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 and Instagram for Bestie Book Club updates, fun reading challenges, amaze giveaways and so much more!

The magic of the holidays is *officially* here and that means twinkly lights, cheerful carols and...enchanting elven powers?

OK, so we're not exactly talking about Santa's little helpers here: Sophie Foster and her crew aren't the kind of elves that make toys, more like the kind that can read minds, pass through walls, talk to animals and even create snow.

In Unraveled, the newest installment in the bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities series, the daring (and admittedly dreamy) fan-fave Keefe Sencen pays a visit to the human world. There, he hopes to learn how to harness his abilities and protect the secret kingdom he calls home. Bonus: The story is told entirely from Keefe’s POV!

"The series is really cool," shares GL Book Bestie Aubrey Elise. "I love that each character we meet has a unique talent that matches their personality—and each ability brings so many great possibilities!"

GL Book Bestie Aubrey Elise 

Sophie, Keefe and their friends have to look inward to fully manifest their powers and do good in the wider world...dare we say it's your turn to do the same? Your inner gift (no wrapping paper required) awaits. 

If you're the friend who:
🎧 Makes playlists that effortlessly match any vibe
🎁 Gives the world's best Secret Santa gifts 
🥰 Can always tell if your crush likes you back

You'd likely be a...Telepath

The fact that you can always predict what others are thinking would def come in handy if you were hanging with Sophie in the Lost Cities—and it already comes in handy here in Humanland. "I love this book series, and I knew from the start I'd be an telepath like Sophie or Fitz," explains GL Book Bestie Skylyn P. "I love using my intuition to help my friends."

Since you're the type of girl who always knows the exact moment to shoot long-distance bestie a "how are you?" (it's like you can tell when you're on her mind), it's safe to say you'd fit in among the Telepaths. 

Own your power: 

Looking to use your low-key telepathic talents for good? We've got some ideas...
☕ Brighten your bestie's day. If you're picking up on the fact that this Friday is going to be a major drag for your bsf (maybe she's got a huge exam, a dentist appointment, an exhausting babysitting gig or, gasp, all three), it's time to pull out all the stops. Show up at her locker with her fave extra cinnamon iced chai and she'll think you read her mind (which...you kinda did). 
🎄 Show how well you know them. Use your intuition to make sure everybody gets a prezzie they'll adore under the tree this year. Team up with your sibs, collab on a list of goodies for everyone in your family then hit the mall so that nobody has to do all of the gift guessing (or shopping!) alone. New tradition = unlocked. 

GL Book Bestie Skylyn P. 

Hey, Besties! Who would you be besties with in the Lost Cities?
"Dex. You've got to love the prankster sidekick, plus he's so loyal." — Aubrey Elise
"Sophie for sure! I totally admire how brave she is, even when she's thrown into a whole new world." — Cilla
"Biana is so sweet and confident. I just know she'd hype her besties up." — Riley
"Fitz is such a good friend—I'd want someone like that in my corner." — Makenzie
"I think Keefe is so funny. There'd never be a dull moment." — Skylyn

If you're the friend who:
💞 Offers the best advice in the midst of drama
❣️ Knows immediately when someone is upset 
💧 Can't help but shed a tear at every sappy song, show or rom-com 

You'd likely be an...Empath

Like Keefe, you're totally in tune with how others feel, are able to sense what someone is going through and you help those you care about stay calm and collected while working through any tough situation. "Keefe always knows what the people around him are feeling—even if he's hiding his own emotions," says GL Book Bestie Makenzie F. "I love that he's always there when Sophie needs him."

Own your power: 

True Empaths can flex their skills by...

❤️‍🩹 Being there. The next time one of your nearest and dearest is down, show up with a box of tissues, a snuggly plushie and a hug. Lifting their spirits will give you the warm 'n' fuzzies, too. Promise.
🏩 Paying it forward. Sign up for a volunteer shift at the animal shelter, food bank or library. Actually using your hands to make the world a better place can really calm that internal everything-feels-too-much storm.

GL Book Bestie Makenzie F.

Hey, Besties! What magical animal would you want as a companion?
"A griffin. They are powerful, intelligent *and* they can fly." — Aubrey Elise
"A phoenix. I've always thought they were such cool fantasy creatures." — Cilla
"An alicorn, of course!" — Riley
"A dire wolf. They'd be so protective." — Makenzie
"A murcat. Two words: cute and sweet (when they're trained, that is)." — Skylyn

If you're the friend who:
📣 Cheers the loudest at every pep rally
💌 Leaves a trail of positive pick-me-up Post-it notes wherever you go
🤩 Isn't afraid to compliment a stranger 

You'd likely be an...Enhancer 

Because you’re always lifting up others, you’re an epic Enhancer—and part of an elite club at that. Enhancing is the rarest power in Keeper of the Lost Cities, and Sophie is the only one (besides you, ofc) who's known to possess this talent.

We heart that you’re able to transfer supportive energy to others, making them feel confident, allowing their own unique abilities to shine. "I'm a competitive dancer and I love being able to cheer on my friends at our competitions," says GL Book Bestie Riley A. "It's like I'm tapping into my own enhancing powers, just like Sophie."

Own your power: 

Your Enhancer era starts with these to-dos...

💡 Mentoring a little sib/cousin/teammate. OK, we know they might sometimes annoy you, but that younger kid in your life that thinks you're the coolest ever? You could have a real impact on them. Set aside some time to go over tricky homework, talk through friend drama or even kick the soccer ball together. 
🌟 Getting the gratitude going. Thanksgiving might be over, but newsflash, you can (and should!) still express appreciation for all you have. Round up your squad or your fam for a gratitude circle, where everyone shares two aspects of their life that bring them lots of joy. It might sound cheesy, but guarantee everyone will leave feeling like their cup is full. 

GL Book Bestie Riley A.

Hey, Besties! What's your real-world hidden power?
"I'm so organized—especially in my bedroom and on my bookshelf." — Aubrey Elise
"I'm always creating. Whether it's for my socials or for my friends, I love getting artsy." — Cilla
"I'm always energetic and ready for my next project." — Riley
"I can memorize things really fast. It's super helpful when I'm acting on set!" — Makenzie
"I love meeting new people and making sure everyone feels included." — Skylyn

If you're the friend who:
💬 Is basically the life of the GC (all those funny memes are from you)
💯 Aces every group project—even if you're not paired with your pals
🐶 Always gets along with everyone's dogs/cats/guinea pigs/you name it

You'd likely be a...Polyglot

Being a fab communicator means that if you lived in the Lost Cities, you'd be a pro Polyglot. Clever banter and witty retorts already come so easily to you…so imagine the possibilities if your capacity for convo suddenly skyrocketed.

"My sister and I are always traveling with our family—we just got back from a trip to Jordan," says GL Book Bestie Cilla J. "Imagine if I was like Keefe and could speak the language no matter where I went?" And hey, even if you can't instantly communicate in foreign countries or chat with your cat IRL (a girl can dream), your ability to connect with almost everyone is a talent worth talking about.

Own your power: 

Prospective Polyglots, we're speaking to you! Try...

🌎 Hitting Duolingo daily. Dreaming of globe-trotting? Worldly girlies know: Learning a new language takes consistency and patience. Start a streak practicing 15 minutes a day on an app—and keep at it. That way, when you finally get the chance to jet off somewhere, you're so ready.
👋 Saying "hi" to the new girl. The fact that you can spark up an interesting interaction with someone you hardly know makes you the perfect classmate to show any fresh faces around. Make it your mission to buddy up with someone that hasn't quite found their group yet—and use your powers of connection to make them feel welcomed.

GL Book Bestie Cilla J.

Want to get involved with our Bestie Book Club? Here’s how…
+ SOLO. Snag your copy of Unraveled (plus the rest of the books in the hit Keeper of the Lost Cities series) and read along with us and our Book Besties!
+ ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Connect with us @glbestiebookclub and share all your theories about Sophie's next adventure. And psst, tell us whether you're Team Fitz or Team Keefe while you're at it! 
+ WITH YOUR SQUAD. Get your gals together for a fab fantasy book club (instantly snag digital copies of Unraveled here!) and find out which elvin powers match your vibes. Trust, every friend group has at least one Telepath, Empath, Enhancer and Polyglot—who's who? 👀 

Slider image: @makenzieleefoster

by GL | 12/4/2024