By Olivia Hicks
Books are important to teach us about world topics, as well as to provide us with information. As social media has taken a storm over the past decade, reading rates have decreased significantly. In fact, the Pew Research Centre conducted a study that showed that only 64% of people in America have read a book in the past 12 months. As a certified book lover, there are many books I’ve read that I think are amazing and well worth the read. Maybe by reading this article, you may want to read these books, and you might enjoy them!
They Both Die at The End
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia
They Both Die at the End follows a story of love, hope and despair. The story follows two separate characters, Rufus and Mateo, after they both receive ominous calls from a company called Death Cast telling them they have 24 hours left to live. Although they are total strangers, they figure teaming up together on their last days alive might be the best option. The book does an amazing job of navigating teen romance and grief while also highlighting the message that we should all make the most of our lives. But.. does the title live up to its name? Read the book to find out!
The First To Die at The End
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia
Due to the immense popularity from Silvera’s first novel ‘They Both Die at the End’, he came out with the long-awaited prequel on the 4th of October 2022. The book takes place before the first, where Death Cast has just started out. Orion is a —, and Valentino is a model new to NYC, and is just looking to start afresh. When they run into each other at Death Cast’s technology launch, and from then on, they become the best of friends. Read more to follow their friendship and read the insane plot twist this book has to offer.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Genre: Young Adult
This story follows Charlie, a socially awkward teen trying to fit in at school after the death of his best friend. Soon, he meets two seniors, who quickly become his closest friends. The book explores Charlie’s personal feelings towards the people in his life and his sudden change of confidence as his new friends begin to leave for college, leaving him alone. This book has quite a few mature themes such as mentions of abuse, so that might be helpful to know.
The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
Genre: Historical Fiction
This is one of the most well-known books out there and for good reason. The book is set during WW2, which took place from 1939-1945, and was a war targeting Jews. The book follows a small boy named Bruno, who has just moved to Berlin for his father’s job – which was a German army commandant – and soon Bruno discovers a nearby concentration camp. Being so young, he was oblivious to the real truth behind the camp. He soon meets a boy behind the fence, and they form a friendship. One day, Bruno is invited inside the camp by his new friend. What happens is shocking…
Lord of The Flies
Genre: Allegorical Novel
This story from 1954 follows a group of young boys who wash up on a deserted island with no food, water, or shelter. It is then up to them to govern themselves and have some sort of order between themselves. All is good, until some of the boys want more power than others, leading to corruption. This book is similar to the works of George Orwell, mainly his Novella Animal Farm. They both explore the theme of absolute power and how it tends to corrupt. 9th graders, if you enjoyed Animal Farm this year, maybe this is the book for you!
Lovely War
Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy
Lovely War is another novel set during WW2. Four people from different backgrounds meet, and the bonds and friendships they make while also surviving the war are definitely worth the read. If you’re into mythology, there are small crossovers between Greek Gods such as Aphrodite, Ares, and Hephaestus. The book is a great mix of real-world historical events and mythology, and was definitely an interesting read!
Wilder Girls
Genre: Science Fiction
This book is set in a boarding school in Maine, where a mysterious disease has taken over the school, forcing the staff and students into lockdown. This isn’t just any disease. The Tox is a deadly parasite that causes bodies to mutate in gruesome and painful ways. 3 friends – Hetty, Byatt, and Reese all decide enough is enough and decide to end the tox once and for all – until Byatt goes missing. But what happened to her? Read to find out!
As Long as The Lemon Trees Grow
Genre: Historical Fiction
Set during the Syrian revolution, an aspiring nurse named Salama and her best friend are doing the best they can to avoid falling bombs and diminishing food supply. Soon Salama meets Kenan, a photographer determined to show the rest of the world the atrocities committed in Syria through the power of photography and social media. Together, they work together to decide whether to leave their homeland or stay and fight for what they believe in. While this is going on, Salama is also hiding a big secret: An entity named Kwarf seems to be stalking her. Will they get out of Syria with their lives?
Hopefully this convinces you to try some new ideas for books to read! As Ms Miller always says, “train your reading brain!”