BOOKS

Never Have I Ever: My Life (So Far) Without a Date by Katie Heaney

A memoir about looking for love, this book is written by a 25-year-old college graduate who has yet to have a boyfriend. The tales of her romantic catastrophes and friendship trials will have you laughing and blushing as you see bits and pieces of your own life. It’s an honest novel with inspiration for anyone looking for love, or even just a laugh, and by the end you’ll want to be her best friend.

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Heaven is For Real by Todd Burpo

Whether you believe in Heaven or not, this book is sure to make you think. Written by the Dad whose son made a visit to Heaven and came back with stories about life and the people there, surprising his family and friends around him, 4 year old Colton Burpo is about to change the mindset of those older than him and help them remember that life will turn out okay—because the plan has already been set out for us.

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The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

The Happiness Project is a memoir about taking a year for yourself and making yourself happy. While some people might find that to be selfish, the idea is more about becoming a more joyful person and showering that positivity onto others as well. Written with charisma and funny bits, this book sets out to spark a search for the happiness in our own lives. You’ll be ready for your own happiness project in no time.

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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling

It’s hard to believe that there could be anyone out there who hasn’t read even just one book out of the Harry Potter series. While scholars may see Shakespeare and Ray Bradbury as being the authors of the classics, Harry Potter might be crashing in with all the love the series has gotten. Know in some countries as The Philosopher's Stone, this first book tells the beginning of the story. We learn about Harry, and how he came to know that he was a wizard. He goes from being stuck with an awful family and sleeping in a cupboard to conquering his classes at Hogwarts. And, oh yeah, and he’s considered something of a hero in the wizarding world. If you haven’t read any of the series, now is the time to start. If you’re not too interested, we might have to put a spell on you.

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Save the Date by Tamara Summers

Save the Date is told from the point of view of Jakarta, or “Jack” as she prefers. Jack is the youngest of 5 sisters. It’s summertime, and their family is planning for not one, but TWO weddings for two of the crazy sisters. This cutesy chick lit novel is a perfect read for on the beach or when you’re looking to laugh at someone else’s life. With a wedding curse, a hot yo-yoing boy and a sister who wants her bridesmaids to wear overalls, this is not a book you’ll want to pass up.

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Chicken Soup for the Soul by Jack Canfield

Chicken Soup is made up of true-life stories sent in by people around the world wanting to share their lives. No matter what stage of life you’re going through, there is bound to be a Chicken Soup book for it—The Dating Game, Just Us Girls, For the College Student, I Can’t Believe My Dog Did That, Here Comes the Bride, and 250 more titles! No matter which copy you pick up, you’re sure to laugh, cry and wince as you read the stories of others’ triumphs and trials. If you’re looking for a good start, pick up the original. You'll get a feel for the style, and will be running to the bookstore to find one that fits you.

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The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen 

If you love to read, there’s a good chance you’ve heard about Sarah Dessen. A more serious book, this one focuses on loss and getting past the ideals we have of perfection. Macy, the main character, struggles with the death of her dad and doesn’t know how to keep living her own life. Can she finally let down her guard and find a place in the world? As we watch her go through this stage of anger, sadness and renewal, we can’t help but feel like it’s happening to us as well. Based on reality and the walls we put up ourselves, you might need to grab the tissues for this one.

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The Princess Diaries Series by Meg Cabot

One doesn’t usually imagine a princess to be awkward and shy around boys, but Mia’s a special case. Having just learned she's actually a member of the Genovian royal family, she is forced to take “princess lessons” from her grandmother, or grandmere, every day after school. You may have seen the movie of the same title starring Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews, but don’t let that shy you away from the books as well, because they’re worth the read. There comes a time in the lives of most girls where they wish they were a princess. What if one day you found out you were?

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The Winnie Years Series by Lauren Myracle

Ten, Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen, these are the years of change. And as for Winnie, well, she’s not a fan. Through many relatable events, such as almost losing her best friend, getting her period for the first time and falling in love with a boy who has pinkeye, you might find a bit of your adolescent self through this series. Each year brings more change and even crazier events that you won’t want to miss. The pressure of junior high is on, and Winnie’s not sure she wants to change with the rest of them, especially with all the horrors her life has planned for her (you have to shop for bras in public??). No, you can’t have her fantastic boyfriend, but you’ll be expectant for your own Lars to come along. Winnie is caring, sarcastic and ready to take the world by storm—all she needs is to believe in herself.

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Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Okay, sure, the main character’s a boy, but Holden is one you’ll identify with instantly. He has a constant need for independence, and is all about testing the limits of what he can get away with. A classic novel from 1952, almost everyone has felt his pain of teenage angst and annoyance at some point during their teen years. Holden has become an icon for teenage rebellion and reading about how he has survived and made the world his own will inspire you to do the same. Hey—just because it’s an “old book” doesn’t mean it has to be boring!

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