As an English major with a passion for literature, I read a lot. Like, a lot. Sometimes more than I like, but usually enough to keep me happy. I enjoy pretty much all books, but I'm actually pretty picky about which books I love. The kind of books I love are the ones that make me feel something -- anything -- in a deep, remarkable, and lasting way. These books, I feel, really fulfill their author's goal of touching their reader.
If you're like many people I know, you resolved to read more in 2016. However, there are so many books out there, it's hard to know where to start. If you're looking for books that move you, here's a list of some of the best books I've found that will make you truly feel something.
Recommended for you
P.S. Yes, there are a few young adult books on this list. Young adult books rock. Don't be a book snob.
1. "Milk and Honey" by Rupi Kaur
This is the poetry book for people who don't like contemporary poetry- or even poetry at all. Rupi Kaur writes with words that will move you and relate to you, no matter who you are. This collection can heal you.
Buy it on Amazon.
2. "The Opposite of Loneliness" by Marina Keegan
This is one of my favorite collections of essays and short stories. Her essay that the book is titled after, “The Opposite of Loneliness," captures exactly what it is to be a college student, to belong to an organization, and especially to be a graduating senior. Whichever you are, I can assure you that this collection will make you feel understood and inspired.
Buy it on Amazon.
3. "We Should All Be Feminists" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Even though the title sounds pretty radical, the content is not. Adapted from Adichie's Ted Talk of the same name, We Should All Be Feminists gives personal details, statistics, and stories to argue the case for global gender equality. If you don't feel differently about feminism after this short read, I don't know what to tell you.
Buy it on Amazon.
4. "I Was Here" by Gayle Forman
Gayle Forman writes young adult novels without condescending to teenagers, so her books are meaningful no matter what your age. I Was Here speaks about grief, suicide, and mental illness so beautifully. I couldn't put this book down, and it has stayed with me long after I finished it.
Buy it on Amazon.
5. "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath
This is my favorite book of all time, without a doubt. The protagonist, Esther Greenwood, is so relatable, and her descent into mental illness is heartbreaking. The best part of this book, though, is the lyrical and carefully written language of Sylvia Plath's prose. The ending will make you think.
Buy it on Amazon.
6. "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern
I put off reading this book for so long, but when I finally got around to it, I wished I had read it much sooner. Her imagery and the way she paints her characters is so engaging. The beautiful settings and ideas will make you feel dreamy and in love.
Buy it on Amazon.
7. "To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee
Hopefully, you've already read this book. I'm sure that it was assigned to you in high school or middle school, but even if you've read it before, read it again. Atticus Finch is one of the best characters of all time, and every time you read it, I promise you'll take away something new from his words. This book should make you angry, but it will make you hopeful too.
Buy it on Amazon.
8. "It's Kind of a Funny Story" by Ned Vizzini
I've never read a book that so accurately depicted depression and anxiety. If you've experienced mental illness, this book will make you feel so, so deeply understood and less alone than before. If you haven't, I hope this book will help you understand what it is like for those who suffer from depression. The last page will fill you up no matter who you are.
Buy it on Amazon.
9. "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli
This book is for anyone who felt like they didn't fit in during grade school- AKA, everyone. Stargirl spoke to me when I first read it at age 11, and it still speaks to me now. You will hurt for Stargirl, and you will hurt for your awkward high school self, but you will also walk away with hope and the bravery to be confident.
Buy it on Amazon.
10. "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood
Set in a futuristic American dystopia, this book says so much about modern sexuality and the state of gender relations in society. The Handmaid's Tale will make you feel scared, and hopefully will open your eyes to issues related to gender and sexuality in contemporary America.
Buy it on Amazon.
11. "Eleanor and Park" by Rainbow Rowell
Oh, my heart. John Green said it best: “[this book] reminded me not just what it's like to be young and in love with a girl, but also what it's like to be young and in love with a book." If your heart isn't breaking throughout this entire book, you're probably a sociopath.
Buy it on Amazon.
12. "Hamlet" by Shakespeare
Do I even need to say it? Best play ever written. Best plot ever written. Such incredible characters. You should feel a great many things when you read this play, but most of all, you will feel heartbroken for poor Hamlet. Bless his sweet soul. I constantly want to wrap him up in blankets and give him hot chocolate.
Buy it on Amazon.
13. "The Giver" by Lois Lowry
This was recently made into a movie that for some reason had Taylor Swift in it (I love her, but come on), and for those of us who have loved this book for a decade, it was pretty disappointing. Definitely read the book instead of watching the movie. As many dystopian set novels do, it will make you think critically about modern society and the dangers of conformity.
Buy it on Amazon.
14. "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston
This is another book that if you didn't read in high school, you should have. Zora Neale Hurston is one of my favorite writers of all time, not just for her complex and relatable characters, but for the way she uses words to tear into your heart and stay there for a while. Read this book when you have trouble finding strength and need to fall in love with yourself again.
Buy it on Amazon.
15. "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Safron Foer
Wow, this book tore me apart. I've rarely been this emotionally attached to characters, but Jonathan writes with such raw emotion that you can't help but be pulled in. You will cry while reading this book. Guaranteed.
Buy it on Amazon.
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