Sometimes it feels like there’s just never enough time to relax and sit down with a good book. Ironically, once you do find that good book, you’re bound to keep reading it until your eyes start to droop and time seems to cease around you. Here are just some of the few books that have consumed huge chunks of my time and soul.
1. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
This sweet and charming story (now its own Netflix film) drew me in when I was 16 and shelving books at the local library. I wasn’t a much of a reader back then but the book cover featured an Asian American girl, so I of course couldn’t resist.
The story follows 16 year-old Lara Jean, a quiet daydreamer who fantasizes about finding love. Over her adolescent years, she writes letters to all five crushes in a form of self-expression to be tucked away in her bedroom closet. This works out well for Lara Jean–until one day all five letters are sent to their recipients, and Lara Jean must figure out how to deal with her exposed feelings.
Definitely read this book with a nice snack at hand–maybe even snickerdoodles. (You’ll understand once you’ve read the book.)
2. The Giver by Lois Lowry
Despite this book being introduced me in school, I actually enjoyed it, which is always a nice surprise. The story follows Jonas, a young boy who lives in a “perfect” world where there is no pain, fear, war, or hatred.
In this utopia, every person is assigned a role in the society once they reach the age of 12. Our protagonist, Jonas, is given the highly esteemed role of Receiver of Memory. As the story progresses, Jonas is slowly unravels the reality of what the workings of his perfect world really mean. I love this book because it sends the message that as much bad as there is in the world, there is also good.
3. The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo
You should know that this book isn’t a story book. It is, however, a book on meditation, guidance, and self-awareness. The author offers his readers a short, poetic entry for each day of the year.
Each entry begins with a poem, followed by a deconstructed version of the poem that helps readers better understand it. These brief entires help readers meditate and reflect on their days as well as themselves. In other words, these are poems for the soul.