Divergent

Veronica Roth

In this Chicago dystopian society, teens must decide to live in one of five factions: Candor, the honest; Abnegation, the selfless; Dauntless, the brave; Amity the peaceful; and Erudite, the intelligent. When Tris realizes she doesn’t fit into any of them her secret may kill her. Tris struggles to find her place in a society where she shouldn’t exist.

Looking for Alaska

John Green

Miles Halter is obsessed with famous last words and longs for an adventurous escape from his subpar life. When he meets Alaska Young he finds himself in a spiraling journey to find the “Great Perhaps.” On a large scale the novel is uneventful, but it’s the tiny gems you find inside that make it worth the read.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Stephen Chbosky

Freshman year is hard on most high school students, but it has proven especially traumatic for Charlie. When he finds a new group of friends who are into drugs and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Charlie finds himself enjoying one of the worst years of his life. Though teenage girls have managed to squeeze most of the life out of this coming of age novel, it is hard not to identify with some of Charlie’s darkest thoughts.

It’s Kind of a Funny Story

Ned Vizzini

Plagued with suicidal thoughts, teen Craig Gilner decides to check himself into a psychiatric hospital without warning. During his short stay Craig meets a few patients who change the way he sees the world. Some of the best moments in the novel are given to us by the eccentric variety of patients.

Life of Pi

Yann Martel

Pi tells the tale of how he survived 227 days stranded on a boat with a tiger named Richard Parker. “Life of Pi” is a fantasy novel that not only intrigues, but also leaves its reader with a new outlook on life. If you have seen the movie adaptation of this novel do not hesitate to read the book because of its length. You will not be disappointed.

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

Cheryl Strayed

When Cheryl Strayed’s life suddenly falls to pieces, she decides to do the improbable: Hike the entire Pacific Trail alone. Though she has no backpacking experience she hikes from California to Washington state on what becomes a true journey of self-discovery.

Speak

Laurie Halse Anderson

After calling the police at a party and refusing to tell why, Melinda is quickly forced into social exile. With the help of her artwork, Melinda rediscovers herself and endures the process of recovering while confronting her attacker everyday.

On the Road

Jack Kerouac

Jack embarks on a journey with his best friend to get material for the “Great American Novel” he plans to write. This book tells the story of Jack’s life on the road as he discovers his own definition of the meaning of life. Published in 1957, Jack Kerouac is one of a few great American writers whose novel is still relevant today.

If I Should Die Before I Wake

Han Nolan

Hilary is a neo-Nazi with a true hatred for Jews. When she has a serious motorcycle accident, no one thinks she will survive — including herself. While in her hospital bed, she closes her eyes and is Channa, a Jewish girl fighting to survive in World War II concentration camps.