With no classes and no assigned reading, summer leaves us all with a lot more time on our hands. However, beach filled days wouldn't be the same without a great book to read while soaking up the sun. With so many options it's nearly impossible to know which books are worth the read and which ones to just skip over. Fill your days with the best reads. With the relaxing sound of waves in the background, these are the perfect books to fill your mind with while you soak up some vitamin C.
1. "#GIRLBOSS"
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Sophia Amoruso is the definition of getting out what you put in. Without even a semester of college classes, Sophia built a business from scratch. Now founder and owner of Nasty Gal, Sophia has laid out the rules for succeeding in the world.
2. "The Opposite of Loneliness"
When a young author, Marina Keegan's, life was cut short in a tragic car accident, a loving teacher put together some of her greatest stories. This collection of short stories is moving and funny. A joy to read and a tribute to such a wonderful young girl.
3. "The Help"
The relationship between domestic help and white families -- in the 1960s, especially -- is often speculated on. Author Kathryn Stockett brings to life what it may have been like to be a domestic worker serving someone else's every whim. She shows not only the hardships these people face, but also the love that often blossoms between a family and their help.
4. "Positive"
After being diagnosed with HIV at a young age, Paige Rawl, tells the story of how she overcame being an outcast and what it was like growing up in a world where she was seen as dirty by so many others. This heartbreaking story brings new light to being a young kid who is pushed to the outside.
5. "The Girl On The Train"
This psychological thriller has been connected to Hitchcock and "Gone Girl." A debut book for author Paula Hawkins, it is hard to believe the twists and turns that come. With the perspective of three characters it is hard to know what to believe and what is absolute nonsense. What happens when Rachel gets tangled up in the life of a random couple? Everything is about to change.
6. "My Sisters Keeper"
Conceived to be parts for her cancer ridden sister, Anna Fitzgerald, has undergone more surgical procedures than an eighty year old heart patient. The story follows Anna's journey as she fights to no longer be spare parts for her sister. It is both emotional and frustrating as Anna is torn between saving her sister, and living a life for herself.
7. "Looking For Alaska"
Miles Halter and his obsession with famous peoples' last words lands him a spot in a friend group that is just as obsessed with sex and smoking as they are with reading and learning. One of Miles' new friends, Alaska Young, becomes the center of his thoughts. As their friendship grows, so does Miles' crush. However, as exciting and happy as the book seems at times, an underlying hint of mystery leaves an unsettled and ominous feeling on every page.
8. "Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close"
Oskar Shell is a young boy who lost his father in the twin towers. With a key from his father, the book follows the moving quest as Oskar follows the clues to find what it unlocks. The book is beautiful and exciting and devastating all at once.
9. "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?"
This funny story takes you through living with FOMO. Mindy Kaling brings her readers on a tour of her life and the observations she makes on a day to day basis of friendship, romance, and everything else you could experience in a day. Her comedic take will have you laughing while also thinking, It's not just me!
10. "All The Light We Cannot See"
When two paths collide, magic can happen. Maurie-Laure, a young blind German girl, was forced out of her home when the Nazi's invaded. Now living with her uncle in Saint-Malo, her story will soon collide with a young boy, involved with the Hitler Youth. As Orphan Werner tracks the resistance, he is led to a small coastal town called Saint-Malo. This magical story was definitely worth the 10 years of writing it took before it could become a National Book Award Finalist.
11. "Eleanor & Park"
It's impossible not to feel the love of a first love as Eleanor and Park try and navigate the waters of their own love. These two smart and nerdy kids know that first loves are almost always just the first of many. However, knowing it most likely won't last, they refuse to give up. Over the course of a year the two lovebirds will fight for a love they believe will never fade.
