The Language of Flowers By Vanessa Diffenbaugh

        Victoria, who has spent life in and out of foster care, has developed a passion for flowers and their meanings. Now eighteen and emancipated from the system, Victoria has nowhere to go and sleeps in a public park, where she plants a small garden of her own. Soon a local florist discovers her talents, and Victoria realizes she has a gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But a mysterious vendor at the flower market has her questioning what’s been missing in her life, and when she’s forced to confront a painful secret from her past, she must decide whether it’s worth risking everything for a second chance at happiness.  

       I loved everything about this book. This story of resilience had a beautiful message portrayed through poetic writing.  The vulnerable but strong female character was refreshing and wonderful. There is honestly nothing I didn't like about this book. 

This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

Because of all of the unsuccessful marriages her mother has been (five to be exact) eighteen-year-old Remy doesn't exactly believe in a love that can last. Dexter, a quirky musician crashes into her life and changes everything. Not only did she say she would never fell in love, she also said she would never fall in love with a musician. Remy and Dexter go through the ups and downs of a complicated, "no commitment" relationship. Her past looms over her as well. She falls asleep to "This Lullaby" on most nights. It's the song her father had written for her before he passed away. Remy is dealing with her family issues, her father's death, and the possibility that she might be falling in love.

Not only do I absolutely love anything written by Sarah Dessen but I’d have to deem this one my absolute favorite. As soon as I started flipping through the first few pages I felt myself fall in love with the character, who, ironically, is reluctant to fall in love… if that even exists. As soon as you start reading about Remy, you have an automatic connection with her. When Dexter, the dorky band member comes into the picture you can’t help but to root for him, hoping he gets her in the end. After reading this, I still dream about a guy like Dexter. I only wish that I could reread this book more often.

Books Like This One: Naomi and Ely's No Kiss List by David Levithan, Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Amy Curry is having a terrible year. Her mother decided that the family should move across the country and needs Amy to bring their car from California to Connecticut. However, Amy hasn't been able to get behind the wheel since The Accident. Her mother has given the duty of driving to her friend's son, Roger, a nineteen-year-old who turns out to be unexpectedly adorable and dealing with a recent breakup with the girl he thought he loved.

Amy hadn't planned on skipping out on her mother's plans and driving wherever they wanted, meeting new people and coming to terms with her tragic past. Amy and Roger find themselves traveling the Loneliest Road in America, trekking through the Colorado mountains, crossing the Kansas plains, and visiting diners, dingy motels, and Graceland.The more they drive and the more playlists Roger makes, Amy discovers the "new" her and a possibility of something she never opened herself up to; love.





Who hasn't wanted to drive coast to coast with their friends? Or maybe going a road trip across the country with friends, homemade CD’s  fast food, and an unlimited amount of time and money? At first, I was a little thrown off by the descriptive and slow beginning  but once I got into it… I got into it. And soon I was racing through the pages wanting to know where they were going to go next, who they were going to meet and if anything would happen between Amy and Roger. There were so many twists and turns that there’s no way you could truly tell what would happen. A fun road trip and a cute boy isn't all that this book is about though. Reading this book can help you realize something about yourself and help you let go of things in your past. So buckle up and get ready for the ride!

Books Like This One: The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen, North of Beautiful by Justine Chen Headley, Going Bovine by Libba Bray

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Meet Charlie. Charlie is a freshman, going through the motions of his life trying to please everyone else around him. Take the journey from ordinary kid along the roller coaster of life to a point of no return. Friendship. First Love. Jealous. Sexual tension. Confusion. Its all apart of life and we're all just along for the ride. From standing on the edge to feeling infinite, Charlie describes what it's really like to be a teenager through a series of letters to an anonymous receiver.You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll be left wondering what the hell just happened. It's that mind blowing.

No book describes what it is like to be a teenager better than this one. You'll feel the heartache, the thirst for answers, and by the end you'll know Charlie as if he were a friend of your own. Beautifully written, yet painfully realistic this book straddles the line between a fictional memoir and pure artistry. We all know Charlie, he is all of us. One boy, symbolizing everything that being a teenager is about. His thoughts, his actions, his emotions are our own.

If you have a pulse, you'll love The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Heck even a brain hungry zombie would love this book because it's that good. Quick in length, you'll devour this book before you know it. But be warned, once you've had a taste there is no going back. This novel is far too delectable to put down, and the addiction will spread with every turn of the page.