By Juliann Perala
Need a new book to read? Look no further – we’ve got you covered with all the details on five great books you can start reading today!
Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
Did you like The Time Traveller’s Wife? Written by the same author, Her Fearful Symmetry tells the tale of Julia and Valentina, identical twins that are given a life-changing proposition. In their recently deceased aunt’s will, they receive an inheritance with two conditions: that they live in their aunt’s flat in England for a year and that their parents never enter it. When the girls move into the flat next to England’s famous Highgate Cemetery, they experience self-exploration, new friendships and love interests, and a great deal of haunting from unknown spirits. If you can’t decide if you want to read a novel about teenage girls coming into their own on a foreign journey, the typical love story, or being scared out of your wits by ghosts, choose Her Fearful Symmetry for the best of all genres.
The Orchid House by Lucinda Riley
Taking you all over the globe from England to Thailand and spanning from 1930’s to the present day, The Orchid House tells the story of concert pianist, Julia, as she is introduced to a plethora of her prominent family’s secrets. She then starts to experience the effects of these devastating past events, and at the same time she herself deals with her own current day family tragedies. Lucinda Riley’s novel is full of the perfect amount of tragedy and drama with a shocking, yet happy ending.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
This story follows the high school years of teenage introvert, Charlie, who describes his life experiences through a series of letters to an anonymous stranger. Intelligent, yet shy and unpopular, Charlie is described as a wallflower. This book encompasses every possible issue a teen could face: friendship (or the lack thereof), love, sexuality, depression, drug and alcohol use, and the list goes on. The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a MUST-READ with a lot of awesome music and literary references– check it out.
A Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Written in the view of sixteen-year old cancer patient, Hazel, A Fault in Our Stars is the perfect “blend of melancholy, sweet, philosophical, and funny” that inspires any reader to seize the day. This young adult novel follows the love story of Hazel and fellow cancer patient Augustus, as the two try to carry on as any other normal, healthy teen couple would. John Green successfully transports his reader into the mind of a typical teenage girl whose life is made not so typical by the diagnosis of cancer. This story will make you laugh, it’ll make you cry, but it will ultimately teach you the importance of saying “I love you.”
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Smith’s series follows the life of Precious Ramotswe and her work as a detective in Gaborone, Botswana. The series includes quirky, lovable characters, introducing real life issues surrounding women. If you can’t find the time or money to take a trip to Botswana, have no fear – Smith’s colorful descriptions will make you feel as if you’re sitting across the desk and sharing tea with Precious.
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