Originally, I was going to make this a list of the books I was excited to read over break, but then I remembered a few books I wanted to encourage others to read that I’ve already read. With that being said, this is a list of books I encourage you to read while you’re out of school for winter break. The first four are books I have not yet read, but then the rest are books I have read.

1. Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur

This is Rupi Kaur’s first book. Milk and Honey is a collection of poetry that talks about experiences violence, femininity, love, loss, and abuse. It’s divided into four different chapters, where each deals with a new struggle. I’m excited to read Milk and Honey because it is personal and deals with incredibly real problems a lot of us face.

2. The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee

This is a fairly new release, only being sold since August. Set in the year 2118, The Thousandth Floor follows the stories of five teenagers all living in a thousand floor tower in Manhattan, New York City. Each of the five teens faces their own troubles, which could be interwoven with each other struggles. I recently picked up a copy of The Thousandth Floor at my university’s bookstore and I’ve already started reading it. I’m only a few chapters in, but it’s very good so far, and I cannot wait to see how it ends.

3. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling

I’ve been so busy with schoolwork and finals that I haven’t been able to see this movie nor read the book, so I’m glad to be off for a month to catch up on it. I’ve heard many good things about it. This is a screenplay of the new film that’s come out recently.

4. The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

This follows two characters, who don’t necessarily believe in destiny, as they fall in love under the most unexpected circumstances. I’ve read Yoon’s other book, and it did not disappoint so I have high hopes for this one.

5. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Speaking of her other book, here it is. I read this one over the summer, and it was extraordinary. It took me mere hours to finish it because I could not put it down. Everything, Everything is about a girl named Maddy who is allergic to quite literally everything. She has not left her house in years and the only people she knows are her mom and her nurse, until one day a new family arrives next door. Olly, the new boy next door, will soon become Maddy’s greatest adventure and risk all in one. Plus, the plot twist ending will leave you questioning everything.

6. The Distance from Me to You by Marina Gessner

This is about a girl named McKenna who hikes the Appalachian Trail, alone, and about her adventures along the way, including meeting a boy named Sam. Okay honestly, if you ever talk to me about this book I will tell you I hate it, but it’s only because I’m so emotionally invested in it. It was actually good. I legitimately cried more reading this book than any other book I’ve ever read. And before you ask, yes I’m still angry about the ending.

7. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz

This starts out as two loner teenagers meeting at the community swimming pool, and eventually forming a friendship. The book follows their self-discovery and life changes everyone makes when growing up.