I’m thinking about doing a series of blog posts called “Top 5 Friday’s”, where I’ll basically just make a list of my top 5 books, bookish things, or anything in particular that I feel needs a “Top 5” list. I’ll try to have these posts up every Friday or, at least, every other Friday. This one is going up a little late since school has been extremely busy for me, so I often don’t have time to write during the week. My first Top 5 Friday post will be on contemporary books that everyone should read (presumed from the title of the post, lol).
1. Since You’ve Been Gone
Author: Morgan Matson
Page Count: 480
Date Published: May 6, 2014
Find it here: Amazon, Goodreads
The Pre-Sloane Emily didn’t go to parties, she barely talked to guys, she didn’t do anything crazy. Enter Sloane, social tornado and the best kind of best friend—the one who yanks you out of your shell. But right before what should have been an epic summer, Sloane just… disappears. No note. No calls. No texts. No Sloane. There’s just a random to-do list. On it, thirteen Sloane-selected-definitely-bizarre-tasks that Emily would never try… unless they could lead back to her best friend.
Apple Picking at Night? Okay, easy enough.
Dance until Dawn? Sure. Why not?
Kiss a Stranger? Wait… what?
Getting through Sloane’s list would mean a lot of firsts. But Emily has this whole unexpected summer ahead of her, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected) to check things off. Who knows what she’ll find?
Go Skinny Dipping? Um…
My Thoughts: I absolutely loved this book (obviously, because it’s number 1 on my top 5 list). The plot of this book was so unique to me, because its not like the classic contemporary books that I usually read, which are all based on a love plot. This book, however was all about friendship and trying new things (I mean, there was a relationship in there, but it wasn’t the main part of the book). I also absolutely LOVE books that are structured around lists. That made this the perfect book for me. I loved all the characters from this book as well, and I think this book is super related for anyone who reads it. Whether your like Sloane – outgoing and daring – or like Emily – shy and introverted – you’ll definitely have a blast reading this book.
2. November 9
Author: Colleen Hoover
Page Count: 320
Date Published: November 10, 2015
Find it here: Amazon, Goodreads
Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.
Can Ben’s relationship with Fallon—and simultaneously his novel—be considered a love story if it ends in heartbreak?
My thoughts: Honestly, I have nothing bad to say about these books, so you’ll probably just hear me rave about them in this post. November 9 is such an amazing book, packed with love, drama, and emotion. I think this book has the biggest – and best – plot twist that I have ever read. Ever. This was the first Colleen Hoover book that I’ve read, and I plan on reading so many more in the future, because I loved her writing style. Fallon and Ben were such lovable characters which just made the story ten times better.
3. Anna and the French Kiss
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Page Count: 400
Date Published: December 2, 2010
Find it here: Amazon, Goodreads
Anna can’t wait for her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a good job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. So she’s not too thrilled when her father unexpectedly ships her off to boarding school in Paris – until she meets Etienne St. Clair, the perfect boy. The only problem? He’s taken, and Anna might be, too, if anything comes of her crush back home. Will a year of romantic near-misses end in the French kiss Anna awaits?
My thoughts: Anna and the French Kiss is one of the most relatable books I’ve ever read and that’s probably why I liked it so much. It’s not that I live in Paris, or attend a bording school, or have a St. Clair, or anything like that, It’s the story and plot of the book that was so relatable for me. The other two books in this kinda-series (Lola and the Boy Next Door, and Isla and the Happily Ever After) are also super relatable. This is also such a cute and funny book, and I remember actually laughing out loud while I was reading this. I especially loved how all three of the novels tie in with each other at the end of the third book.
4. Finding Audrey
Author: Sophie Kinsella
Page Count: 304
Date Published: June 9, 2015
Find it here: Amazon, Goodreads
An anxiety disorder disrupts fourteen-year-old Audrey’s daily life. She has been making slow but steady progress with Dr. Sarah, but when Audrey meets Linus, her brother’s gaming teammate, she is energized. She connects with him. Audrey can talk through her fears with Linus in a way she’s never been able to do with anyone before. As their friendship deepens and her recovery gains momentum, a sweet romantic connection develops, one that helps not just Audrey but also her entire family.
My thoughts: THIS BOOK IS SO FUNNY. Ok so I went into this book, not knowing anything about it, expecting it to be a little like TFIOS, and definitely NOT expecting it to be such a funny read that had me laughing out loud on the bus (which gives me all the weird looks from the people sitting near me). Anyways, other than the fact that this book is absolutely hilarious, It’s also very relatable as well. Audrey is a 14 y/o character, which is really interesting and new to me because most female protagonists are 16-20, and not younger than that. Audrey also has very, very severe anxiety, which is the reason why she wears the classic black sunglasses. I loved watching Audrey’s relationship with Linus-and with her family-grow and flourish to the point where she felt fully comfortable with them, after what happened at her school. This book is such a light, funny, and happy novel, for carrying such a deep, and serious message in it, simultaneously.
5. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Author: Jenny Han
Page Count: 368
Date Published: April 15, 2014
Find it here: Amazon, Goodreads
What if all the crushes you ever had found out how you felt about them…all at once?
Lara Jean Song keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. They aren’t love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she’s written. One for every boy she’s ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she pours out her heart and soul and says all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly, Lara Jean’s love life goes from imaginary to out of control.
My thoughts: To all the Boys I’ve Loved Before and its sequel-P.S. I Still Love You-are the ultimate cutesy, love story for anyone to read. Lara Jean is such a fun character to follow, and her relationship with her sisters is priceless. The concept is so different and unique as well as simultaneously being a super cliche love story. Lara Jean’s relationship with Peter is so cute to watch grow from being on specific fake-boyfriend terms, to actually having feelings for each other. This is such a fun book to read, and it is filled with so many emotions and lots of drama for everyone to enjoy.
So there you have it! My top 5 contemporary books that I think everyone will enjoy. This blog post was super fun to write, so I’ll definitely be doing top 5 Fridays from now on. Be sure to keep your eyes open for next weeks top 5 – fantasy reads!
xoxo
Katie
my life with books 