BOOKS

Welcome back to our Bestie Book Club—a community for book lovers from Girls' Life magazine.

If you're new here, hello and welcome! Here's how this works: Each month, we read, discuss and obsess over a new book. If you haven't already, be sure to follow us on TikTok, Instagram and X for Bestie Book Club updates, fun reading challenges, amaze giveaways and so much more!

So long summer, school is officially back in sesh—and that means new classes, new crews and new challenges. Enter: Our guide to starting your new school year strong, with inspo from our September Bestie Book Club read, The New Girl. Because if there's anyone who knows a thing or two about new routines, it's Lia.

After moving all the way from Romania to Canada, Lia has to navigate a new school, new friendships and new body changes (ofc, she gets her first period during all this).

Our Book Besties are here to give their take on The New Girl—plus share their top tips for slaying your school year. Grab your copy of The New Girl then join us in study hall…

Picture this: You, laughing with your new besties in drama club as you finish your last dress rehearsal before curtain. You, nailing a cross-court backhand in front of the crush you met at tennis tryouts. You, low-key going viral after posting your first beauty tutorial. You get the idea, right?

Trying new things is not only an amazing way to learn more about yourself, but it’ll also give you the opportunity to meet some amazing new BFFs—just like how Lia bonds with her new friend (and crush 👀) Julien over music and creating the school magazine. 

Always wanted to get into acting? Book Besties Andrea and Selena @andreaselenatwins say the best way to score your spot in the school play is to really research the role ("it helps to know the character's motivations," they share), but at the same time, don't be afraid to bring your personality to the part ("that will help your audition stand out").

Sports more your thing? Making varsity can be challenging, but no surprise here—practice, practice, practice is what pays off. What will give you that little extra edge? Do quick check-ins with the coach every week so you know exactly what skills they are looking for you to build.

Ready to be the next Olivia Rodrigo? Book Bestie Liliana @lovelylululana suggests signing up for a group guitar class (find one at your local community college, arts center or music store) to connect with fellow music lovers while sharpening your songwriting and playing.   

Other ideas:
⭐ Download that cute ‘n’ cozy video game you’ve been seeing on your Explore page. Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing, perhaps?
⛰️ Head out on a hike. Bring a bud with you and hit a new trail together.
📚 Not to state the obvious, but...hi, hello! Join our virtual Bestie Book Club to get involved in the discussions with other book nerds.

What's the best thing about a fresh schedule of classes? "Learning something new!" shares Book Bestie Lorelei (@loreleicheers). "I love when a subject I wasn't sure about becomes my unexpected fave." It might take some time and patience, but stick with it and you just might geek out over something suprising (maybe math was never really your thing but you might just find statistics scintillating!). 

Don't stop yourself just because the school day is over, either. "I'm currently obsessed with Australia," says Book Bestie Henley @henley.alexa. "It's so interesting to learn more about the culture, the cuisine and all those cute critters!" Got a similar obsession? From researching online to exploring IRL ("I can't wait to see koalas at the zoo!"), you have a whole world (literally) of ways to delve into whatever you are dreaming about.

Other ideas:
📺 Watch a new documentary. Whether you're into history, the great outdoors or celeb stories, Netflix is chock-full of amazing (and informational!) flicks.
🇫🇷 Learn the language of the place that tops your travel bucket list. You’ll thank yourself later when asking for directions in Paris, oui? 

Hey, besties! Describe The New Girl in three words...

"Relatable, cute and heartfelt." — Andrea and Selena
"Fun, teen and drama." — Henley
"Sweet, crushes and cuteness." — Gigi
"Adorable, honest and expressive." — Liliana 
"Friendship, adventure and fun!" — Lorelei

OK, maybe not *moving* moving like Lia (DW, no country change required). We're talking about moving your bod. Because nothing beats the after-school sleepies like getting your blood pumping.

Three words: Workout. Dance. Party. Press play on T-Swift and get grooving along with a guided routine that’ll leave you sweaty *and* shaking it off. 

Other ideas:
🎾 Meet your crew at the pickleball court. Getting post-summer crush updates while practicing your drop shot? Yes, pls.
🧘‍♀️ Practice yoga in the morning before classes or at the end of the day when your homework is finished. Then watch your school stress just fade away. Yoga With Adrienne is a staple for five-minute wake-up flows or full-length classes.
🩰 Learn the basics of ballet from home. Your plié will be practically perfect before you know it.

Want to get involved with our Bestie Book Club? Here’s how…
+ SOLO. Make a bucket list for your must-do's before the school year is up. Don’t forget to add your new activities!
+ ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Connect with us to share your best summer mems (+ any thoughts on the school year ahead!) @glbestiebookclub.
+ WITH YOUR SQUAD. Host a book chat (over FaceTime or in-person) to catch up on your fave moments and recent reads.

by GL | 9/6/2024