Online, the top books for girls are the typical romance novels or something along the lines of Twilight. However, there are still plenty of interesting books that have a lot more substance than Twilight. Let’s step back from the clichéd romance novels (such as anything by Nicholas Sparks) and try something new.
You don’t have to step away from romance books all together because they can be a guilty pleasure, but there are other unique romantic books that can offer different ways to interpret love. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen came out as a movie in 2011, but the original book is still worth a read. It starts out almost similar to The Notebook, but with snarky elderly people who will give you a good laugh. Then it takes you back to a time during the early stages of the Great Depression and continues into a complex story of a romance under the big top. There is something more appealing at the fact that it takes place in an old-fashioned traveling circus.
A classic romance novel that every girl should read is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. It was written during a simpler times when women didn’t have a lot of opportunities. The story still empowers to women to decide what they want to do with their life in the name of love and make life choices that will make them happy rather than pleasing others. You can’t help but to fall in love with the characters, especially Mr. Darcy, who seems prudish at first but slowly comes around. You can’t forget the strong female character Elizabeth Bennet. She isn’t willing to settle and wants to makes sure that she is happy.
Romance novelins are great, but not every girl is into romance and there are plenty of other genres to read, such as fantasy. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle is classic fantasy book that has bizarre adventures through what appears to be different universes…or different time periods? No one is quite sure, however what makes this book appealing that there is an element of fantasy and a crazy adventure to find the main character’s father. It can be considered a kid’s book, but does an age limit really matter?
Another group of books that are a fun read and have been around since 1930 is the Nancy Drew series. The author is only a penname, Caroline Keene, since throughout the years the books have had multiple ghostwriters, according to a New York Times article. The Nancy Drew books are still being published, but with a modern flare, like Nancy using a cell phone. Also, previous books that were written were re-edited so they are politically correct. The Nancy Drew books are a simple read but with interesting mysterious to follow.
For a modern book that has scandalous rumors and killer mystery, check out the series Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard. Yes, it has been made into a popular TV show on ABC Family, but the books really differ from the TV series and are worth a read. Follow the four main characters as they are blackmailed by the mysterious “A” and they try to uncover the truth of their friend’s murder. It’s always the one you least expect and this mystery series will keep you on your toes with every twist and turn.
Whether it’s at a computer, Kindle or in old-fashioned books, take the time read these great stories that offer a variety of genres but still pertain to headstrong girls. Summer is just around the corner, which is a great time to kick back and give these books a shot!