Spring Break is quickly approaching and we have an incredible list of books for you. Not only is reading a fantastic way to relax, but it is also a fabulous way to embark on a new adventure despite being in a pandemic. We hope you enjoy these reads as much as we do!

Steph’s Picks:

• The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

V.E. Schwab shares the story of Addie LaRue, born and raised in a small French village. Addie refuses to conform to society’s standards, so she makes a deal with the darkness and ultimately becomes immortal. She travels to several countries across the span of hundreds of years, experiencing adventures and extreme hardships. The caveat: no one remembers her. But one day, she meets someone who does remember. Brilliant, right?

• The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

Brit Bennett’s novel explores the past’s ability to shape individuals as well as familial connections and racial identities. The book follows the identical Vignes twins, who run away from their Black community at 16 years old only to find themselves leading vastly separate lives later on: one passes as white on the west coast while the other returns to their small town. When their daughters meet… okay, you just have to read this book!

• The Guest List by Lucy Foley

Lucy Foley’s thrilling murder mystery takes place off the coast of Connemara in Ireland. Several guests with hidden secrets, suppressed jealousies, and dark motives attend the extravagant wedding of Jules Keegan, a brilliant and zealous magazine publisher, and Will Slater, a charming and famous television star. In the middle of the wedding festivities, a dead body is found. If you thrive on suspense, I recommend this for you!

• The Alchemist by Paolo Coehlo

Paolo Coehlo’s timeless novel shares such incredible insights into the human journey and the meaning of life. He crafts the story of a young, curious shepherd boy, Santiago, who is determined to discover his personal legend. He departs from his flock of sheep in Spain and searches for treasure in the Egyptian pyramids, meeting many fascinating individuals along the way. Coehlo writes such beautiful and profound phrases throughout the book that prompt the reader to reflect on their life as well as their values and beliefs. Heart-warming <3

• Crazy Rich Asians Trilogy by Kevin Kwan

Nick Young doesn’t disclose how insanely wealthy his family in Singapore is before he takes his girlfriend, Rachel Chu, to his best friend’s wedding… which is one of the biggest events in Asia. Kevin Kwan delightfully and humorously writes about complex relationships, elitism amongst the wealthy, and the power of love. He also includes footnotes to explain traditional Asian sayings or food dishes, and they are so fascinating to read. And I love the film adaptation. If you loved Astrid’s character in the movie as I did, you get to read Astrid’s perspective in the novels! I have not finished the entire trilogy just yet, but I finished Crazy Rich Asians and I am in the middle of China Rich Girlfriend. As you can tell, I am loving it!

• One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

One of Us is Lying takes the reader on the incredible journey of four teens searching for the truth about their classmate, Simon, who mysteriously died during detention. It goes into the individual dramas of each of the protagonists, Bronwyn, the intelligent do-gooder, Addy, the popular girl with a seemingly perfect boyfriend and life, Cooper, the all American football player, and Nate, the criminally inclined delinquent, while simultaneously keeping the reader on their toes with every new development in the murder investigation. I cannot recommend this book enough, McManus creates incredibly dynamic characters in a simply unimaginable situation, personalizing this murder mystery for everyone’s enjoyment! Give it a read over spring break! 

• Trust Exercise by Susan Choi 

Trust Exercise is an intense book that takes a look into the competitive world of two teens attending a performing arts high school in the 1980s. Choi eloquently illustrates the emotional drama of the two protagonists, Sarah and David, making every little emotion one feels in their teen years seem as big as they feel in the moment. It explores intense passion and emotion as it starts in the two teens’ adolescent years and follows them. This book is a particular undertaking due to the infection heartache it provokes, but Choi’s excellent writing makes it so one cannot stop reading it. I recommend this book if one wants a look into a world seemingly other than our own, yet grounded in a tangible reality.