I have been a lover of books since I first learned how to read. Since then I have read countless books both for school and for pleasure. I’ve read some of the best and some of the worst and still have so many more to find! In the spirit of New Year’s Resolutions and aspiring to do and be better, I have come up with a list of books, both old and new, that you need to take a chance on this year.
1. The Amateurs by Sara Shepard
The same author who brought the ever so addicting Pretty Little Liars shocked fans in the end of 2016 with an enticing novel following a group of young thrill seekers who attempt to solve one of the country’s most infamous cold murder case. Expect the same PLL vibes and relive the feeling of always guessing who “A” is in this thrilling novel. There is no better way to help those post-finale blues.
2. The Meaning of Michelle by Veronica Chambers
This book is a collection of essays on First Lady Michelle Obama by an array of authors. It was just released on January 10th and I bet it is just flying off the shelves as the Obama administration bids their farewell to the White House. If you love reading biographies, or essays, or a journalism major who loves reading pieces by other authors then this is a book for you.
3. Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Now I might be a little biased on this one because this is one of my favorite books, but I feel like it is a classic that everyone should read once in their life other than when they were forced to in high school. I reread the book after my first year of college and I related with the main character, Holden, feeling a little lost in the world when he was walking the line between childhood and adulthood. Highly recommend giving this book a chance post-high school.
4. Difficult Women by Roxane Gay
Roxane Gay is back for more with her new series of short stories. The same writing style as her previous book, Bad Feminist, is sure to keep you engaged. The book will be a compilation of stories about of course, difficult women. After reading her essay in The Meaning of Michelle, I knew I would have to check out her new book. Another book to check off my list this year!
5. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
With the movie release date set for 2017, you’ll find me feverishly trying to read it before it hits theaters. It falls into the same genre as Thirteen Reasons Why and If I Stay and tackles questions of love, death, and how people can affect other people’s lives in unimaginable ways. The main character, Samantha, wakes up the morning after Valentine’s Day following a terrible accident and has to navigate life while reliving it. Can’t wait to read this and see the movie after!
6. A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
I don’t think I could allow myself to go see the movie rendition of this because I would be a blubbering mess so I have opted to read the book instead. There tends to always be a longer, complex storyline in the books and this also allows me to take breaks for my emotional wellbeing. You can find me in bed bundled up in a blanket with this book and a box of tissues in the very near future.
7. History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera
The novel takes us on Griffin’s journey of dealing with the death of his ex boyfriend while also being in a relationship with another guy. He goes on a downward spiral where he confronts his past to move forward with his future. All of this on top of having recently moved to a brand new city for college spells out a story full of struggle, heart, and triumph.
8. salt. by Nayyirah Waheed
If you were obsessed with Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur then you are going to love this book of poetry by Waheed. My roommate just gave me this book a few days ago and I haven’t been able to put it down. It speaks to those who are currently going through or in the past have gone through rough patches in life. Get ready to bookmark tons of poems and wanting to reread these short yet such resonating poems all the time.
9. Caraval by Stephanie Garber
“Whatever you’ve heard about Caraval, it doesn’t compare to the reality. It’s more than just a game or a performance. It’s the closest you’ll ever find to magic in this world . . .” (GoodReads). This book expected to hit shelves the end of this month is predicted to be a best seller. Two girls escape living on an isolated island with their cruel father only to be thrown into a cruel game of a show of love, heartbreak, and magic that borders on the line of reality. The eldest sister Scarlett must find her sister before the end of the performance or her sister may be gone forever.
10. Always and Forever, Laura Jean by Jenny Han
This third novel in the New York Times best selling series, To All The Boys I Ever Loved Before and P.S. I Still Love You, is sure to be a good read for fans and new readers alike. A story following a high school senior who is torn between her head and her heart accompanied by Jenny Han’s expansive story arc and writing style is a sure fire formula for a must read.
These are just a select few of the books I want to read this year and there are so many more I haven’t stumbled across yet, but I hope this list will inspire you to pick up a book every once in awhile and read a little more. Have a great 2017.
Happy Reading!
ALL IMAGES FROM: Google Books