Paper Towns is an amazing novel that blends mystery, adventure and self-discovery. The story follows Quentin “Q” Jacobsen, a high school senior who has spent most of his life admiring his neighbor, Margo Roth Spiegelman. Margo is known for her rebellious and adventurous spirit, often pulling elaborate pranks and disappearing. One night Margo climbs through Q’s bedroom window and convinces him to come on a wild night of adventures.
Circe by Madeline Miller reimagines the life of the Greek mythological witch Circe, daughter of Helios, as she hones her powers during exile on the island of Aiaia and encounters legendary figures like Odysseus. This tale is a captivating exploration of her journey toward self-discovery and empowerment in a world of gods, monsters and magic. While reading Circe, I felt deeply immersed in the mythological world while empathizing with Circe's struggles and triumphs.
Who doesn't like Christmas, this time of year when a family's invaluableness is appreciated? Ebeneezer Scrooge that's who. That's who dislikes the warm sensation of generosity. He alone with some help from curious individuals accommodate a unique traversal through happiness and tragedy. It is a journey that is meant to depict the joyous times of celebration where a small sacrifice is not as dangerous as it may seem, and yet the unseen hardships undertaken by families in this time are not all known to those with no financial worries.
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt is a book about a young boy named Theodore Decker, who is dealing with the grief of losing his mother in a sudden terrorist attack in a museum that his mom and him went to go see. During the terrorist attack that killed his mom, he steals a painting called The Goldfinch, which later becomes the only thing he has left of his mother. Once he moves in with his mother’s friends, the Barbour’s, he meets a bad influence, named Boris. He starts to fall down a bad path.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a philosophical novel that follows the journey of Santiago, a young Andalusian shepherd, who dreams of discovering a treasure hidden near the Egyptian pyramids. Along the way, Santiago meets various characters, including a gypsy woman, a king, and an alchemist, who guide him toward understanding the deeper meanings of life.
Touching Spirit Bear is a fictional novel written by Ben Mikaelsen. Cole Matthews is a 15-year-old. From stealing goods to starting fights, he was nothing but trouble. One day, he robbed and destroyed a store. The police wouldn’t have found out about it if it weren’t for Peter Driscal, a freshman at Cole’s school. Overwhelmed with anger, Cole beats up Peter, smashing his head to the ground. Now his punishment would be even worse.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is one of the best written books I have read to this day. Every single sentence of this book is so captivating, and there was not one time where I was not interested in the writing. From the writing style to the development of each character, everything about the book is spectacular. There are 7 sections to the book, each dedicated to one husband, given the name. I thought the book was structured extremely well and the twists are perfectly plotted throughout the storyline.
Stardust is a fantasy movie that follows Tristain Thorn and his journey to Wall. Tristan visits Wall to find his mom and to retrieve a star for the women he believes he loves. His journey however ends up being a path of self-discovery and finding true love. To me the movie is about finding your true self and love. Finding love is shown through finding romantic love, self-love, and familial love. I really loved this movie; it was funny, interesting, and the acting was well enjoyed.
Loveless, by Alice Oseman, is a realistic fiction LGBTQ+ novel about a girl who is on a path of self-discovery. Georgia Warr is eighteen and hasn't had her first kiss nor has she had a crush but she's certain that one day she will. When she starts university with her best friends and has a roommate who she idolizes, she thinks that it is her time to find the person that she will spend the rest of her life with.
August Greene is a trans teen that attends a prestigious performing arts school in New York, where he feels his true self. He made a promise to his parents that he won’t transition; if he does, he would have to attend conversion therapy. He tries to be himself with his friends, and, at the same time, satisfy his parents’ wishes.
