The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness
Patrick Ness, the author of A Monster Calls- which was recently made into a movie only last year- wrote this gem. This turns the “chosen one” scheme many fantasy fiction authors implore on its head. Instead of focusing on whoever is chosen right now, Ness turns his eye to the people that, well, just live where the chosen ones live and who deal with all evils that are after the chosen few and the large damage that ensues after the chase. While a fantasy book at its heart, this book also deals with real-life issues that people face today, such as anxiety and OCD, unreliable parents, the impact of the media on people’s lives, and unrequited love. Overall, I loved this book and highly recommend it for people who like realistic fiction but want to dip their toes in fantasy.
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
I found this book late Sophomore year back in high school, and I keep coming back to it. Fangirl is about Cath, a college freshman and new to life without her sister hand in hers. Cath is also the author of that world’s most read Harry Potter fan-fiction. Rowell brings to light that fan-fiction isn’t only an escape for readers but also for the authors. She made me understand the lure of fan-fiction and not to treat it with disgust. The books deal with a lot issues incoming freshman face including disagreeable roommates, cute boys in classes, hard assignments, and the feeling of loneliness that can follow you throughout your first days. This book has a special place in my heart so of course, I recommend it, especially to incoming freshman that feel just a little bit lost.
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard : The Ship of the Dead by Rick Riordan
The third and final book in the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard series by Rick Riordan is also a recent release so I really do not want to ruin it for anyone. What I can say is that introduces old favorites of the Percy Jackson series into this new world. If you haven’t read any of Riordan’s modern retelling of the mythology of world’s past, you definitely should. Although I have a strong soft spot for all his characters, my favorite has to be the pink and green-clad Alex Fierro. Read this book to find out who they are. And enjoy your ride on the Big Banana.Â
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green
Since this a very recent, and anticipated release, I do not want to give any details away. All I can tell you is that the book includes interesting Star Wars Fanfic, a very important tuatara, and a person dealing with crippling OCD. This book hit me hard in the feels. John Green, himself, said that this novel was his first attempt at writing about the mental illness that directly affected his childhood, and although the story is fictional, it is also very personal. As redundant as it may seem, I do feel like this book deserves a “trigger warning” for mental illness because he portrays it in such a realistic way. Nonetheless, it shouldn’t stop anyone reading it, however, just mentally prepare yourself before reading.
Happy reading, Seawolves!Â