Summer gives us plenty of time to relax and read for leisure. By reading everything from harrowing adventures to coming of age tales, we can travel all over the world in the pages of these novels.
On the Go
A perfect way to pass the time in the car or on the plane is to read. Ransom Riggs’s “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children” is a riveting tale that follows a teenage boy named Jacob, who comes upon a deserted island that once housed the strange orphanage of caretaker Miss Peregrine. After wandering through the ruins, Jacob finds that the orphanage’s name is only too accurate. This bone-chilling mystery will have you on the edge of your seat. In the world of historical fiction, “The Other Einstein” by Marie Benedict is the empowering tale of Mitza Maric. Unlike most women of the time, Mitza attends a university filled with male students who attempt to outshine her. As she continues her studies, another student at the college catches her eye–Albert Einstein. This story follows the brilliant couple as they live their lives as two geniuses in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Both of these noteworthy novels are sure to make a long ride seem short.
Journey of a Lifetime
If reading on the go isn’t for you, then save these stories for your destination. “Turtles All the Way Down” by John Green tells the story of Aza, a girl who finds the opportunity of a lifetime: solving a disappearance and possibly winning $100,000. But that’s where the stereotype ends—Aza isn’t your standard Nancy Drew. Rather, her psyche is far more complex, characterized by an OCD demeanor and a tendency to get lost in thought. As the story progresses, the reader is taken deep into the mind of an emotionally damaged girl while she seeks fulfillment. Similarly, Robert Cormier’s “The Chocolate War” is the story of Jerry Renault, who raises eyebrows by resisting school authority. Although the title may imply a lighthearted storyline, it soon escalates into a moral conflict that isolates young Jerry. It’s the one person against the world tale recreated.
Summer Loving
Don't feel left out if you aren't planning to travel far. These romance tales are perfect for a relaxing day at the beach. “The Truth About Forever” by Sarah Dessen tells the story of Macy, a girl with a sweet boyfriend and excellent grades. Once Macy and her boyfriend split up, she makes new friends and eventually finds that no one is without flaws. Over the course of the book, Macy learns several life lessons, and her love life improves when she grows closer to a newfound friend. Overall, this book is marvelous for anyone who loves a happy ending. It is the beach companion every reader needs. Finally, Shannon Hale’s “Austenland” tells the story many can relate to: a woman who is in love with a fictional character. However, when she travels to Austenland, a Jane Austen themed resort, she finds herself immersed in a romantic fantasy worth telling. With these novels of romance, adventure and growth, the summer season can pass you by.