Summer is just around the corner and as more and more schools are letting out, students will be participating in summer school, frequent trips to the beach as well as endless late mornings.
Something that could benefit both your mind and soul could be to pick up a new book! Yes, reading in your spare time can be fun, you just need to know what genre to pick. Most of my reading companions enjoy a good contemporary novel, like Nicola Yoon's "Everything, Everything". Or even Rainbow Rowell's "Fangirl". I, on the other hand, need something with a tad more...adventure.
Delving into the world of Fantasy/Science Fiction is much different from what most are used to. In fact, I don't think anyone can truly get used to the fantasy genre because nothing is ever the same. Yes, contemporaries might have that high school/ real-life drama that you're looking for. But within the fantasy genre, world building is key. Reading Sarah J.Maas's novel "A Court of Thorns and Roses" allows me to see how she imagines a world where both man and fairies coexist. Not to mention the romance that follows.
However, you might not always want to step into middle earth, so what are your options?
Craving a summer romance?
Not to fear Stephanie Perkins is here with YA favs such as "Anna and the French Kiss", as well as anything by Kasie West.
Looking for horror?
Many, including myself, are starting to pick up Stephen King's, "It" due to the success of the 2017 film.
However, beware of Readers Remorse... which is the upsetting feeling you receive when you finish a book or series that you had gotten into. Everyone goes through it, though the best way to avoid it is to pick up a book that's similar but different in a way that takes your attention from what you had just gone through.
One of the many benefits of reading is finding and communicating with people over time who both love and hate the same characters that you do. From reading, you gain life experiences that you wouldn't have gotten otherwise, as well as sympathize with people you might not have before. By joining the reading community, I've also learned more about book signings and conventions that take place throughout the country.
If you still aren't convinced, try comics!
Now hear me out. Some may find it "Kiddish" but it's actually quite entertaining.
Besides the price (they really are expensive. Comic books are what inspire your favorite T.V shows and movies. Spending a summer between the pages of good book can be entertaining as well as theraputic. Forgetting your day to day worries and instead focusing on Spider-Mans might be just what you need. Now, enjoy your summer and run to your nearest Barnes and Noble!
