The best books I’ve read and why you should too

I don’t typically talk about my enjoyment for reading, especially at school where everyone is under a constant ridicule for their hobbies. In truth I spend most of my time escaping through a new book or story. Over the years I have nearly filled my book shelf meaning in theory I should have some good book recommendations.

Before I start it is important to know that I primarily read romance novels so the list will mostly include those.

1. The Selection series, Kiera Cass

The Selection is the book that really got me into reading. I first read this in 7th grade but have read the whole series several times since then. The age group I would put this book with is 11–14 as there aren't many mature themes. This book follows main character, America Singer, though The Selection, where 35 girls compete for the heart of Prince Maxon. The only issue is America has no interest in falling for him.

2. Maximum Ride, James Patterson

Maximum Ride is the first of ten books in its series. These books I have read many times through 5th to 8th grade. I think this book could be suited for a middle school reader. While I have only read up to the fifth book it is still one of the best series I have yet to read. The books are based around Max and her family, The Flocks. They are all hybrids born with wings who were experimented on in a lab called The School. The story follows them on the run after breaking out.

3. The Vampire's Assistant, Darren Shan

My copy of this book has the first three of the series in one. In eighth grade when reading this book it took me three days to complete these because of how much I enjoyed them. The age for this book is 12 but I think it could be read all though middle school. The story follows Darren Shan who is forced into becoming a Vampire's assistant and half-vampire.

4. Twilight, Stephenie Meyer

Most people know the story of Twilight, girl falls for sparkly vampire. While in theory that is a way to describe the book it lacks all the details that make Twilight my favorite book. The audience for this book is pretty much anyone over 12. In Twilight, Bella Swan moves to live with her father. Attending a school with 300 students it is easy to notice the five Cullens who are different from the rest. The story shows Bella falling for 103-year old Vampire, Edward.

5. We Were Liars, E. Lockhart

This book left me confused and crying at it ending. The story is a web of liar and falsifications that will leave you wondering for hours. This book is suitable for 13 and up. In this book, The Sinclair family spends every summer on their private island. Something happens to Candace in her 15th summer casing her to miss the 16th. When she returns for the 17th summer the other three Liars return to help Candace remember the accident.

Please note that some of these authors aren't the best of people. While the books are incredible supporting bad people is not. If it is possible to do so try to buy books used to prevent supporting those people as well as helping the environment!