We've all seen the lists of 100 books to read before you die and things of that nature, but honestly I think that for people who don't read a lot, that's kind of a mountain to climb. So, I've put together a list of five books to read before you turn 20, which to me seems a little more achievable
The Martian – Andy Weir
During a space mission to Mars, Astronaut/Botanist Mark Watney is presumed dead after a sandstorm and left behind by the crew. Against all odds, Watney survives the storm and finds himself stranded and alone on Mars. The book is about his survival on Mars and all the trials and tribulations of his mission to live. The best part about this book is how real the author makes it feel. The book captures the essence of the human spirit and shows the lengths that people will go to just to stay alive. It’s an empowering and compelling read, and it comes highly recommended!
Wild – Cheryl Strayed
With the demise of her marriage and the death of her mother, Cheryl Strayed has lost a lot, if not all, hope. After many years of destructive behavior, she makes a decision. With literally zero experience, Cheryl hikes more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail with no one but herself to depend on. This book inspires all to do what they think they can’t, and to climb both literal and metaphorical mountains. After I finished this book, I immediately decided that I wanted to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, and hopefully go on the same journey that Cheryl Strayed went on. I could NOT put this book down once I started reading it!
The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald
Midwest native Nick Carraway is lured into the lavish world of his neighbor, Jay Gatsby. Soon, however, Carraway sees through the cracks of Gatsby's elaborate and lush existence, where obsession, madness, and tragedy await. The Great Gatsby is an American classic. Most high schools will have you read it over the course of your 4 years, but if they don’t make you do that, I highly recommend reading it recreationally.
Emma – Jane Austen
Emma tells the story of a young woman in England who entertains herself by playing matchmaker. When attempting to match up her friend with Mr. Elton, Emma starts to run into complications; cases of mistaken intentions of love, a cast of supporting characters who each love someone else. This novel was the inspiration for the movie Clueless, which is one of my personal favorites. So, if you like Clueless, you’ll love this novel!
Romeo and Juliet – William Shakespeare
Romeo and Juliet tells the tragic tale of two star-crossed lovers who can never be together because of family conflict. Once again, you may have been forced to read this and over-analyze it in an English class once or twice in high school, and although this is not technically a novel (I had to make an exception for this one), it’s still one of the greatest works of literature you can find.
So, if you ever find yourself bored with nothing left to watch on Netflix (God forbid that ever happens to me), and you want to pick up a good book to pass the time, I believe that any and all of these can be the answer to your prayers!
