22. “The Road” By: Cormic McCarthy, Science Fiction/Post-Apocalyptic Usually I’m not a huge fan of post-apocalyptic novels or universes; however, this book is an exception. It tells the story of a father and his son who are fighting to stay alive and holding onto the hope that humanity will prevail even after everything that has happened. They journey toward the sea and avoid other humans who pose a threat to their survival. Unlike my previous recommendations, this book evokes a different level of suspense that makes you want to keep reading. Other books like, “The Road:” “The Children of Men,” “Last Man Standing,” “Station Eleven” 23. “Lord of the Flies,” By: William Golding, Science Fiction I couldn’t make this list without throwing a classic on the list. Lord of the Flies is an unusually dark story about children who get stranded on a deserted island. The presence of mob mentality throughout the story is well presented and leads to the downfall of major characters. I think the idea that children will also do what it takes to survive is a very compelling plot that stuck with me since I read the story in my 10th grade literature class. Other books like, “Lord of the Flies:” “Clockwork Orange,” “The Hunger Games,” “Annihilation”
24. “Emergency Contact,” By: Mary H. K. Choi, Fiction This book is a modern day love story. The author plays with the idea of having one person who can text you at any moment in time and you would drop everything to respond to them. It’s the sweet late night conversations about anything and everything or the early morning texts for no reason at all. The story revolves around Sam and Penny who talk to each other about everything despite barely knowing each other at all. Through the texts and small interactions, the two grow closer and the line betweens platonic and romantic feelings blur. Other books like, “Emergency Contact:” “Alex, Approximately,” “The Unexpected Everything,” “We Are Okay” 25. “The Help,” By: Kathryn Stock ett, Fiction This novel is a moving story about racism in the south during the 1960s. When Skeeter comes home from college, she decides to continue to pursue her dreams of being a writer. Instead of focusing on the usual and more a cceptable topics of the 1960s, Skeeter decides to interview black women about their experience taking care and working for upper-class white families. I think this novel is beautifully written and moving. Other books like, “The Help:” “ Hidden Figures,” “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “The Secret Life of Bees”
26. “Room,” by Emma Donoghue, Fiction This book is told from the perspective of a five-year-old boy who has never left the room that he and his mother live in. The naivety of the boy is heartbreaking throughout the novel as he only knows what is contained within this small space. We watch him and his mother’s experience through this child’s eyes and have to put together the rest of it. It paints a somber picture of what one person’s nightmare can look like through the innocence of a child. The perspective is so unique. 27. “Milk and Honey,” By: Rupi Kaur, Poetry Poetry and creative writing are something that I hold close to my heart. I read this collection of poems during high school, and I’ve always loved this book. It is filled with relatable anecdotes about pain. The book itself is divided into four sections and each section tackles a different topic. This book is inspiring and touching in a beautiful way. Other books like, “Milk and Honey:” “The Words I Wish I Said,” “Pillow Thoughts,” “You’ll Come Back to Yourself” 28. “The Hate U Give” By: Angie Thomas, Fiction This book was inspired by the recent Black Lives Matter movement and is a powerful, moving story about the gun violence we still witness in America. The novel covers the incredibly delicate topic of racism and police brutality in an elegant and respectful way. The way the author wrote this story is inspirational. I think that everyone should read this book and keep an open mind when learning about the perspective of a whole different person and race. The desire for equality really resonated with me. Other books like, “The Hate U Give:” “All American Boys,” “Dear Martin” “Anger is a Gift”
28 Book Recommendations
embraces self-expression and creativity. Other books like, “Every Last Word:” “Made You Up,” “My Heart and Other Black Holes,” The Way I Used to Be”
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