Books! Books! Books! With billions of books all around the world, it can be hard to decide which ones are worth the read. Several Harvard-Westlake (HW) students, including myself, with a passion for reading have recommended some of their favorite books. Happy reading!
‘Looking for Alaska” by John Green
Recommended by: Grace Belgrader ’23
“A teenage boy goes to boarding school and meets eccentric characters. John Green intertwines a number of philosophical questions within the depths of this captivating novel and gives unique perspectives on various aspects of teenage lives,” Belgrader said.
“The Selection” by Kiera Cass
Recommended by: Lily Lee ’23
35 girls compete for the hand in marriage of the prince, but one of them is there for another reason. This book is full of cliffhangers and is incredibly intriguing to the reader.
“Divergent” by Veronica Roth
Recommended by: Lily Lee ’23
In this dystopian, futuristic novel, the town is divided into “factions” that children are tested into based on their strengths. The book features a strong, female main character and is incredibly action-packed. There is also a movie series based on the Divergent trilogy.
“The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” by John Boyne
Recommended by: Elyssia Phillips ’24
“An emotional story about the Holocaust that shows how crazy the idea of killing Jews was and how it also affected Catholic and Christian kids,” Phillips said.
“The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton
Recommended by: Lily Lee ’23
There are two competing gangs in a neighborhood, but the Greaser gang is not all hardcore. Through this heartwarming book, the reader sees the true meaning of brotherhood. In the face of loss and suffering, this group of teenagers must depend on each other for support and form lasting relationships. This is one of my all-time favorite books because the reader truly joins the characters on their journey and get to experience all of their emotions. There is also an Outsiders movie.
“One of Us is Lying” by Karen McManus
Recommended by: Kara Yoon ’23
“A mystery about five students in detention and one suspiciously dies and the rest of the book is a ‘who did it’ mystery. It is interesting to read about all of the different character’s personalities and to figure who it was.” Yoon said.
“The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein
Recommended by: Ava Weinrot ’23
“A moving story about endurance, loss, and the power of family. It was interesting because it was from the perspective of a dog and it gave me a new insight to human life.” Weinrot said.
“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han
Recommended by: Lily Lee ’23
In this fun, romantic story, Laura Jean’s secret love letters are mysteriously sent out to the boys that she used to love. When the boys receive the letters, their actions are unpredictable. This is also a sweet romantic comedy on Netflix.
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han
Recommended by: Lily Lee ’23
Belly, a 15-year old girl, stays at the same summer house with twins Conrad and Jeremiah every year, but this year everything has changed. Soon, Belly finds herself conflicted; she has been in love with Conrad for as long as she can remember, but Jeremiah is such a sweetheart. This is a great, fun beach read.
“The Giver” by Lois Lowry
Recommended by: Lily Lee ’23
In a dystopian society, everyone is shielded from real problems and given a job. The main character, Jonas, is given the most important job of all, the giver, which will change his life and his town around him.
“As You Wish” by Chelsea Sedoti
Recommended by: Lily Lee ’23
In this small town, when the citizens turn 18, they get any wish granted for you. This novel is full of suspense and allows the reader insight into a creative, new world. What will they wish for?
“A Night Divided” by Jennifer A. Nielsen
Recommended by: Emma Miller ’23
“A heartfelt story about the strength of family and the history of the Berlin Wall,” Miller said.
“The Sun is Also a Star” by Nicola Yoon
Recommended by: Konnie Duan ’23
“Natasha and Daniel are destined to be together, but her deportation is keeping them apart. This book looks at the universe in such an interesting light and a different perspective and is a must-read,” Duan said.
