By Jessica Correa—

The summer is finally here and with the warmer weather, longer days and no school, you get the chance to read for yourself and not for class. There is nothing like sitting in a comfortable spot, on a warm day, and reading a book, just for fun. Here is a short list of books for you to review. I enjoyed all of them and I hope you will too.

Breathing Underwater by Alex Flinn – Nick is a popular guy with a beautiful girlfriend, but isn’t the typical love story. This book is very realistic, unfortunately, of its portrayal of a teenage relationship. Nick is sent to anger management classes for hitting his now ex-girlfriend, Caitlin. The book is in the format of Nick’s journal for class, where he recounts the relationship with his girlfriend and comes to terms with the abusive relationship he has with his father.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky – Charlie is a freshman in high school. This novel traces the many obstacles that he is forced to deal with, including drugs, grief and just trying to fit in.

Dreamland by Sarah Dessen – Caitlin lives in a fairly normal household until her older sister runs away. She then starts to date an abusive guy and her life spirals out of control. She finds herself in a relationship that doesn’t have the ability to escape.

The Truth about Forever by Sarah Dessen – Another novel by Sarah Dessen, this novel deals with yet another teenager, Macy, who tries to have a normal life, after the death of her father. Her superficial mother has a brainy boyfriend and Macy must navigate her difficult home life, with the job she gets at a catering business where she makes new friends and finally faces her grief.
Forever by Judy Blume – The innocence of a first romance, the peer pressures and parental pressures, and the desire of young love is what Forever is all about. It is a story about the way a relationship really develops and so it is a book that everyone could relate to.

Any one of these books will be an entertaining diversion for the summer. However all of them are rewarding, so get a book and enjoy.