Tag: Book Recommendations

10 Best Books For Father’s Day 2021

Father’s Day’s coming up, and you’re wondering what I should get that special man? Check out our list of the best books for Father’s Day!

If you buy him a book, he’ll be overjoyed—and I think there’s nothing more considerate than a Father’s Day book.

Like the finest Fathers, the finest father’s day books will rely on what your favourite father enjoys most in life.

Giving books as a gift to dad is terrific!

Not only because it allows even the most seasoned father to discover new worlds. But also because he can learn more about his favourite hobby, or be entertained by a colourful cast of characters.

If your dad is a big reader, you’re in luck because this blog post will outline 10 of the best books of 2021 to give your Dad this Father’s Day.

Look Big By Rachel Levin

This handbook to interactions with 50 different animals is essential for dads who enjoy camping and being outside.

Journalist Levin offers well-researched information in Look Big for surviving encounters with wild creatures like coyotes, bears, and moose.

As well as helpful ideas, tales, and charts for coping with smaller animals such as bees and skunks.

The Phantom Atlas By Edward Brooke-Hitching

If your father likes to impress his dinner guests with obscure historical information, he’ll sure enjoy The Phantom Atlas.

Each page is filled with reproductions of historical maps that emphasize errors committed on those maps. Such as early mapmakers’ mishaps and cartographers’ purposeful lies intended to deceive the map reader.

He’ll be sure to uncover a new story to surprise everyone at the next family gathering with magnificent photos and intriguing historical anecdotes from civilization’s past.

1,000 Record Covers By Michael Ochs

This anthology of album art will captivate any dads out there who still have a record collection somewhere in the house.

Michael Ochs is a well-known music archivist and rock photographer. In this book, he has chosen the best album covers from his vast private collection to display throughout the book.

1,000 Record Covers, takes readers on a journey through the growth of rock music from the 1960s through to the 1990s.

Dead Wake By Erik Larson

The story of the Lusitania, a luxury ocean liner that we once considered the world’s fastest cruise ship during WWI, is examined and retold in this New York Times bestseller.

In May 1915, the ship sank, carrying a record number of newborns and children.

Larson’s meticulously researched tale, Dead Wake, tries to resolve many of the lingering mysteries about the accident.

Perfect for dads who are into historically based mystery books!

To Me, He Was Just Dad: Stories of Growing Up with Famous Fathers By Joshua David Stein

This book includes a collection of stories about legendary father figures. Such as John Wayne, John Lennon, Bruce Lee, Christopher Reeve, and Miles Davis. It also includes many anecdotes of the lives of the editors of the infamous dad website known as Fatherly.

For a refreshing, emotional take on parenthood, the forty first-person narratives in To Me He Was Just Dad expose a very different perspective of the famous individuals you think you know.

Greenlights By Matthew McConaughey

Actor Matthew McConaughey tackles what he calls “catching greenlights” in this renowned memoir. The emotional effect of learning how to deal with life’s adversities to realize success.

If your dad is a movie buff, Greenlights is the perfect book to add to his collection of books, DVDs, and VHS tapes!

24: Life Stories And Lessons from The Say Hey Kid By Willie Mays and John Shea

Willie Mays is widely recognized as baseball’s finest all-around player due to his unmatched hitting, defence, and base-running skills. Here, he shares the inspirations and influences that he credits with guiding him on and off the field in his inspirational biography.

For the sport fanatics out there, 24: Life Stories And Lessons From The Say Hey Kid is the perfect gift for this Father’s Day!

American Sherlock By Kate Winkler Dawson

The actual narrative of the genesis of the modern criminal justice system is told in American Sherlock.

Edward Oscar Heinrich became America’s first forensic scientist in 1993. He was dubbed the “American Sherlock Holmes” because of his superhuman ability to notice clues and solve puzzles.

Heinrich was the driving force behind the development of several forensic instruments used by police today. In essence, forever altering the direction of criminal investigations in the United States and the world.

Let Love Have the Last Word: A Memoir By Common

In Let Love Have the Last Word, Common, a Grammy Award, Academy Award, and Golden Globe-winning musician, actor, and activist, opens his heart, exploring a range of topics with tremendous honesty.

These include faith and family to trauma and abuse, all the while expressing his core belief. That love and mindfulness, through our actions and words, can help us to heal our hearts and communities.

Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life… And Maybe The World By Admiral William H. McRaven

Make Your Bed is based on a Navy SEAL’s 2014 University of Texas at Austin commencement speech. It is jam-packed with significant life lessons that begin with a simple premise: changing the world starts with making your bed.

McRaven discussed ten concepts he learned from his Navy Seal training at the graduation ceremony. Which he later put into effect when conquering problems not just in his Navy career but also in his personal life.

With more than 10 million views on the platform YouTube, the speech went viral.

The admiral expands on his remarks in this book, full of humility, hope, wisdom, practical guidance, and encouraging words.

June 20, 2021
4 Fictional Book Characters You’d Want to Be Best Friends With (And The Ones to Avoid)

If you could be best pals with a fictional character, who would it be?

We love exploring the world of the fiction books. And if you’re a fellow bookworm, you know what it’s like to get attached to your favorite characters.

Naturally, we’re drawn to the characters we can relate to the most. Their stories comfort us. We get a glimpse into their innermost thoughts—which is something we could only dream of in real life.

Today, we’re sharing the fictional characters you’d want to be best friends with (plus, one group of people you’d definitely want to avoid). Let’s dig in.

Circle of Friends by Maeve Blinchy

Benny Hogan from Circle of Friends is our favorite fictional bestie. Circle of Friends begins with Benny and Eve’s friendship as schoolgirls, and follows them through university.

Through new friends, first love and family tragedy, the two remain devoted to each other—cracking each other up under pressure. Honestly, certain parts of the novel are slightly dated now because it’s set in 1950’s Ireland. For example, teenage Benny is courted by her father’s sketchy, much-older apprentice. And while he’s definitely meant to be a creep in the book, a grown man planning to marry a teenage girl is gross on another level (sixty years later).

Still, lasting, supportive friendship is never dated. The movie version is a pretty pale imitation of the novel, but we’d still be friends with film Benny too.

Other People’s Houses by Abbi Waxman

Other People’s Houses by Abbi Waxman tells the story of large and small dramas in a tiny neighborhood of interlocking families and friends. There are a lot of awesome friendships in this ensemble novel, but Frances Bloom is the one we’d choose for our bestie.

Calm without ever being unsupportive, reliable, and so comfortable in herself, Frances would be a perfect friend. We would absolutely invite ourselves over for tea with Frances. (But we’d ring the bell and wait to be invited in… we learned that much from reading the book.)

The Ship of Brides by Jojo Moyes

Author Jojo Moyes is most famous for Me Before You… but her earlier novel, The Ship of Brides is a hidden gem. At the end of World War II, Australian brides are being shipped to the UK where their new British husbands await them. Four very different girls are assigned to share a room on an aircraft carrier-turned-women-carrier, and most of the novel takes place on their
journey.

And let’s be honest, it’s not even really Maggie’s story. Her roommates Avis, Jo, and Frances have much wilder arcs and much more shocking reversals than staid Mags. An Outback girl, Maggie struggles to adjust to the separation from everything she’s known, limited quarters after open spaces, and the new constraints of her growing pregnancy.

Still, Maggie’s the one we want to befriend. With her good humor and hard work, we just know she’s going to manage post-war rationing and new British in-laws just fine.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Elizabeth Bennett from Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice would definitely make an A+ pal. Jane is just too nice, right? It would be nearly impossible to be friends with someone so determined to see the good in everyone and everything.

But one thing’s for sure—sensible and snarky Lizzie would keep us entertained at boring events. Not to mention, we’re pretty sure she’d be great at deconstructing the evening in carriage home too. Lizzie doesn’t use her wit cruelly, even if she could definitely say some things about Charlotte’s choice of husband. Or Lydia’s disaster romance.

The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley

Finally, the fictional characters we’d NEVER want to be friends with: literally any of the college pals from Lucy Foley’s mystery novel The Hunting Party.

This crowd of former friends should limit their interactions to the occasional Facebook like, not pretend they’re still super-close and take trips to the deserted highlands together. Okay, fine, so this is a murder mystery… but let’s not let that one person’s murderous impulses distract from the fact that all of these “friends” are awful humans.

What do you think? Which fictional characters would you want to hang out with?

November 7, 2019
8 Funny Books That Are Guaranteed to Make You Smile

Of course, we have room for sweeping epics and heart-wrenching dramas. But we also love books that just make us smile. Need a laugh? Keep reading to discover some of our favorite funny books:

1. Dear Mrs. Bird by AJ Pearce

In A J Pearce’s novel, Dear Mrs. Bird, the plot gets rolling with a goofy misunderstanding. Young Emmy Lake tries to become a war correspondent in WWII London, but ends up getting a job assisting on an advice column.

Assisting Mrs. Bird means opening her mail, and throwing away anything with “inappropriate” content. This ensues that only the blandest, mildest queries are read by Mrs. Bird and publicly answered in the women’s magazine. As Emmy starts to read–and secretly answer some of the rejected letters–warm laughs will follow.

The Epic Crush of Genie Lo by FC Yee

In the Chinese-American YA adventure, The Epic Crush of Genie Lo, author FC Yee blends college prep, teen angst, overbearing relatives, and mythological battles for a rollicking adventure.

High-school student Genie and her annoying new classmate Quentin find themselves with surprising alternate identities. Suddenly, they’re battling ancient supernatural enemies. The blend of myth and high school makes for a funny, entertaining read.

A Short History of Drunkenness by Mark Forsyth

Want a non-fiction laugh? This one’s for you. A Short History of Drunkenness will take readers through alcohol enjoyment, use, and overuse in different civilizations throughout the world.

Not only will you connect with drinkers from all walks of life… you’ll get a kick out of the history behind many drinking customs in this readable, hilarious drunken history.

My Not-So-Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella

For likeable heroines falling into and out of ridiculous situations, try a Sophie Kinsella novel. Everyone knows the Shopaholic series, but have you tried My Not-So-Perfect Life?

In this novel, our protagonist Emily’s main hobby is cleverly faking Instagram photos to seem more successful and stylish online. And in Twenties Girl, our heroine finds herself hearing from the spirit of her great-aunt, who gives fashion advice and makes ghostly demands.

Surprise Me, a newer novel about a long-married couple trying to inject more passion and spontaneity into their lives, has plenty of silly situations. Sure, the road to the neat happily-ever-afters can feel a bit predictable, but sometimes an uplifting ending can be another reason to smile.

Other People’s Houses by Abbi Waxman

Abbi Waxman’s ensemble novel Other People’s Houses tells the story of four interconnected neighboring families. Blending big and small secrets with daily family life, the story gets moving when an affair (and the accidental, ridiculous discovery of that affair) causes ripples through the neighborhood.

With laugh-inducing interior monologues, silly situations, and messy relationships–there are plenty of giggles. But there are also moving moments of friendship and family.

Evergreen Tidings From The Baumgarnters by Gretchen Anthony

It may be a bit early for the Christmas themes in Evergreen Tidings From The Baumgarnters, but there are some real laughs in this family drama about keeping up appearances in a decidedly imperfect family.

Self-important, appearance-obsessed, well-meaning meddler Violet Baumgartner is a hilarious character, and at times it’s hard to tell if we’re laughing at or laughing with her.

What about you? What books always make you laugh? Let us know, we’d love to hear from you.

July 8, 2019
7 Best Summer Beach Reads to Take on Your Next Vacation

It’s time for a break, right?

Summer is finally here. Whether you’re headed to the beach, relaxing by the poolside, or hanging out in your background—nothing beats relaxing with a captivating beach read.

Stay tuned to find your next beach read, as we share our favorite summer fiction novels of 2019!

Honolulu by Alan Brennert

A wild adventure or engrossing family saga is just what we want in a summer read, isn’t it? Alan Brennert’s Honolulu blends both with the story of Korean picture-bride Jin’s life in Hawaii.

The ups and down of her years in Hawaii—combined with the lush setting of old Honolulu—make this novel perfect escapism for your summer reading list. Plus, if your summer vacation is more kiddie pool than tropical island? You’ll enjoy the scenes of Hawaiian life.

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

Kristin Hannah’s absorbing tales of female friendship are perfect for relaxing summer days. Firefly Lane spans years of friendship between Tully and Kate, and shows how their friendship evolves as they take very different paths.

Between Sisters is another engrossing, character driven story from this author. Both novels invite readers to meet realistic and complex characters.

And the best part?

They deliver satisfying conclusions to make them solid beach reads.

Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner

Jennifer Weiner’s latest novel, Mrs. Everything, introduces two very different sisters and develops both of them as full, complex characters.

The story follows Bethie and Jo from when they’re teenagers in Detroit in the fifties through grandchildren today. It’s almost a family saga, with scenes showing the sisters’ mom and grandmother, and setting the girls on their paths.

But it’s also a slice-of-life novel, covering decades. Experience another time with these vibrant, multi-faceted characters.

Sarong Party Girls by Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan

The girls in Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan’s Sarong Party Girls make plans to land rich, foreign husbands, before they’re on the shelf by their late twenties.

Narrator Jazeline will pull you in with her Singlish banter as she describes nights out, friendships, and schemes… but she also reveals the a darker side of life for Singaporean women.

This novel is great fun, with a distant, lively setting and an unforgettable heroine, but also points to dark systems of privilege and entitlement. You’ll think about Jazzy and her friends long after finishing the book!

Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

Another memorable heroine for your summer reading list is Queenie, by Candice Carty-Williams.

When we first meet her, Jamaican-British Queenie is facing a breakup, work stress, an overbearing (but well meaning) family. Not to mention, the depressing gentrification of the old neighborhood.

The novel pops with clever—but realistic—dialogue, including some scenes of group texts (which usually feel like lazy writing, but work so well here to develop relationships and advance the storyline).

Carty-Williams brings readers to care for Queenie even when she does self-destructive things, and we can’t help but cheer her on.

The Lying Game by Ruth Ware

Sometimes a chilling suspense novel pairs well with summer sun. So, try Ruth Ware’s The Lying Game. In this novel, old school friends revisit decades-old secrets, with layers of lies, half-truths and suspicions.

We know The Woman In Cabin 10 is getting more spotlight, but personally thought The Lying Game had the same brilliant suspense. Not only that, The Lying Game had more developed characters, fuller interpersonal relationships, and an even twistier story.

June 6, 2019
What Newly Released Books Are Trending in 2019? Don’t Miss This Must-Read Novel!

Lining up your next summer read? Lisa See’s newest novel, The Island of Sea Women, is a sweeping saga of friendship and family loyalty. Not to mention, it’s one of our favorite new releases.

So what’s it all about?

If you’re familiar with the bestselling New York Times author, See’s previous novels take place in China or in Chinese communities in the US. But The Island of Sea Women is set on Korea’s Jeju Island.

Like her other novels, though, See explores complex connections and loyalties between friends—and the bond between mothers and daughters.

On Jeju Island, women divers, called haenyeo, were their families’ primary earners. Older haenyeo teach the young girls to freedive, harvest shellfish, catch sealife, and survive in the changeable ocean.

The imaginative setting here is completely engaging. As a reader, you’ll be introduced to a unique Jeju lifestyle of specific skills and customs… and a dangerously appealing undersea world. The haenyeo survive in difficult times by relying on their community, their skills, and the sea’s resources.

Throughout the book, we return to this theme of hardworking women, gaining personal agency, and family security in challenging times.

Let’s talk about the characters. When the story begins, Young-sook, and her friend Mi-ja, are some of the youngest trainees. Beyond that, the story follows their relationship for decades.

Young-sook is the daughter of a skilled diver. When her mother agrees to take Mi-Ja into their collective and train her as well, it seems like they’ll work side-by-side. Just as previous generations of Jeju women have done.

But the Japanese occupation of Korea disrupts their lives and relationships on Jeju. As Japanese-Korean relationships twist and turn, having family connections to the occupiers is alternately a blessing and a curse.

The novel shows how Mi-ja tries to navigate her family background and then her husband’s background in a shifting political situation.

Without giving any spoilers, the novel tells of historically accurate, but brutal exploitation.

What’s more, you’ll learn about a horrific conflict between Japanese soldiers and starving Korean civilians. The war changes the patterns of Korean life—for both women—long after the conflict is over.

As always, Lisa See introduces vibrant, complex characters, with ties of loyalty and friends. What makes this novel such a page-turner is how See’s story introduces them into situations without clear solutions.

All in all, readers will enjoy seeing Mi-ja and Young-sook evolve over decades and generations. Click here to check out the book!

May 14, 2019
5 Famous Memoir Books Worth Reading (At Least Once)

Why should we read memoirs in the first place?

Because they connect us. Hearing the true experiences of people and cultures–many are vastly different from what we know in our lives–broadens our perspective.

Memoirs are gritty, messy, and don’t always come with a happy ending. But they can help us understand each other better. Here are five memoirs to check out the next time you need to flip your outlook on life.

I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban, by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb

This is the autobiography of Malala Yousafzi, and what happened after her hometown of Swat Valley, Pakistan, was taken over by the Taliban. The youngest person to ever win a Nobel Peace Prize, Malala risked her life for the right to be educated.

She was shot in the head at point-blank range by a terrorist on her way home from school one afternoon. No one expected the 15-year old to survive the brain injuries sustained from the attack. Malala’s story is eye-opening but full of hope and insight.

The Year of Less by Cait Flanders

What happens when one twenty-something woman decides to stop shopping for an entire year? This is the story of Cait Flanders, who threw out half of her belongings and vowed to quit spending money for 12 months.

During this year-long challenge, Cait discovers what creating a meaningful life is really about. She runs into lessons about toxic relationships, the cycle of Netflix binges, and finding joy in our careers.

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns), by Mindy Kaling

Looking for a book you can’t put down? Mindy Kaling’s memoir is full of laughs and authenticity. Her charismatic story makes you feel like you’re sitting down with an old friend, no matter what age you are.

Even if you don’t know of Mindy’s work or you’re not a fan of her tv shows, this book is worth a read. She tells things like it is, with an inconvenient (but relatable) tendency to blurt out whatever is on her mind at any given moment.

Men We Reaped by Jesmyn Ward

Jesmyn Ward’s intensely personal story of race, poverty, and growing up in rural Mississippi is unforgettable. She wrote this memoir while grieving the death of five men in her life in less than five years.

She weaves the stories of this five men in between her own. The result is raw, heartbreaking, and more timely than ever during the Black Lives Matter movement.

Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala

December 26, 2004, would change Sonali’s life forever. That’s when Sri Lanka was struck by an earthquake and tsunami so devastating, it’s still named one of the top-ten deadliest natural disasters in history.

This memoir is not an easy read by any means. It’s downright painful to get through many parts of the book. Sonali lost her parents, her husbands, and her two children in the tsunami. Somehow, she survived.

November 9, 2018
Why is Crazy Rich Asians Important? Here are 5 Reasons to Read the Novel.

It’s already crushed tons of records over the last month, but Crazy Rich Asians shows no signs of slowing down its box office domination yet.

The mainstream rom-com has become the biggest summer hit in this genre since 2015. Why all the buzz? Why is Crazy Rich Asians important? Well, it’s significant for two reasons. In the first place, Crazy Rich Asians is the first Hollywood studio film with an all-Asian cast in over two decades.

Not to mention, it’s an opportunity for us regular folk to indulge in the lush, over-the-top fantasy lifestyle of the mega-rich.

How can you pass that up? It’s pure, fun escapism.

If you haven’t had a chance to catch the movie, go see it! Meanwhile, you should also check out the bestselling novel by Kevin Kwan. If you enjoyed the movie, you’ll love reading the books. Just be warned: they’re highly addictive.

If you aren’t familiar with the novel yet you probably want a little backstory, right?

The plot follows a young couple, Nick and Rachel. They’ve been dating for two years in the States, but Nick wants to bring Rachel to stay with his family in Singapore for the summer. When they arrive in Singapore, Rachel discovers her boyfriend is crazy rich.

Here are 5 reasons why you should read Crazy Rich Asians (and the rest of the trilogy).

1. RICH CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT

There are a bazillion characters to keep track of in this book. But they’re highly entertaining! Nick comes from a huge family, but as you get further along in the book you start to recognize everyone by their personality and how they’re all connected.

The novel digs deeper into the character development–it really fills in those gaps that weren’t fleshed out in the movie. While I personally enjoy Nick and Rachel’s love story, his family members are what make the story hilarious.

2. YOU’LL GET SUCKED IN BY THE DRAMA

If you think your family is out there wait until you meet Nick Young’s circle of relatives. They’re unwelcoming toward Rachel, to say the least. Nick’s family believes she’s in it for the money– they refuse to accept her because she’s an American. This leads to a whole lot of drama and entertainment from everyone.

And if you have trouble keeping up with the zillion characters in his family? There’s a family tree to help you follow along.

3. PEEK INTO ANOTHER CULTURE

The author, Kevin Kwan, includes snippets of Malay language throughout the book. This is one reason why I highly recommend the print version of this novel: He offers translations via footnotes throughout the book. On the Kindle version, these notes can appear of out of order.

Not only is the book rich with language, but you get to look at another culture. One that I didn’t previously know much about. Crazy Rich Asians lets you imagine the beautiful landscapes, mouth-watering food, and designer clothing of the wealthy elite in Singapore.

4. RICH AND DESCRIPTIVE DETAILS

Crazy Rich Asians paints an impressive portrait of opulence and culture. Seriously, you’ll be dying to taste all of the food he describes. You can see the exotic, vivid landscapes come to life across the pages. The glitz of luxury makes this book the perfect escape.

5. IT’S AN EASY AND LIGHTHEARTED READ

Whether you need a break from the whirlwind of school or just want to read something amusing, this novel is a breeze to get through. You could easily read this in a day. Between the fantasy and drama, I couldn’t put it down.

It’s perfect to take along as a vacation read or you can save it for a rainy Saturday. And once you finish? Trust me, you’ll have questions. It gets even better with the sequels, China Rich Girlfriend and Rich People Problems.

So what are you waiting for? Check out the movie while it’s still in theaters and grab a copy of the book today!

September 3, 2018
5 Upcoming Movies Based on Books in 2018

Do you feel the books is always better than the adaptation?

Books have always been a source of inspiration for Hollywood. However, book-to-screen adaptations have exploded on the screen lately. In movies AND tv shows. Your favorite character on that new show you’ve been binge-watching? Their story might have started as a novel first.

And it’s always fun to watch that story come to life…even if you like the book better.

If you’re on the lookout for some summer reading material, here are 5 upcoming movies based on books to add to your list.

Check them out before they hit the theaters this year.

1. Where’d You Go, Bernadette? By Maria Sample

15-year-old Bee lives in Seattle with her unconventional family. Bee is a straight-A student and considers her mom, Bernadette, to be her best friend. The family is in the middle of planning a vacation to Antarctica when Bernadette suddenly goes missing.

This quirky story is told through the eyes of Bee, who is determined to find her mom. The author explores the use of emails, text messages, letters, bills, and medical reports to narrate the story alongside Bee.

Movie release date: October 17, 2018

Starring: Cate Blanchett, Judy Greer, and Kristen Wiig

2. The Black Hand: The Epic War Between a Brilliant Detective and the Deadliest Secret Society in American History by Stephen Talty

Want to hear how the mafia emerged? The Black Hand is based on the true story about the beginning of the mob. It dates back to 1903, where there was a clash between Italian and Irish immigrant in New York City.

Even though the book offers a ton of historical context, it reads like a powerful fiction novel. I have to admit, I can’t wait for this one to hit theaters–if the film is anything like the book, it’s guaranteed to thrill viewers.

Movie release date: TBD 2018

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio

3. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

This international bestseller is perfect as a beach read. Especially if you’re interested in fashion…there are a TON of designer names dropped in here. The book follows Nick and Rachel, as their two-year-long relationship is put to the test by Nick’s family.

They travel to Singapore to visit his elite, wealthy family and what follows is a satire of the mega-rich lifestyle in Singapore. However, the movie version is also drawing a ton of buzz due to it’s all Asian-American cast (which is a first for Hollywood).

Movie release date: August 17, 2018

Starring: Constance Wu, Henry Golding

4. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Most of us struggle through the beginning of adulthood because we’re overwhelmed with the number of choices in front of us. This classic novel makes this aspect of entering life relatable, whether you’ve ever suffered from depression or not.

I read this book during high school–and plan to revisit it this year before the movie release–and many years later the vivid language still stands out in my mind.

Movie release date: TBD 2018

Starring: Dakota Fanning, Patricia Arquette

5. Boy Erased by Garrard Conley

This compelling memoir describes the ordeal Garrard Conley endured after he came out to his parents at age 19. Born in rural Arkansas, Garrard is the son of a Baptist pastor and was essentially raised in the church.

His parents pressure him to a gay conversion therapy program, rooted in their church beliefs. If he doesn’t complete the program? He’ll lose everything he’s known in life, including his relationships with his friends family.

Movie release date: September 28, 2018

Starring: Lucas Hedges, Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe

May 21, 2018