You may not know this, but I am a true book worm. As I wrote this list, I thought about all the books I've read and I realized that most of my childhood was spent in a book. Reading was one of my favorite past times...but nowadays the little free time I do have is usually spent on social media or binge watching Netflix. This year one of my New Year's resolutions is to change that and get back to my roots...being lost in a great novel.
Here is my list of favorite books, authors, current reads, and novels I hope to read soon:
Hunger Games Series
Summary: "In what was once North America, the Capitol of Panem maintains its hold on its 12 districts by forcing them each to select a boy and a girl, called Tributes, to compete in a nationally televised event called the Hunger Games. Every citizen must watch as the youths fight to the death until only one remains. District 12 Tribute Katniss Everdeen has little to rely on, other than her hunting skills and sharp instincts, in an arena where she must weigh survival against love."
Why I love it: I first read this series in middle school and I could reread this again in a heartbeat. I loved the storyline, the characters, the action, and the love story. My love for the Hunger Games was strong. I had T-shirts, earrings, my own Mocking Jay pin, and a huge crush on Peeta. Most people know the storyline from the excellently made movies, but trust me the books are (always) better.
Life as We Knew It
Summary: "Written as a journal by sixteen-year-old Miranda, the world is completely normal...until its not. Her world is thrown into chaos when an asteroid hits the moon and shifts it out of orbit, closer to Earth. The increase in its gravitational pull causes massive tidal waves and tsunamis that decimate many of the world’s coastal cities. Life was they knew it would never be the same."
Why I Love it: I've read these books multiple times and it's still as good as the first time reading it. If you want a novel that will suck you in and have you craving for more...this is the series for you. I was captivated into the world. I think it is a realistic look at what life would look like if a world wide disaster happened. Although the overall plot is dark and apocalyptic, it shows some the best parts of humanity and there is great character development. Highly, highly recommend.
Song of Solomon
Summary: "Song of Solomon explores the quest for cultural identity. Based on the African-American folktale about enslaved Africans who escape slavery by flying back to Africa, it tells the story of Macon "Milkman" Dead, a young man alienated from himself and estranged from his family, his community, and his historical and cultural roots. Milkman is mentally enslaved and spiritually dead, but with the help of his eccentric aunt, Pilate, and his best friend, Guitar Bains, he embarks on a physical and spiritual journey that enables him to reconnect with his past and realize his self-worth."
Why I love it: Song of Solomon is probably the most interesting and unique book I have ever read. The novel is about the art of storytelling and is filled with themes from racism, mercy and forgiveness, names, identity, and more. This book was truly one like no other that everyone should read.
The Color Purple
Summary: "Alice Walker's The Color Purple weaves an intricate mosaic of women joined by their love for each other, the men who abuse them, and the children they care for."
Why I love it: This book is a classic. Such a powerful novel, although dark at times it represented the truths of many women who were abused. I love the story and how Alice Walker chose to write it through the voice and language of Celie.
The Help
Summary: "Kathryn Stockett's debut novel, The Help, explores the idea of race relations in the 1960s in the deep South. Set in Jackson, Mississippi, the book tells the story of three women, who all serve as narrator throughout the book's journey."
Why I love it: Another great novel about black women in the south and the impact that people have on you during childhood. This book was filled with emotional moments and some really funny moments too.
The Hate U Give
Summary: "Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, Angie Thomas's searing debut about an ordinary girl in extraordinary circumstances addresses issues of racism and police violence with intelligence, heart, and unflinching honesty."
Why I love it: This novel touched on a very recent social issue...police violence, and told the story from the eyes of a sixteen year old girl who witnessed her best friend being murdered by a cop. I think this is a perfect tween book, although the language and the age of the main character Starr was below my own I still really enjoyed this novel and the story that it told.
The Fault in Our Stars
Summary: "Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten."
Why I love it: This book is simply amazing. It was the first John Green book I read and it lead me to read every single one of his novels. I love the way he writes and the complexity of the teenagers in his book. I felt so connected to the characters, I cried when they cried, laughed when they laughed. This novel is one that everyone should read.
Looking for Alaska
Summary: "Miles Halter is fascinated by famous last words–and tired of his safe life at home. He leaves for boarding school to seek what the dying poet Francois Rabelais called the “Great Perhaps.” Much awaits Miles at Culver Creek, including Alaska Young. Clever, funny, screwed-up, and dead sexy, Alaska will pull Miles into her labyrinth and catapult him into the Great Perhaps."
Why I love it: The plot and characters in this novel are so interesting. Alaska is mysterious and intriguing and there are many themes that this novel explores.
Other John Green honorable mentions:
Paper Towns and An Abundance of Katherines
My Current Read
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Summary: "Here is a book as joyous and painful, as mysterious and memorable as childhood itself. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sins captures the longing of lonely children, the brute insult of bigotry, and the wonder of words that can make the world right. Maya Angelou's debut memoir is a modern American classic beloved worldwide. Poetic and powerful, it will touch hearts and change minds for as long as people read. Why I love it: I am about halfway through this novel and I have been touched in so many ways by Maya's powerful story. Her descriptions and word choices are so beautiful, it is truly poetry and art all within some painful memories of her childhood. She is so inspirational. I can't wait to finish this novel and to read more of her work.
My Next Read
Turtles All The Way Down
The next book on my list is John Green's new novel, when I saw this at Barnes and Nobles, I picked it up without having to read the summary because I love all of his work. Each story is so unique and I know this one will be no different.
I hope that you enjoyed this post and got some inspiration & book ideas. If you have any book suggestions you think I might enjoy please comment them below!
Thank you for reading,
xoxo
Kye