? When these kids get the call, they have to figure it out quickly as they’re on the clock. | |
| Recommended for: I would recommend this book to someone in 10th or 11th grade who wants to spend their weekend cuddled with a good book. It's definitely for someone who doesn't mind shedding a tear or two. I'm recommending this book because it kept me entertained. I read it in two days. | |
| Maus, Art Spiegelman | |
| Keywords: grim, sad, suspenseful, violent, gory | |
| Description: A young Jewish boy and his parents during the time of the Holocaust in World War 2. He was a part of Nazi occupied Germany where he was to hide from the Nazis and not get caught for if he and his family got caught they would have to suffer by living in ghettos, be forced to work, or be sent to concentration camps and be tortured there and pray so that you could at least die. This book has been softened by the writer as he makes it a graphic novel and he makes it child friendly by adding mice and cats as the characters, but the main story is about the writer as he and his family try to survive the Holocaust as Jews. The story of the Holocaust is important to know for everyone around the world as humans make inhumane decisions and laws and we must learn from this story so that humans in the future don't make such a mistake again as it will only lead to disaster and chaos. It is about a story that is essential for everyone to know and learn from. | |
| Recommended for: I would recommend ages 10 and up should read this novel. | |
| An Ember in the Ashes, Sabaa Tahir | |
| Keywords: thriller, action, rebellion | |
| Description: Laia runs when her grandparents are shot by the Empire, and her brother Darin taken captive. Laia goes to the Resistance, who, albeit grudgingly, tell her that they will free Darin, if only for the reason her parents were the best resistance leaders in the decade. Laia works as a spy against the Commandant of Blackcliff, where the feared masks are trained. She is the Commandant’s personal slave, ensuring punishments and being slapped for even being a few minutes late. She meets Elias, who is part of the Trials to pick a new Emperor, and who doesn’t treat slaves as less than human. As they both realize they have a common goal and enemy, their choices will affect everyone in the entire Empire. I am recommending the book because it is very interesting and thrilling. It has a lot of twists and turns, and the characters are memorable, not all in a good way though. | |
| Recommended for: Magic, thriller, fantasy and dystopian fans ages 13+ | |
| The Hate U Give, Angie Thomas | |
| Keywords: racism, justice, murder | |
| Description: Starr doesn’t like to go to parties, so when she meets her childhood friend Khalil there, she’s happy to make up the lost time. But when Khalil is murdered by a cop, and no one intends to investigate, Starr feels like breaking. People are calling him a gangster and a drug dealer, and Starr’s friends at school suggest he might have had it coming. And since Starr was the one who saw the murder herself, only she can tell the truth. But even if she tells the whole, gruesome truth, people might not want to hear it. This is a very good book about the real problems the world is facing. Racism and police brutality and even murder at the hands of cops are all true things happening. It is also a very witty book, with likable characters. | |
| Recommended for: People ages 13 and up who enjoy reading about racism and murder | |
| On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, Ocean Vuong | |
| Keywords: coming-of-age, poetic, adult books for young adults | |
| Description: This book involves many themes such as generational trauma and the emotional burden that refugees/immigrants may carry from their homelands to their new life in America. It mentions struggles with racism, poverty, drug addiction, sexuality and more. This book has gorgeous writing. It's powerful and makes you reflect. | |
| Recommended for: I recommend this book for people who have immigrant parents, are a part of the LGBTQ+ community, and students in grades 8 and up. | |
| Love & Gelato, Jenna Evans Welch | |
| Keywords: romantic, exciting, sweet, funny | |
| Description: Lina goes to Italy after her mother’s death to live with her dad for the summer, with the intention of going back to America at the start of school. There she meets a boy named Ren, and the two of them become close friends. They travel around Florence going to all of Lina’s Mom’s favorite places around the city. Lina meets many new people and tries many new things, including gelato. She and Ren try to figure out what life might have been like for Lina’s mother and how it affected Lina’s life now. When the time comes for Lina to either stay in Italy or go home, she has to make a very hard decision that shocks many, including herself. I am recommending this book because it got me out of a reading slump. It is lighthearted and fast paced, as well as a cute, summer read. | |
| Recommended for: This book is recommended to anyone starting at the age 13. Someone who loves fast pace, cute romances will love this book! | |