There is nothing better than a book. Curled up on the couch during a rainstorm, lying on the grass on a sunny day, in the middle of the day, or the middle of the night. Books give us a way to transport outside of our selves. To experience places, people, and circumstances that otherwise we would never know and to challenge what we believe in. Getting lost in a story, you lose track of time in the real world and temporarily transcend into a point of view completely different from your own. Neil Gaiman said: ” a book is a dream that you hold in your hand”, and he was right.
In today’s society, at least amongst teenagers, it is almost an act of rebellion to read. While the majority of the population of people ages 15-20 seem to be mesmerized with their phones, removing your eyes from a screen to indulge in a book has become a rarity. It is so common to see any given person walking down the street looking down at a phone. But swap that phone for a book and everyone seems to turn their head in confusion. I remember this one time in high school feeling too awkward to pull out my book and start reading in a group of teenagers who were all on their phones. And I remember thinking how brave and odd it was that a boy in my class was openly reading in public, and for pleasure!
I personally was never a big reader growing up. When I was a little girl, before iPhones and Netflix were a thing, I was (and still am) completely comfortable sitting for hours alone with no entertainment. Passing time by letting my thoughts run free. So whenever I picked up a book to read, my mind would wander without even noticing. And before I knew it I had finished several pages without having any idea of what I had read. This changed as I got older. Though the jumbled mess of thoughts constantly streaming through my head still remains today, I have found peace in the pages of a book. The endless lessons I’ve learned, lives I’ve lived, and stories I’ve collected from reading have been so fundamental in the person I am today. Without book stores filled with freshly printed pages and cozy libraries with mountains of well-loved paperbacks have become a happy place. Nothing beats the excitement of getting a brand new book and the magic you feel when you take your first step into the story.
Here are the first of many book recommendations. Next time you have a free moment, instead of aimlessly scrolling through Instagram, pick up one of these and get lost in the magic<3
To Kill a Mockingbird – by Harper Lee
An absolute classic and one of my all time favorites. So many hidden gems and life lessons to learn from the characters in this one. It will melt your heart in the best way.
The Giver – by Lois Lowry
Based in a utopian society, this books will give you a new perspective on life and the ageless wisdom. If you love The Giver (which I promise you will!) it is part of a 4 book series that will not disappoint: Gathering Blue, Messanger, Son – by Lois Lowry
The Perks of Being a Wallflower – by Stephen Chbosky
This book perfectly captures the delicate mind of a lost teenager and his adventures in figuring out life. The witty characters and relatable struggles will make you feel like you were part of the story. Highly recommend for anyone going through the strange years of high school.
Harry Potter (all 7 books) – by J.K Rowling
I really shouldn’t have to say this one becasue I believe everyone and their mother should have already read these books by now. If you haven’t, do yourself a favor and get lost in the magic (literally!). You won’t regret it.
The Catcher in the Rye – by J.D Salinger
This book changed the game for me. I didn’t realize how complex a book character could be, and how entertaining it would be to discover the complexities through the series of strange events that take place in this book. Historically controversial and highly entertaining. 10/10 would give to a friend.
The Things They Carried – by Tim O’Brian
This was one of those books that I was required to read for school and thought I would hate but ended up loving! It’s a war novel but it’s less a tale of war and more about the friendships that come from the hard times you endure with those by your side. It’s a heart warmer and a tear jerker!
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants – by Ann Brashares
Every girl should read this book. It shows how one unexpected commonality can keep friendships alive no matter what time passes or physical distance lies between them. It also documents dynamic characters and how they change while still maintaining childhood friendships. Perfect for a gift to your best friend or the next read for your girl gang book club.
Matilda – by Rohl Dahl
Timeless and classic. This inspiring story of a young girl with a quick mind and a passion for reading will make you want to never look away from your book. A perfect novel for girls and women of all ages. It shows how books can create unexpected friendships and reading can bring wonder and escape at any age. It truly captures that magic of reading that we all seek in a good book.
Now get reading ~ Bella <3