Just recently, I've noticed that I haven't really been myself lately. Ever since graduating high school, I lost the passion I used to have for writing, reading, and other calming escapes. Similar to other people who are experiencing the same thing, I've provided several excuses as to why I stopped doing these things. In an effort to get back in touch with myself and channel my negative emotions into something positive, I've decided to share five meaningful books to purchase and add to your reading list:

(Warning, there may be some spoilers in the descriptions.

1. "By The Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead" by Julie Anne Peters

This novel follows the main character, Daelyn, as she makes a promise to commit suicide. She joins a website that schedules her "date of determination" (ultimately, the exact day she must commit suicide). This website provides various methods to commit suicide and explains how effective each method is. Daelyn is also in a neck brace and mute, never receiving the proper love or attention for her parents or anyone else. She shares her story on the website and is once again ignored; however, a boy named Santana sits next to her in class one day and changes everything.

2. "The Silent Wife" by A. S. A. Harrison

This book is reminiscent of the movie Gone Girl. It follows the story of a husband and wife, Todd and Jodi, and their journey through marriage. Todd is a serial cheater and Jodi is a woman in denial. Ultimately, Jodi becomes a killer and Todd becomes the victim. The book is told in alternating voices which makes it an even more interesting read.

3. "The Pigman" by Paul Zindel

This book follows the stories of two high school sophomores, John and Lorraine. The book begins with both students taking an "oath" to recount only true experiences with Mr. Pignati, later known as "The Pigman." When John, Lorraine, and two of their friends are bored, they make prank phone calls. The object of the game is to stay on the phone the longest. As part of the game, Lorraine prank calls Mr. Pignati and wins the game because she has the longest conversation with him. Eventually, both John and Lorraine take a liking to Mr. Pignati, looking to him as a parental figure. Unfortunately, John and Lorraine take his kindness for granted, and when overcome with grief, Mr. Pignati suffers from cardiac arrest and dies.

4. "Renting Lacy" by Linda Smith

This book is an interesting read because it reveals the harsh realities behind human trafficking, otherwise known as the sex trafficking of under-aged children. Although this book is educational, it is extremely vulgar and blunt, and may make some readers uncomfortable. Use discretion when deciding to read this book.

5. "Looking for Alaska" by John Green

This book follows the story of Miles, a high school junior, who has chosen to attend a boarding school in Alabama. His reasoning for choosing a boarding school so late in his educational career is: "I go to seek a Great Perhaps." After arriving and meeting his new roommate, the Colonel, Miles is introduced to more friends, Takumi and Alaska. As the book progresses, the four friends grow close with one another, especially Miles and Alaska (who grow together romantically). On one particular night, Alaska wakes up in a drunken hysteria and convinces both Miles and the Colonel to help her leave school grounds. The two boys agree and Alaska leaves the premises while driving drunk. Unfortunately, she gets into a car accident en route to her destination and is killed instantly.

6. BONUS*** "500 Writing Prompts"

This journal [book] is available for purchase online here and includes 500 writing prompts for a person to sit down and complete. If you're someone looking for an escape via writing, this is the book for you!

7. BONUS*** "Rip It! Write It! Draw It!"

This participatory activity book is available for purchase here and includes 240 pages of illustrations and witty prompts. This book will engage another writer who tends to use writing as an escape.