Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
This book follows 17-year-old Elio Perlman at his summer home in Italy along with one of his father’s students 24-year-old Oliver. Their story is a mundane look into their summer together focusing on the trial and tribulations of love and true friendship. While the middle half of the book is arguably hard to get through the payout you get from the ending makes it worth it in my opinion. Plus, once you finish the book the movie has a phenomenal soundtrack.
Holding Up The Universe by Jennifer Niven
This book is special with the way it is written from the perspective of two teenagers who live in Amos, Indiana; The first being Libby Strout, “America’s Fattest Teen” and her experience coming back to public high school after having to get cut out of her own home. The second perspective follows Jack Masselin, a popular boy with a secret that changes his view of the world. This story follows the two of them as live through the day to day struggles with being different in high school.
The Legend trilogy by Marie Lu
This trilogy is another series of books that are told from multiple perspectives, this time it is told by June and Day in a dystopian America. June is the Republic’s golden child and Day is one of their most notorious criminals. Their path leads them through losing loved ones, feelings of betrayal, and the urge for justice. The books in this series in order are Legend, Prodigy, and Champion.
I’ll Give You The Sun by Jandy Nelson
This story follows two twins Noah and Jude throughout different times of their life and their struggles growing up and dealing with loss and change. The twins face hard times in their relationship as confident Jude and shy Noah began to switch roles as they grow up. This novel has many themes including love, loss, art, and more. This is also my favorite book so I had to add it to this list.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
This story is one of those types of books that is always on 50 books you should read before you graduate college lists and the such. It is the story of a shepherd named Santiago and his life-changing decision to sell all of his livestock in search of treasure. Along the way, he learns to see life’s omens and meets many people who help him with his journey. This book will really cause you to do some reflecting in your own life and that is why it is on this list even though some may argue it is hard to get through.