Literature nerd that I am, I relate everything in life to what I have already read in books. So, when I got to thinking about some of you who are graduating seniors, I was reminded of one my favorite novels. Then I thought about other texts that deal with that weird period of time between the end of high school and the beginning of college that might help you remember you’re certainly not alone in this process.
As you prepare to leave high school for bigger and better things, here are five must-reads for you and your friends:
“This Lullaby” by Sarah Dessen
Recent grad Remy meets Dexter and hates him, but then — TWIST — realizes she loves him, blah blah blah. You know where this going. What sets this book apart is its exploration of whether it is ever really possible to sever ties from where you grew up. It is perfect for a senior vowing to never step foot in his or her hometown again. You will be surprised how powerful nostalgia and homesickness is.
“The Bermudez Triangle” by Maureen Johnson
Nina, Avery and Mel have been close friends since childhood, but everything is thrown through a loop when each girl begins her first serious relationship. Nina goes off to a summer pre-college program and comes back with a boyfriend. Meanwhile, Avery and Mel stay home and fall for each other. This novel will give you a preview as to what will happen when you and your friends begin to couple off. Friendship is only occasionally stronger than romantic love.
“The Art of Fielding” by Chad Harbach
Henry enjoys the wonders of independence when he begins his freshman year in college. This novel balances the perspectives of Henry and several other Westish College community members. For those of you nervous about finding your place in college, this is the story for you. It also features baseball terminology, in case any of you find that appealing.
“Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic” by Alison Bechdel
This graphic memoir actually spans Bechdel’s life from childhood through her first year of college. But it is still important to read if only because it is an excellent example of college-level writing. What seems like a simple story (Girl coming to terms with her relationship with Dad) becomes so much more with Bechdel’s beautiful artwork, interesting literary allusions and scholarly vocabulary.
“Sloppy Firsts”/”Second Helpings” by Megan McCafferty
Okay, so this entry is actually two books, but I consider them two parts of an entire story. The first two installments of McCafferty’s Jessica Darling series are the protagonist’s diaries chronicling her dwindling time at a New Jersey high school. These books are for anyone needing a laugh or anyone that wants to commiserate with another too-smart-for-her-own-good high school hater.
Written by Rachel Montpelier. Rachel is a senior at Nazareth College in Rochester, N.Y. and is the editorial assistant at NextStepU.
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