To be honest, I've always been a person who likes to think about books and browse book stores, but when it comes time for me to sit down and read, I get distracted by the smallest things. I've tried to keep myself motivated and focused, so I began to keep a book beside my bed to help me remember. This has helped a little, but as we all know, sometimes we just don't find the time. I've decided to classify myself as a minimal reader, partly because it sounds nicer than "book hoarder", but mostly because it seems that the people who often recommend books are those who nearly practice reading as a religion (I have a few friends who fall into this category. Don't get me wrong, these are very cool people).
However, there have been a few books that I'm not so easily distracted by, which is what makes them my recent favorites. Hopefully sharing these with you will get you a bit inspired to get going book sometime soon. Therefore, it's only fair that I would also share with you a few that I've picked up from my endless trips to Barnes&Noble. Crossing my fingers that I'll be able to finish those before I grow old!
Favorites:
The Help by Katherine Stockett
I read this novel over a year ago (and that was still past when it was all the rage), but I still think that if you haven't read it...well, read it. For a bit of background, this book takes place in the 60's in Jackson, Mississippi. It follows a few of the white, rich, southern families and the mistreated black maids, "The Help". It may be long and historical, but it's definitely not too hard to understand if you can remember who the characters are. This is one of those stories where you feel like you've lost a friend as soon as you flip the last page. Also I must add that when you're finished reading, check out the movie. In my opinion, it's a pretty faithful adaptation. The most negative thing I have to say about it is that I prefer Emma Stone as a ginger.
Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine
No, not Mockingjay (which, believe it or not, I haven't read). This is more for younger readers, but usually I take that as a great opportunity to read something with that takes little effort. The story is told from the point of view of a young girl with autism whose brother died from a shooting. Although it's obviously very sad, it's also very interesting to be inside an autistic brain. If you decide to read this one, you might want to dictionary.com the word closure if you're not already clear on it (or you can be like me, a girl with a terrible vocabulary, making up my own definitions for words).
Smile by Raina Telgemeier
It's up to you on whether or not you want to consider this as a book or not. If someone asks you if it's a graphic novel, just say "it's a nicely laid out book with lots of pictures". The only plot hint I'm going to add for this one is this: I've never had braces, but even if you do or did, this book will just make you thankful for your mouth situation. I tried really hard to not put any stereotypical teen books on these lists, but I had to put this one in. It's funny and you can finish it in under two hours if you try. What's not to love?
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
This is probably Jodi Picoult's most well-known novel. Of course I read this one first, but if you like this you will certainly like her others. My sister and I came up with her formula that surprisingly, has few exceptions: long, and a death and a court case are often involved. Although I liked The Fault in Our Stars, I think this has to be my #1 cancer book. This is the story of a girl who was born only to save her cancerous sister. She donates organs, blood, and basically anything else the doctor declares that her sister needs. Eventually, she sues her parents for violating her rights to her own body. If you are a crier, this one will definitely get you. You have been warned.
The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
I must admit that this book is certainly not an easy read, especially for kids and even teens. Luckily, there is a young reader's edition. I have read both, and I believe that the young reader's edition still does an excellent job of getting the message across. Now that that has been said, I will say that it is incredibly powerful. If you don't understand why vegetarians exist, this will be eye-opening. You will most likely be disgusted, and that is the point. Side affects of reading The Omnivore's Dilemma may include: carnophobia, a dramatic change to a healthy diet, and strong feelings of hate towards corn.
To-Read:
Paper Towns by John Green
Apparently, I just can't resist the huge John Green explosion caused by the TFIOS movie. Oh well. At least I have become a Nerdfighter (DFTBA!).
Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan
Another John Green book, but also highly recommended by a friend.
The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
This purchase may or may not have been caused by the 50% off sale...no, it was because I like Jodi Picoult novels of course.
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
It's fine to judge a book by it's back cover. Also who can resist a little yellow book?
13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
I heard that this was sad, and I have yet to read a book that makes me cry. Maybe this will be the one.
Hope you are having a wonderful, stress-free summer :) See you on the next post! ☼
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