BOOKS

Who doesn't love to get lost in a good book? Reading can be a great way to escape reality, dive into a new universe and explore different worlds, all whilst in the comfort of your own room. A good book will be impossible to put down and you will find yourself absolutely lost in its chapters. That being said, finding the right book to read...now that can be tricky. Especially during the school year, when everything is waaaay too busy and finding the time to read can be nearly impossible. Here are just a few books *perfect* for getting you back in the mood to read. 

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus 

@writerkmc || Hardcover, $10.70

Love a good 'whodunit'? One of Us Is Lying is the *perfect* story if you're looking for a suspenseful and puzzling mystery that's a mix of a teen drama and a real thriller. Set at Bayview High, One of Us Is Lying tells the tale of five high school students who all get placed into detention together on an ordinary Monday afternoon. They all fit a certain high school stereotype—the loner outcast, the jock, the popular girl, the bookworm and the troublemaker—and they couldn't be more different from one another. The five enter detention, but only four of them make it out alive. Detectives and investigators see this as no accident, leaving many to point fingers at the four remaining students. Through the investigation, as rumors spread like wildfire across Bayview High, the four come together and learn a lot about each other and themselves. In this suspenseful mystery, you'll find yourself second-guessing everything and running in circles in your own mind trying to figure out whodunit.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

@jennyhan || Hardcover, $1.34

Arguably a modern classic among teenage literature, To All the Boys I've Loved Before tells the story of loveable and sweet Lara Jean Song in her neverending quest for love. Lara Jean pens heartfelt letters to every crush she gets and locks them away in a box in her closet, only to be seen by her eyes. This all changes when her younger sister finds the box and decides to mail out each and every letter—meaning that every single crush Lara Jean ever wrote about would know of her true feelings. This makes things *complicated*, to say the least and ends in a whirlwind of emotions for Lara Jean as she navigates the pitfalls of high school and her messy love life all at once. Author Jenny Han (The Summer I Turned Pretty) never fails to connect you as the reader to the multi-dimensional and real characters within this novel. 

Dear Martin by Nic Stone

@nicstone || Paperback, $6.98

If you're looking for a book that not only leaves you thinking but also addresses real world issues, Dear Martin is the right book for you. This book doesn't shy away from heavy and hard-hitting topics, such as racism and police brutality, and it shines a light on issues that need our attention in this new age. It tells the story of Justyce McAllister, who has decided to start a journal to write letters to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His perspective in his letters allows him to come to terms with a lot of the ways in which he has been treated unfairly. While writing letters, Justyce is faced with an unexpected tragedy that shakes up his entire world. His perspective is constantly challenged and his worldview shifts with each letter. This book opens your eyes and forces you to look within yourself.

Every Day by David Levithan

@angourierice || Paperback, $7.56

Imagine waking up every day in a different body. Your mind and heart are the same, but the way the world sees you and the person you are physically varies each time you wake up. Would you feel confused? Overwhelmed? Lonely? Every Day is a book that takes on that idea, telling the story of A, a being that wakes up in a different body every day. A has always lived this life and has come to understand the lifestyle they lead as much as one could, however, everything changes once A encounters Rhiannon. Through this complex love story, David Levithan explores a world in which someone can love another person for who they are beyond the exterior presentation. As Rhiannon and A grow closer, things grow to be more complicated and the true themes of acceptance, love, and empathy shine through each twist and turn the story takes. 

Other books to look out for

If you like a book with a twist....you should read Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon.

If you like a story that tackles modern-day issues and combats injustices...you should read The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas.

If you like a book that is guaranteed to make you cry at least once...you should read The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.

If you like a good dystopian book...you should read The Maze Runner by James Dashner.

If you like emotionally & character-driven plots, as opposed to story-driven plots...you should read The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.

If you like a thriller that keeps you on your toes...you should read We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

You can never have too many book selections to choose from this fall season, so make sure to check out each one of these books listed. Maybe support your local library while you're at it. Finding that *perfect* read can seem difficult, but having an open mind and—not to be cliche—not judging a book by its cover can help you to find stories that are authentic and compelling. Try something new and step outside of your comfort zone by reading a book you might've never even given a chance before. Trust me, you'll open yourself to a whole new world once you pick up that book and find yourself lost in its world. 

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Slider image: @kaiagerber

by Mina Rahmat | 10/6/2022