A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

Imagine a book where you’re following four college friends through their years after high school: their highs and lows, best and worst. Now imagine that storyline, but way sadder. That is the most simple synopsis of A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. I cannot stress this enough, but please read the trigger warnings before embarking on the Little Life trip. Yanagihara writes in such a beautiful way that many scenes feel real. The emotions expressed in this book are very raw and uncensored. It highlights the premise that not all stories have a happy ending. The story is mostly all character driven, which is one of the most gripping parts of the book. Though as harsh as some points in the book may seem, it brings up an interesting commentary on friendship and mental illness.

Written by Katelyn, Teen Volunteer

The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan

What made this book stand out so much was its amazing commentary on generational parenting and the relationship between mothers and daughters. There is the Chinese cultural aspect, but there’s also how it explores what it’s like as generations start to distance themselves from the culture and how that feels for all involved. These conversations aren’t just jumped over, but fully developed in all aspects of the book. The stories are moving and touching, even relatable at most times. It delves into the ideal of feminism and self-worth based on the idea of parental expectations. Though all of the themes may seem daunting, the book was a fulfilling read. Each chapter builds off the last which leads to a whole “aha” moment at the end of the novel.

Written by Katelyn, Teen Volunteer

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reed

The novel The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, written by Taylor Jenkins Reed, is about a Hollywood actress named Evelyn Hugo.  After a long life and career at 79 years old Evelyn decides to let a journalist interview her about her life and seven husbands. This book discusses Evelyn’s feelings for each husband, her love for each one of them, and her reasoning for each marriage. Evelyn must also live with the grief of her dead loved ones. This is something that affects the way she sees love, and affects her process of dealing with emotional struggles as well. I enjoyed this book because it taught me to question love and wonder what it truly is. I also learned to question the reasoning for my actions. I loved the philosophy of this book along with the fitting ending for Evelyn’s long and troubling life. Although seven husbands might seem unbelievable to many people, this is what it took to allow Evelyn to realize who she was truly in love with and what she really wanted.

Written by Arianna, Teen Volunteer

The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien

In The Things They Carried, by Tim O’Brien, the main character named Lieutenant Jimmy Cross serves in the Vietnam War. During the time in which Jimmy Cross serves, he struggles to face the many burdens of being a soldier which include both mental and physical struggles. The biggest mental challenge for Jimmy is his guilt. When Ted Lavender, a soldier that Jimmy was in charge of dies as a result of Jimmy’s distraction, Jimmy becomes distraught. In this situation, Jimmy’s guilt teaches him a lesson because he learns to stay focused on his job. On the other hand, every decision that Jimmy makes now causes him to think about the death of Lavender. Jimmy also faces decisions during this novel. For example, Jimmy contemplates crossing the Canadian border to run away from being sent away to the war. Jimmy realizes that he would not be able to face the guilt of this action and stays. Throughout the book, Jimmy deals with pain a person should never have to experience. His morals are questioned at every turn in his journey. This novel takes you on the path of war through the mindset of a soldier.

Written by Arianna, Teen Volunteer

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Piscine Molitor Patel, or “Pi” for short, is the 16-year-old son of a zookeeper in Pondicherry, India. Through growing up at the zoo, Pi learns how the animals live by habit. His father also teaches him that animals are ferocious, but by providing for their needs and establishing dominance, circus trainers can tame animals. Although Pi’s parents are secular, he is raised as a Hindu and eventually begins practicing Christianity and Islam as well, just wanting to love God no matter the religion. When his father decides to move to Canada, they close the zoo and board the Japanese Cargo ship Tsimtsum, bringing the animals along to North America to be sold. A few days after their departure however, the Tsimtsum sinks and Pi ends up stranded on a lifeboat with a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a tiger named Richard Parker in the middle of the Pacific.

I loved this book because of how thought-provoking it was. Pi’s journey was a mystical coming-of-age story that was interesting enough on its own, but the ending ties the story together in an incredible way that was genuinely shocking when I read it for the first time. I thought the book’s story and theme were handled beautifully by Yann Martel, and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for an interesting read.

Written by Aedan, Teen Volunteer

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

It Ends with Us follows the life of Lily Bloom in both the past (through diary entries) and the present. After living in the small town of Plethora, Maine and falling in love with a homeless boy named Atlas, Lily moves to Boston. While in Boston, Lily meets neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid and even opens her own flower shop. Lily and Ryle can’t get each other out of their minds and Ryle begins to fall in love with Lily and pursue a relationship with her despite his “no dating” rule. However, as the relationship progresses, some of Ryle’s actions become questionable to Lily, beginning to resemble her abusive dad. When Lily suddenly runs into her first love, Atlas, more questions about her relationship with Ryle overwhelm her. 

After reading this book, it became my new favorite. This story is extremely powerful with a message everyone should follow. The storyline of the book is so smart and there are many unexpected moments. I fell in love with Lily Bloom and was wishing for more and more after the book ended. The way Colleen Hoover makes you feel one way about a character and completely twists your feelings about them within a line or two is one of the great parts about this book. However, this book does contain some sensitive topics and is not appropriate for young readers, but I would highly recommend it for readers 15 and up. Another plus is that this book is currently being written to become a movie which is very exciting. The whole time I was reading, I was visualizing how exciting this story will be as a movie. Overall, I highly recommend this book for those who want a sad, but heartwarming read with a good message.

Written by Julia, Teen Volunteer

Allies by Alan Gratz

Allies, a novel written by Alan Gratz, is a historical fiction book that tells the story of four World War II survivors. Dee is a soldier who is on a boat leading towards the shore of what will be known as the D-Day battle. Samira is a French spy who is working against the Nazi army. James is a paratrooper who must leap out of a plane to fight in battle. Henry is a medic who must try to help save injured soldiers while fighting against difficulties due to his race. 

Throughout the book, the characters face physical, mental, and social challenges. They struggle with their responsibilities in the war, the mental pressure that is placed upon them, the sadness of the death surrounding them, and the relationships they try to hold onto with the other characters. This allows the reader to put themselves in the shoes of the characters and visualize the setting during each event. 

Not only will you love to read about the characters in the book, but you will gain knowledge about World War II as well. When you read this book, time seems to fly. The intricate plot of the book will ensure you are never bored. If you have enjoyed any of Alan Gratz’s other books, you will also enjoy this!

Written by Arianna, Teen Volunteer

The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien

The One Ring has been lost and forgotten for thousands of years but is now being sought by Sauron, who intends to use the Ring’s power to rule over Middle Earth and all of its free people. Fate leaves the Ring in the hands of a hobbit, named Frodo Baggins, who inherits it from his uncle, Bilbo Baggins. He and a group of companions, including the wizard Gandalf, take up the challenging task to take the Ring to the fires of Mount Doom and destroy it once and for all and save the people of Middle Earth.  

This trilogy was amazing! Another one of Tolkien’s greatest works. I would highly recommend it to others. And don’t feel discouraged by all the pages because they are action packed with many battles, many laughs, and teach many lessons such as perseverance and the great bond of true friendship. The characters and story touches the reader and it stays with them for a long time. It was truly a great book.

Written by Priya, Teen Volunteer

The Hobbit: or There and Back Again by JRR Tolkien

Hobbits are a race of peaceful, short human-like creatures who love food, but when the circumstances call for it, they can be very courageous and pack a punch. Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who is quite happy living his normal, unadventurous life in his homey hobbit hole. One day, unexpected guests arrive for an unexpected party in his house. He agrees to be a burglar and go on a journey with 13 dwarves and a wizard to recover the lost treasure of the Dwarf King, Thorin Oakenshield, that was stolen by the dragon Smaug. On their journey, the company comes across many creatures and beings, friend and foe, or even a little in between, and make their way over high mountains and through dangerous forests. Bilbo finds his courage and explores the lands outside of his home in the Shire. He even finds a ring deep down in the goblin caves — its significance unknown to Bilbo — that can make him invisible when it comes time for him to be a burglar.

I loved this book so much! Even though it may seem like a bedtime story for the little ones, it is still a great read for teens who want to get away from the piles of homework and relax their minds with a fun adventure. And if you really liked the characters and places of Middle Earth, the story doesn’t have to end with Bilbo returning to the Shire. The Tolkien Legendarium is a collection of tales and adventures imagined and written by Tolkien, taking place  in and beyond the lands of  Middle Earth. One of the other well known works of Tolkien is The Lord of the Rings which is also a great book worth reading.

Written by Priya, Teen Volunteer