Books have been a part of my life, long before I could ever read.

I still remember climbing onto my mom’s lap, cuddled in my (now-ragged) baby blanket, so she could read a bed-time story to me every single night. The books started out small, beginning with classics like "Good Night Moon" and "Junie B. Jones." I still remember my mom finishing "The Prisoner of Azkaban" while we groaned and grumbled over the long wait that laid ahead until J.K. Rowling released her next magical masterpiece.

Books have always undoubtedly been a part of my family, and without any real effort, they have quickly become a part of who I am. There are no words to describe the feeling I get when opening a book for the first time, and the excitement I have when stepping into a bookstore that resembles that of a child in a candy store.

Books are beautiful and the places they take you are far better than many places we visit on a daily basis. With schoolbooks finally being a thing of the past (who really reads those anyway), here are a list of must-read books to keep you company through the sweet summer sun.

1. "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac.

The Beat Generation knew a thing or two about road trips. In this firsthand account of one man’s cross-country trip, you’ll experience the ups and downs of traveling, the thrills, the hardships, and everything that comes with exploring new places.

2. "Paper Towns" by John Green.

Not only does this novel feature the dos and don'ts of road trips while highlighting just how powerful love and affection really can be, but this book is also ideal for those who are saying goodbye to their last stage of teen life, while preparing to enter a new (and scary) future. This is a perfect book for learning how to let go.

3. "All the Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven.

Yet another classic love story, this novel puts a twist on the idea of love when a girl falls for a boy who has no intention of living. How do you love someone who wants to die?

4. "So B. It" by Sarah Weeks.

Imagine going through childhood with a mother who cannot read, speak well, or complete daily activities. Imagine knowing that your mother has no identity and no real name -- other than So B. It.

5. "Naked Human" by Christopher Poindexter.

Combining the rawness of humanity and the beauty of nature, this poetry book makes you question the times that seem hopeless. Not only do the words hit you with honesty, but they stick with you and echo through your thoughts.

6. "Every Day" by David Levithan.

What happens when you wake up every day in a different body and live the day as somebody completely different? Then (to add to the heartbreak) what happens when you fall in love?

7. "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel.

Philosophically and beautifully written, this book will truly make you think and analyze life in a completely (and confusingly) different perspective while you follow the journey of a man and a tiger lost at sea.

8. "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway.

It’s a classic. Although sometimes hard to grasp, the underlying message really blows you away.

9. "This Is What Happy Looks Like" by Jennifer E. Smith.

If summertime love isn’t already the most contagious thing in the world, wait until it happens in a small town. On a beach. With a movie star.

10. "We Were Liars" by E. Lockhart.

This suspenseful novel will have you flipping through the pages faster than you can read them. After all, what’s more mysterious than a damaged girl, a boy filled with passion, a group of friends, and a private island full of secrets and deceit?

As if summer weren’t already great enough, it will only get better if you’re able to cross some of these books off the list!