This year was a year of many pitfalls, but one thing you can always rely on to be good are books. Now, the question is what kind of books are you interested in? Tragedy? Thrillers? Romance? Fantasy? This list will cover them all.
#1: Alex and Eliza by Melissa de la Cruz
Does the title sound familiar? H-? Ham-? HAMILTON! Are you Hamilton obsessed and craving to read more about the crazy story of Alexander Hamilton? Just your luck. This book delves into the story of “the ten dollar founding father without a father” and Eliza Schuyler’s love. The chapters in the book contain both the perspectives of Alexander and Eliza which gives the book a nice twist.
#2: The Takedown by Corrie Wang
Do you want to enjoy a good futuristic book that’s not set in a 
dystopia? Then this is the perfect book for you. It combines a futuristic aspect with the drama of being in high school. The perfect “it” girl has a shocking video posted on the internet of her kissing her English teacher, but there’s a crazy twist- the girl in the video isn’t her. Will she have enough time to figure out who has done this to her before college applications are due?
#3: Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth
Yes, this novel is by Veronica Roth, the author who wrote the insanely popular Divergent series. Carve the Mark was a highly anticipated novel that has been hailed as incredibly addictive. Many people have said they were unable to put the book down. It’s set in space-which is awesome from the get go-and features a society where every person develops special gifts. Although the two main characters don’t see their powers as gifts- quite the opposite in fact. Be ready to speed through this sci-fi thriller!
#4: This Is Really Happening by Erin Chack
This Is Really H
appening is a heartbreakingly funny memoir of Buzzfeed senior writer- Erin Chack. The tone of the book is completely laid back, and the whole book is a collection of personal essays that range from her first kiss to her cancer diagnosis to her landing her dream job. If you are looking for a book that will make you both laugh and cry for hours, this is the perfect book for you. Also, if Buzzfeed takes over your life, be prepared for this book to do the same.
#5: One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
One of Us Is Lying is a New York Times Bestseller. The book takes its inspiration from the Breakfast Club but adds in an intense murder mystery that keeps readers on their toes. It’s about five teens, all completely different characters ranging from a golden boy to a drug dealer to a valedictorian to a homecoming princess to an outcast. The best part of the book is the refreshingly relatable characters. It isn’t your typical YA murder mystery; there are no boring cliche “twists” and “turns”.
#6 Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart
Genuine Fraud is the harrowing tale of an orphan, runaway heiress that is forced to constantly reinvent herself. Lockhart’s psychological thriller keeps you second guessing every sentence you read in the book. The most unique part of the book is the unreliable, unpredictable narrator/protagonist, for this is not a common characteristic of most YA books. Another interesting part of the book is that it starts on Chapter 18, so it completely goes against a chronological order.
#7: Eliza and Her Monsters by Francesca Zappia.
If you have ever identified yourself as shy, antisocial, or nerdy, this is the perfect book for you! It’s the story of Eliza, a shy, anxiety-ridden teen by day and an insanely popular webcomic author by night. It’s a story of romance and coming to terms with yourself. It has accurate representations of mental illness, a ton of diversity, and adorable internet friends. It also features absolutely stunning artwork done by the author herself.
All of these books are incredible reads with absolutely unique characters and intricate plot lines that are sure to entice all kinds of people. Go read them now! Also, if you are a book lover or want to gain an appreciation for books, come to Book Club! We meet on Wednesdays in the IMC Classroom right after school.