Woohoo! Turning the big 2-0 this week means reflecting on the past, living in the present, and looking forward to the future. In the years leading up to this momentous occasion, I have read a large amount of books in my lifetime, ranging in genre, topic, and age base. This compilation reflects my personal opinion on the top 20 books that I believe everyone should read before (or after) they turn 20, as they will change the way you view certain topics, as well as make yourself seem more knowledgeable in literature (which is always a plus when it comes to conversations).
NOTE: Those that have a (M) next to the name have been turned into a movie or TV show, while those with (S) touch upon sensitive subjects, such as rape, suicide, or gun violence
1. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
2. Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds (S)
3. I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
4. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (S)
5. All American Boys by Jason Reynolds (S)
6. The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe (S)
7. The Border by Steve Schafer (S)
8. The Probability of Miracles by Wendy Wunder
9. Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin
10. Gabi, A Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero
11. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (M) (S)
12. The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis
13. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon (M)
14. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
15. Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia
16. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton (M)
17. 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher (M) (S)
18. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli (M) (S)
19. The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky (M)
20. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (M) (S)