This blog post was written by our Library student worker, Eden Marchese '23. The books are on display on the main level of the Library and are available for check out.
The end of the school year can be a stressful time though something that I have heard more from my friends and co-workers are questions of What am I going to do with my time now? When all of your classes, finals, major projects are done and the weather finally begins to stay nice, how are you going to fill your time while being able to relax?
Well, fret no longer! Below is a collection of books that can help bring you to another world and lower your stress as the summer fully begins!
Teen Killers Club by Lily Sparks
Framed for the murder of her best friend, a young girl joins a super-secret society of teenage assassins to avoid a lifetime behind bars...
A lot of people have talked about how this book took them out of their “reading slumps” and made them fall in love with reading again. It has similar vibes to I AM NOT OKAY WITH THIS on Netflix and other shows with a dark, comedic kind of take.
“Don't start reading this book if you have to be somewhere in 5 minutes, because you will not be able to put it down. The characters, the world, the mystery and the unexpected crazy twists and turns it takes are all superb and I definitely screamed 'OMG!' out loud more than once while reading it.”
Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean
Raised by a single mother, it’s always been Izumi―or Izzy, because “It’s easier this way”―and her mom against the world. But then Izumi discovers a clue to her previously unknown father’s identity…and he’s none other than the Crown Prince of Japan...
This book has very strong Princess Diary vibes in the best way and is perfect for a light-hearted read, especially if you are a fan of romance. The beautiful cover speaks to the amazing writing and it is the first book in a small series!
“I cannot tell a lie, I loved the hell out of this book. I found the book fun and engaging and love all of the characters in it. Honestly, the world feels extremely lived in and just slightly different than our own so that we can have this fairy tale story.”
All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson
From the memories of getting his teeth kicked out by bullies at age five, to flea marketing with his loving grandmother, to his first sexual relationships, this young-adult memoir weaves together the trials and triumphs faced by Black queer boys...
I cannot speak about my love for this book enough, especially as a queer person. This book is one of the most challenged books of its year and continues to be banned across the country, but it is truly an amazing story and I cannot recommend it enough.
“This book is very well written. The author puts his life before us and tell all with compassion and openness. I think people who read it will wake up to a world that is about shared experiences and not about dividing.”
Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry by Joya Goffney
Quinn keeps lists of everything—from the days she’s ugly cried, to “Things That I Would Never Admit Out Loud” and all the boys she’d like to kiss. Her lists keep her sane. By writing her fears on paper, she never has to face them in real life. That is, until her journal goes missing...
This is another one of those books that will be a light-hearted and fun read. I highly recommend this book especially if you are looking for something that just brings you moments of laughter, joy, and even some moments where you may cry. As someone who loves romance, it is always a lot of fun to find new stories to fall in love with and I recommend choosing this book for your next read!
"At its heart, this is a story about finding the courage to be honest and take risks and the freedom that follows from embracing authenticity. A perfect mix of humor and romance—and a source of inspiration for being brave.”
Grenade by Alan Gratz
I have heard a lot of talk about this book being amazing for younger people, especially people in their early-teens, from parents who are trying to get their kids to read. This is one of those books where you get it for your kid and then need to sneak it away from them so you can finish reading. I have not had to opportunity to read this book but Alan Gratz is known for incredible stories and I am really excited to dive into this story!
“A gripping, visceral, and hold-your-breath intense story.”
Aetherbound by E.K. Johnston
Pendt Harland's family sees her as a waste of food on their long-haul space cruiser when her genes reveal an undesirable mutation. But if she plays her cards right, she might have a chance to do much more than survive...
Before you read this novel, make sure to read the Content Warning that is on one of the beginning pages. People have talked about how they didn’t think twice about the warning and were taken off guard by some of the darker elements of the novel. Outside of the dark elements, this is a novel that is incredible for fans of sci-fi, especially Star Wars fans and I cannot recommend it enough.
“I am a fan of E.K. Johnston’s work with with the Star Wars franchise; however, this is by-far my favorite book she has written! The character development is nothing short of beautiful and the challenges that Pendt (the protagonist) faces are scary enough to make her a truly inspiring character without descending into explicits.”
Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez
A rising soccer star must put everything on the line—even her blooming love story—to follow her dreams...
This is truly a breathtaking story and I cannot recommend it enough. It is another place where my love for romance comes through and I found myself just overwhelmed with the beauty of this novel.
“Furia is an empowering story of family, friendship, and first love. Camila is a character who doesn’t ask for sympathy, but she deserves it all the same. ”
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
A love letter to Syria and its people, As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is a speculative novel set amid the Syrian Revolution, burning with the fires of hope, love, and possibility...
more titles will be added to this post soon!