Sitting down and reading a good book seems like such a cliché; however, it really helps me relax when I’m in my most stressful season. A good book can lighten any mood and help distract you from whatever hardships you may face. I also love when I have the chance to read books that I enjoy reading rather than books that I need to read for my classes. I have compiled a list of must-read books for the year 2023, including some classics and lots of Emily Henry novels, but each of them is unique and helps me relax when life gets tough!
- “The Catcher in the Rye”
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“The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger is my all-time favorite book! I read it for the first time the summer before starting college, so it holds a very special place in my heart. The entire novel is just one big metaphor for the ups and downs of life. The main character, Holden, is a prep-school bad boy with a sweet side that no one tends to see. He is definitely giving the “misunderstood teen” vibes but I eat it up every time. This is a must-read not only for 2023 but for every year! It’s truly timeless.
- “The People We Meet on Vacation”
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“The People We Meet on Vacation” by Emily Henry was recommended to me by my best friend, and I absolutely fell in love with it over winter break last year. It is the most beautiful, steamy and silly friends-to-lovers trope I have ever read. If I could read it for the first time again, I totally would. The main characters, Poppy and Alex, are polar opposites and have never been “just friends.” This slow-burn novel keeps you on your toes and makes you anticipate the couple’s next move.
- “Normal People”
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“Normal People” by Sally Rooney is guaranteed to leave you in tears. I would classify this novel as a moving, enemies-to-lovers trope. The main characters, Connell and Marianne, come from two completely different worlds — one a popular jock and one a quiet nerd who form a secret friendship. This friendship blossoms into a romance between the two but it is far more complex than that. This novel had my emotions peaked the entire time and I never knew what would happen next. As well, I definitely recommend reading the book before watching the new TV show they made of this; the books are always better!
- “Beach Read”
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“Beach Read” by Emily Henry is another slow-burn love story that will melt your heart. Everett and January are both novelists who went to college together but never really seemed to cross paths. The two get to the lowest point in their lives and then meet in an old, rustic cabin where they both experience writer’s block. From enemies to friends to lovers, the two go through a wild, moving story that will give you butterflies all the way through!
- “The Perks of Being a Wallflower”
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“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky is another absolute classic novel. I feel like the movie may be more popular but in my personal opinion, the book is far better. The novel is centered around the main character Charlie’s first year of high school. Charlie has had a difficult, complex life that is not truly acknowledged until the end of the book. This novel will have you laughing one minute and sobbing the next. It is extremely touching and a classic book that everyone should read.
