Close your eyes and imagine you are reading a book. Imagine that book is on the more historical side of things. Imagine that book is something you did not think you could relate to on an emotional level. Imagine that book was setting you on the right path just to lead you deeper and deeper into a dark hole. Imagine that book pulled your heart right out of your chest, threw it on the ground and stomped on it. Now, open your eyes; what book are you reading? Chances are, you are reading a book by Madeline Miller.  

Now imagine the book you are reading is about a more realistic topic. Two teenagers meeting and finding ways to defeat the troubles that are against them, together. They fall in love and go throughout the story hand in hand. This book makes you happy, this book makes you want to feel all the emotions that being in love makes you feel. Then one of them dies. Suddenly the feeling of love makes you want to vomit, and you realize there is no hope for true love. You may be reading a John Green book. 

Now imagine you are in a fantasy world where anything is possible. You are a wizard with limitless powers. You live in a world where your personality defines you and you can only have one. A world where killing your peers is the only thing that can stop you from ending up dead. You are a demigod or trapped in a maze with no way out.  

Open your eyes again. What were you reading? 

No matter what book you read, it is important to consider the factors when choosing a book. First you need to consider your purpose.

“Why are you reading?” 

If you need a specific book for school, it is important to keep in mind the genre you need. If you are just picking a book to read for whatever reason, then you have many more options to choose from. Then you need to decide what mood you are in and what mood you think you might be in in 3-4 weeks. For specific books, the beginning and the ending have two very different energies. 

If you want to be happy, I suggest a more lighthearted book like “The Summer I turned Pretty” by Jenny Han or “Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston. If you want to be transformed to a new world, I suggest something like “Lord of the Rings” by J. R. R. Tolkien or “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas. If you want to feel the feeling of love, I suggest “What if it’s Us” by Adam Silvera or “In 5 Years” by Rebecca Serle. If you want your heart ripped out of your chest and never want to feel emotions again, I suggest “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller or “Looking for Alaska” by John Green. 

Now that you have considered all your options and have chosen the book you want to read, get ready for the most emotional roller-coaster ever and good luck…. you’re going to need it.