Summer is the perfect time for reconnecting with friends, taking a break from the bustle of school, and picking up a good book. Many find it difficult to actually want to read in their free time, and with the growth of technological entertainment, many find it obsolete to even read at all. On the contrary, there are millions of books to discover that are far more fun to indulge in than aimlessly scrolling through social media, and here are some of the best ones, according to your classmates.
Looking for a spice-free, enemies to lovers fantasy to obsess over this summer? Well look no further, as “Powerless” checks all the boxes. Author Lauren Roberts got her start on TikTok, telling her audience about her writing and ideas, and she was encouraged to write and publish this book because of it. This forbidden romance centers around a young woman forced to compete in a deadly competition, surrounded by an array of magical beings and dangerous circumstances. Morris Knolls junior Regan Johnson remarked, “It’s really good, I loved the author’s style of writing and how she changed the perspectives. The storyline is a bit similar to the Hunger Games.” This young adult novel is rather popular among fans of the “romantasy” genre, so be sure to give “Powerless” a read!
Since its publication five years ago, “The Inheritance Games” has only risen in popularity, appealing to all sorts of readers. This high stakes novel follows a girl who has inherited a large fortune from a mysterious man, and she must solve an array of puzzles and riddles to figure out why she inherited the money. Though the story is largely about the mystery of the fortune, the book also highlights the romance and friendships the main character finds. Freshman Allison Seltzer said, “It’s a really interesting and thrilling book with twists and turns at every look. I recommend everyone read it, as the plot twists are so unexpected, and they’ll have you wondering what’s to come.” This high stakes mystery is the first in a series of five and each book is more thrilling than the last.
With the second season of the “Percy Jackson” TV show premiering later this year, Student Amelia Raybould reveals that she has been reading the popular book series in preparation. “It’s amazing, all the characters are fantastic. I love how they mash Romans and Greek gods, it’s really interesting to read about. I definitely recommend it!” The 7-book series follows young Percy and his friends as they venture through the unknown in exciting quests revolving around all sorts of creatures and gods. Although the storyline may seem to only center around adventure and magic, it also gives readers a coming of age experience as they read about Percy growing up throughout the series.
“Sunrise on the Reaping” continues the bestselling Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. Since the beginning of the series back in 2008, fans have anticipated more details regarding the character Haymitch and his own experiences in the Hunger Games when he was a tribute. Though the second in the series, Catching Fire, briefly recaps and essentially spoils what happens, die-hard fans wanted the details and the relationships encapsulated in a book from his perspective, which Collins gave them in March. Junior Claire Kim was among the first to read the thrilling novel, saying, “I thought it was really good. The book reflects our current society and has lots of interesting ideas about propaganda.” Though many view the novel as a sort of political metaphor, its compelling, relatable characters and emotional writing make for a gripping story. With the “Sunrise on the Reaping” movie coming next year, this summer is the perfect time to indulge in the most recent book in the Hunger Games series.
With so much stress coming from mandatory summer assignments and homework, it can be nice to be able to choose a book that you want to read, and these are some incredible ones recommended by fellow students. Whether you are in the mood for a high-stakes adventure or a fantasy with a side of romance, these books are sure to fit your every mood this summer!
Bonus: Book recommendation from a teacher
“The Tainted Cup” by Robert Jackson Bennett is an exciting new mystery novel with surprises, puzzles, and humor sprinkled throughout. English teacher Mr. Curtis said, “This was like a twist on a Sherlock Holmes story. I strongly recommend!” This fantasy-mystery book is an interesting read for adults as well as teens, and if you enjoy this one, consider checking out the rest of the series!
