Most people, when they hear anything about reading, automatically shy away. Me? I’m the type of person who has to read the book before watching the movie. There’s a certain feeling you get when you read a book that you don’t get when you watch the movie. When reading, you’re forced to pay attention. You can’t talk to the person beside you while reading. You can’t answer your phone or check social media while reading. Reading makes you a part of the book like you’re actually there experiencing those moments alongside the characters. You fall in love with the characters on a deeper level than normal because you’re closer to them and you know more about them. You know all their thoughts and feelings first hand. So, even though reading is not everyone’s favorite activity to do, this list is comprised of young adult novels that will make you jealous of the characters’ lives, but ultimately make your heart swell in the end. These might be sappy, young adult novels, but sometimes it’s worth it to just sit back and enjoy an easy, relaxing book. Put down that 600-page Old English novel that you’re being forced to at least try and comprehend, and indulge yourself with these lighthearted fantasies:
Everything, Everything
This book was adapted into a movie in 2017, but the only thing I can say is the film doesn’t do it any justice. Personally, I finished it in one day. I couldn’t put it down. It was equal parts happy, sad, and even included an unexpected twist at the end. Although many girls have probably seen the movie already, I suggest forgetting all about it and reading the book instead.
Since You’ve Been Gone
If there was one book I would read over and over and over again (other than Harry Potter of course), it would hands down be this one. My best friend in high school and I had our own little book club dedicated to this book, and we even got our other friends (who would never be caught dead reading) to fall in love. It’s a really entertaining story, with some honestly awesome playlists being thrown around. It might be a longer read than the other ones on this list, but you will never regret it.
Anna and the French Kiss
If I could live anyone’s life, it would be Anna Oliphant’s. Without giving too much away, she has no idea the awesome life she’s going to live when she first gets to Paris. My best friend and I are honestly still on the lookout for a guy just like St. Clair. There might not be much to this book plot-wise, but it’s for sure going to put a smile on your face at the end.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
I know you’re probably thinking, “how does it get any better than the movie?” Honestly, you’re right. They did an amazing job adapting this book into a film, because we all know it doesn’t always go the right way. But, like I said earlier, there’s a different feeling to reading rather than watching a movie. To be honest, Peter is completely different in the movie than I imagined him, and I still can’t tell if that’s a bad thing or not. Anyway, this 3 book series is so pure you’ll be wishing you were Lara Jean Covey.
The Unexpected Everything
This book, written by the same author as Since You’ve Been Gone, is everything you need: drama, suspense, and romance. Although the aspect of romance is nice, it’s also a coming of age novel where the main character really finds who she is, and lives a better life because of it. All in all, the story itself is extremely uplifting.
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Most people know this story as Love, Simon. Even though the producers decided to change the title from something extremely clever and unique to something shorter so that people would remember it, they did a great job adapting this book to the big screen. This story is so wholesome and always keeps you wondering who the mysterious pen pal is. The unexpected ending is so cute that I guarantee your heart will bleed with happiness.
The Sun Is Also a Star
This book, written by the same author who wrote Everything, Everything, was also adapted into a movie, but I have yet to see it so I can’t really say anything about their work. However, I can say that this book left me in tears on a plane full of people. The ending isn’t exactly what you are expecting, but that doesn’t make it any less wholesome or emotional. Is this story realistic? Probably not. But it’s fun to follow Daniel and Natasha on their day full of adventure and new experiences.
Eleanor & Park
This book has to be the most realistic of them all if I’m being honest. The main characters aren’t the extremely pretty or handsome people that are normally painted in these kinds of books, which can feel like a little breath of fresh air. Eleanor and Park are an unexpected couple when they first become best friends in their times of need and later on develop feelings for each other. If this story doesn’t restore some of your faith in humanity, I don’t know what will.
All the Bright Places
Unfortunately, this book is being released as a movie in late February 2020. Not that it doesn’t have the chance to be a great film, but I’m afraid they’ll end up messing it up. This story isn’t the usual one you see when reading a young adult novel, and that’s what makes it extremely special. The main characters realize they need each other, more than in a physical sense, but an emotional and mental sense. Their relationship goes beyond dating, and they end up depending on each other to get through life. With this, you’ll go through an extremely bumpy emotional rollercoaster, so make sure to have the box of tissues on standby.
These kinds of books aren’t the ones you can brag about reading to your literature classes, and they definitely won’t be any kind of use in a scholarly discussion, but that doesn’t make them any less special. Reading isn’t always about understanding the great authors of great literary works, but enjoying yourself and using stories to disappear for a while. I hope you decide to read even a couple of books on this list, even if you just need a quick study break once in a while. Movie producers have certainly decided that these are the best type of stories to adapt, considering almost all of these will be or have been made into movies. Who knows, maybe you’ll fall in love with them as I have.