There are a lot of books out there. Knowing what to read can be difficult because of all the options; especially if you’re trying to get into reading. Unsure where to start? Start with this list, all the way from dystopian to fantasy to mystery, all of these books will have you reeling for more.
10. This is Where it Ends – Marieke Nijkamp
This book is terrifyingly good. Four students, Autumn, Tomas, Slyv, and Claire, are all at different places in school when a boy, Tyler, traps everyone in the auditorium and starts shooting. Devastating in so many ways, it highlights the unfortunate truth of school shootings that have happened hundreds of times over the years. The characters have to make daring choices to stay alive and get help; it really makes you think about what you would do in that situation. It’s not a must-read, but if you’re looking for something bone-chilling but realistic, it’s the book to go to.
9. They Both Die at the End – Adam Silvera
Two boys, Rufus and Mateo, get calls from Death Cast saying they are going to die today. When they eventually find each other, they spend the day together and learn what it means to love, and to lose. Even though the title gives away the ending, it is still devastating. You can’t help but connect to the characters even though you know you will lose them. It’s a harsh reminder that we don’t know when we will die- it could be tomorrow, it could be in 30 years. But knowing when, the day of, is it worse? Or better? Both. It allows you to make the most of your day, but at the same time there will be that fear of wondering exactly when you’ll die.
8. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief – Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief is an amazing book, so much so that I regret not reading it sooner. A 12-year-old boy named Percy Jackson learns that the Greek gods and monsters are real, and he must go on a quest to prevent war after Zues’ lightning bolt went missing. A hilarious book, but not so hilarious that it couldn’t be serious. It was captivating every second. It has mythology, suspense, monsters, adventure, gods, humor, what more could one ask for in a book?
7. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder – Holly Jackson
Pipa Fitz-Amobi is researching a ‘cold’ murder case from 5 years ago for her school project. Highschooler Andie Bell was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend Sal Singh, yet her body was never found and Sal ended his own life soon after she went missing. When she gets close to solving it, danger closes in. How far is she willing to go for the truth? This is one of the best murder mysteries I’ve read. It truly feels like you’re learning along with the character. Holly Jackson is an incredible author who knows how to give the reader information but continues to keep suspense and mystery.
6. Fourth Wing – Rebecca Yarros
A fantasy romance where Violet Sorrengail is forced by her mother to give up being a scribe and instead become a rider-a dragon rider. Under the constant threat of death, Violet learns how to adjust her thinking and attitude in order to survive. A wonderful fantasy book that is captivating and unpredictable. Who will die? What challenge will await Violet next in her first year at Basgiath War College? What secrets are hidden below the surface?
5. Illuminae – Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
A sci-fi novel made in the form of different documents, interviews, photos, and more. Teenagers Ezra Mason and Kady Grant become refugees on a spaceship with the rest of their colony Kerenza IV after BeiTech blew up their planet. Now, aboard the Alexander and Hypatia, and fleeing from BeiTech’s Lincoln, everyone must make hard choices to survive. Those hard choices might be made for them when an AI called AIDEN goes rogue and a mysterious illness invades the ships. A brilliant book, it seems long but since most of it is pictures and it is spectacularly captivating, it flies by like nothing. The plot twists are riveting and unexpected. New information is being learned at every turn and the survival of an entire planet of people depends on it.
4. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo – Taylor Jenkins Reid
Monique Grant is a failing journalist. At one last chance for success, she snatches an interview with the famous 70’s actor, Evelyn Hugo. At 79, the actress is finally ready to open up about her life and her seven husbands. This book kept me entertained the entire time and the characters are so wonderfully complex. As you go through the story, the suspense of learning about all seven husbands and knowing that they won’t be the last makes you wonder what will happen next.
3. Daisy Jones & The Six – Taylor Jenkins Reid
Daisy Jones grows to be wild and free, music and a love for songwriting drives her to become a singer. When she stumbles upon an up and coming band called the Six, they start making music together and quickly rise to fame. When the band is interviewed decades after they break apart, new secrets are revealed. This is a complex and unique book. Told in interview format, it provides interesting perspectives of all the band members and shocking twists will have you hooked.
2. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before – Jenny Han
When sophomore Lara Jean’s love letters she swore she’d never send somehow end up in the hands of the five boys she loved, her world begins to crumble. So good it is addicting, Jenny Han knows how to capture the feeling of being a teenager in a way that is relatable. It’s heartwarming, heartbreaking, and everything in between. While it could be cringey at times, it wasn’t an overwhelming part of the book and it didn’t affect my opinion of the story as a whole.
1. The Reappearance of Rachel Price – Holly Jackson
Sixteen years ago, Bel Price’s mother disappeared and she was the only witness. Only problem: she was a baby and can’t remember any of it. When Rachel Price suddenly reappears and is acting strange, Bel makes it her mission to find out what really happened to her mother. If you’re going to read any book this year- read this one. It has a great balance of learning new information and having information withheld. The plot twists at the end will have you at the edge of your seat and the characters are very well written.
If you didn’t know what to read before, hopefully you do now. And If none of these interest you, give one a leap of faith or look in the school’s library for a book that does. With the amount of books that are out there- there’s something for everyone.
