High school is a marathon of reading books that are not necessarily interesting, or even comprehendible. Some books that students are required to read in English classes can be quality, but most tend to have the affect of killing a student’s joy for reading.

Reading can be one of the most entertaining and relaxing pastimes, all it takes is a truly good book to inspire the reader in anyone.

There are some books that can truly change the mindset and inspire the individual that read them; here are just a few of them.

“Go Ask Alice”

“Go Ask Alice” by Anonymous is written from the perspective of a young girl writing in her diary. But, this girl’s story is not the average. The story is a powerful tale of the dangerous world of drugs that teenagers become entangled in. Readers will become in engulfed in the authenticity and real emotions of the novel. “Go Ask Alice” is definitely a must read for all young people.

“Perks Of Being A Wallflower”

After the release of the 2012 film version of The Perks Of Being a Wallflower, Charlie and Sam became beloved characters in hearts of many teenagers. Despite it being a great film, just seeing the movie of this story does not fully capture the true beauty of Stephen Chbosky’s coming of age tale. “The Perks Of Being a Wallflower” introduces readers to a unique character, Charlie, and by the end of the novel, readers will feel as if Charlie is a dear friend. This simple but thought-and-emotion provoking book is one that will stay in readers’ hearts and minds long after reading it.

“Into The Wild”

College graduate and son of wealthy parents Chris McCandless mysteriously ran off into the Alaskan wild after graduation with no explanation and little evidence left behind. This is his story. The narrative non-fiction novel “Into The Wild,” by Jon Krakauer, dives into the details of McCandless’s mysterious life and, ultimately, death. Although it is a nonfiction book, Krakauer weaves the story with such intricate details and suspense that readers will not be able to put it down. A true perspective changer, Into The Wild should be read by every student before leaving for college or moving out on their own. Read the full review of “Into The Wild” here.

“Thirteen Reasons Why”

Jay Asher’s “Thirteen Reasons Why” is nothing short of a new classic for teenagers. The hard-hitting, powerful and devastating book tells the story of a young Hannah Baker and why she took her own life. The book inspires anti-bullying movements and makes the reader realize just how much of an impact they can have on a person. English teacher Audrey Nagel-Schoomaker and fine arts department chair Wanda Teddy adapted the book into a play a few years back. The play was shown at ACHS to a crowd that included Asher. The play now is playing world-wide, most recently in Germany.

“Nineteen Minutes”

World renown author, Jodi Picoult, wrote “Nineteen Minutes” in 2007, and the emotional book was her first to debut at #1 on the “New York Times” Bestseller List. The book revolves around a subject that has become all to familiar in today’s age: school shootings. The book discusses not only the school shooter himself, but also the environment of high school and social statuses. This novel is definitely one that will hit close to home for any high schooler or adult alike.