Written by Jess Magee
It’s that time of year again! The sun is out, the birds are singing… and you’re stuck inside revising, what seems to be, a never-ending flood of facts and figures for your final exams. But have no fear! Here are some of the best books out there to help you find peace again after exams fry your brain.
Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi
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Even just the cover of this book makes you feel light and breezy, with its pastel tones and gold title really setting the mood for one of the best 21st century love stories around. The story follows two young people who are at very different positions in life. With Penny relieved to be starting college and furthering her dreams of being a writer, she bumps into Sam. An aspiring baker whose days living on the floor of his workplace has him wondering if he’s forever stuck in limbo. Anyone who has or is currently in education will resonate highly with Penny’s character. However, the calm writing style of Choi makes you feel as if although stress is high for Penny and Sam during, what can I only be described as, an existential crisis, everything is going to be okay. Just what everyone needs to relax and ease their minds.
Harry Potter By J.K Rowling
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An oldie but a goodie! The Harry Potter world has brightened our days since most of us first learnt to read. So why not revisit it? After trying to cram in new facts for your latest essay or report, try going back to what you know and love. The series is just as magical as the first time you read it, allowing your mind to relax into the wizarding world and give yourself a chance to recuperate. After all, Hogwarts is definitely the school that most of us wouldn’t mind spending an extra term at!
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
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If you need a good love story and a cry, then this definitely one to pick up. We meet Louisa Clark, a young woman living with everything she could ever need including a boyfriend and a close family. But after taking a job working for the wealthy Will Traynor, who is wheelchair bound after an accident, her whole life is sent into a spin. When she learns of Will’s plans to kill himself, she sets out on a quest to prove to him that life is still worth living, whilst also learning to live for herself. This book will leave you heartbroken, but in the best way possible. I mean, don’t we all need a cry after exams? Me Before You will give you the perfect excuse instead of the usual hay fever.
The Gentleman’s Guide To Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
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This novel is perfect for the release of laughter and a little romance to brighten your days. Henry “Monty” Montague is a born gentleman. One for gambling and travel, he struggles to receive approval from his uptight father. It doesn’t help that Monty has a secret crush on his best friend Percy. But in one last quest for life pleasures in a grand tour of Europe he’s ready to go out in style. With Percy and little sister Felicity following, Monty’s reckless living will soon catch up with him. Leaving him questioning everything, including the one he loves. A delightfully heart-warming read, this book will make you fall in love with this golden trio as you travel with them all summer long. With the next novel in this series making its way to stores in October 2018, now is the perfect time to start this book!
Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
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With the movie becoming a box office hit, why not see where it all started? 16-year-old Simon Spier is just like any high school student: studying, hanging out with friends, and struggling with the fact he’s the only one that knows he’s gay. But when an email falls into the wrong inbox, it threatens to out Simon before he is truly ready. With tight friendships and boy problems, Simon just needs to navigate through junior year without entering the spotlight. A funny and adorable plot, Simon is the delightfully sweet and weird protagonist you need to feel right at home from start to finish. Although the topic is a heavy one, Albertalli’s writing style tackles it in a light and brilliant way that leaves you ready to leave your stresses behind as soon as you pick it up.
