A girl, Eden, is in love with her older brother’s best friend until he rapes her. She can only realize the endless flaws that she has in herself after that and decides to ignore them and buries her old self to create a new version of herself that can be everything that she wasn’t.

The Way I Used to Be is a difficult book to read at first because of how much the author describes the experiences. But because of it, it makes you long for more. You slowly learn to empathize with main character and you can really see how the author displays her trials and tribulations.

I think that if this subject is sensitive to you, you shouldn’t read it. But also, it may give you inspiration as in the end, the main character learns to face her fears and sees the people who support and love her.

Kailyn, 16

Rating:  

 Find at the Library

This book follows Charlie as he ventures into highschool after the loss of a close friend. It is written as a diary and in Charlie's perspective. He creates new friends and new experiences. Along the way, he discovers more about himself, and his past.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a perfect, modern, coming of age book. I liked how real it was, and how it could even be relatable at points.

It's a very interesting and very short read. I 100% recommend. Easy to understand and captivating. Very entertaining and hard to put down.

Rating:  

Grettel, 18

 Find at the Library

A girl trying to escape one chapter of her life and trying to start another. This book definitely talks about dark stuff and traumatic experiences. The book portrays the effects of going through something traumatic and how it effects someone long term.

Girl in pieces is such a good book even though it’s heartbreaking, by the end of it you’re sobbing. The book is eye opening of how much someone would struggle with many things.

I would recommend this book but I think people should read the warnings and what the book discusses before reading the book. It’s an 15 or older book with mature topics.

Nadia, 16

Rating:  

 Find ebook

Two teens bond over difficult situations and find happiness and learn how to overcome hard times. In the end they experience a deep friendship and love that most do not get to experience.

This book was so good. So moving... I actually cried. It makes you really think and appreciate the good little things in life. It's the kind of book that makes you cry but once you finish it you can't stop thinking about it. It's the kind of book you read more than once.

I would recommend this book to all of my friends. It's a story that many teenagers can relate to and really gets you emotional and thinking. It deserves a place on everybody's bookshelves.

Rory, 17

Rating:  

 Find at the library