Is one of your New Year’s Resolutions to read more? If so, here are some amazing options that you should consider to be your next read.
#1 The Otherworld by Abbie Emmons
Genre: Romance, Coming-of-Age, New Adult Fiction
Synopsis: The Otherworld follows the life of Orca Monroe, and her father who live on a reclusive island. Orca longs to see the outside world, but is told of its dangers. Despite her father’s warnings, her curiosity only grows when stranded bush pilot Adam Stevenson shows up at her door while her father is away. Little does Orca know that letting Adam into her life will lead to love and pain, leaving both of their worlds changed forever.
Number of Pages: 438
My Review: I really enjoyed reading The Otherworld. Emmons did a great job capturing slow-burn romantic moments that kept me reading until late hours of the night. I would definitely recommend this book if you’re a hopeless romantic, someone who likes a sad, forbidden lovers story (yes, sad, it made me cry), or if you are looking for a new romance novel!
#2 Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
Genre: Coming-of-Age, Young Adult Literature
Synopsis: This book follows eleven-year-old Margaret Simon, who has just moved to a new town. Margaret and her new friends begin to fantasize about growing up (and boys), and make their own club, The Pre-Teen Sensations. As Margaret enters sixth grade and her preteen years, she begins to explore her relationship with God, and discovers that the reality of growing up is a lot more complex than she originally thought.
Number of Pages: 171
My Review: Blume did such an amazing job capturing the thoughts and experiences that so many girls go through around this age, which made it super relatable. There was also this nostalgic feel to it, like I was reliving fifth and sixth grade. Reading this book made my inner child (although she would want to be called an “inner teen”) feel seen, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a short and easy read.
#3 Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Genre: Novel, Fiction, Children’s Literature
Synopsis: Wonder follows August (Auggie) Pullman, and his life with a genetic syndrome, affecting his facial structure. Auggie often gets weird looks and comments from others due to this. This makes him extra nervous when his mom and dad suggest doing a year of public school. While at school, Auggie must navigate the struggles of being bullied and making genuine friends. Throughout the story, Auggie realizes the importance of his friends and family, and develops a sense of self-acceptance.
Number of Pages: 310
My Review: Wonder is one of my all-time favorite books. I was first introduced to it in second grade. I loved how it was written, and was amazed how the themes were so simple and expressed in an almost tangable way. Although it’s techically considered children’s literature, I would recommend Wonder to anyone. You know it’s a good book when it makes you feel something and come back to it again and again.
