Books That Every Girl Should Read Before College | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Books That Every Girl Should Read Before College

Even if you hate reading, these novels will have you on the edge of your seat, constantly turning pages and wondering what happens.

227
Books That Every Girl Should Read Before College
Madeleine Claire Naquin

As my last summer before college starts to wind down, I think about all the different things that have made me the person I am, and one of the things that comes to mind is books. As a reader, every book that I read changes me in a different way. There are a few books that have stood out to me more than others as stories that all girls should read as adolescents.

"My Sister’s Keeper" by Jodi Picoult

Thirteen-year-old Anna is not sick, but she might as well be. She was conceived as a bone marrow match for her older sister, Kate, and has gone through countless numbers of surgeries and blood transfusions in order to aid Kate in her fight against leukemia. In the midst of all the hospital visits, Anna is trying to figure out who she is, and in the process, makes a decision that might tear her family apart.

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky

Although the book revolves around a male protagonist, many teenage girls can relate to the themes present in "The Perks of Being a Wallflower." Written through letters, readers follow protagonist Charlie’s freshman year of high school, where he tries to juggle family life, adjusting to a new school, and dealing with events from his past with the help of a teacher and some new friends.

"In the Unlikely Event" by Judy Blume

Set in the early 1950s, Judy Blume’s "In the Unlikely Event" revolves around three generations of family, friends, and strangers in Elizabeth, New Jersey, who are all connected together through multiple tragedies one winter.

"Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger

In the aftermath of World War II, sixteen-year-old Holden Caulfield leaves his prep school in Pennsylvania to go to New York for three days. Simultaneously in love with and repelled by the world he lives in, Holden tries to find himself and figure out the motives behind the actions of the people around him.

"The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak

Especially special for lovers of historical fiction, The Book Thief revolves around Liesel’s life in a German foster home during World War II. After Liesel's foster father teaches her how to read, she shares her stolen books with her neighbors and a Jewish man living in her basement in the midst of bombing raids.

"Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher

Two weeks after Hannah Baker kills herself, Clay Jenson finds a package on his doorstep. Inside he finds several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah, telling Clay that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life — and he is one of them. The book follows Clay as he travels to different areas of his town with Hannah’s voice guiding him.

"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

From the point of view of Nick Carroway, Fitzgerald’s classic novel follows the wealthy Jay Gatsby as he tries to win back the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan, in order to achieve the classic “American Dream,” proving that the past cannot be returned.

"The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls

Throughout her memoir, Walls recounts her childhood as the second oldest of four children to an alcoholic father and an artist mother. Starting when she was a small child and lasting until her later teenage years, Walls tells the story of her impoverished childhood, where she and her siblings were forced to clothe, feed, and fend for themselves, even from a young age.

"No Matter the Wreckage" by Sarah Kay

Though not a novel, "No Matter the Wreckage"is a set of poems written by Sarah Kay throughout her later years of high school, college, and entering adulthood. Kay uses her poetry to navigate through nostalgia, family, adulthood, and love.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

2593
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1546
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

200802
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

21276
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments