These Books Changed Me

When someone asks me what my hobbies are, the first thing I say is reading. I've loved to read for as long as I can remember; it's kind of become one of my character traits. I just think it's so amazing how a book can create such intense emotions and bring you to a place you never knew you needed to go. With all the books that I've read, there are three that I find myself revisiting over and over.

It was hard for me to decide which books to choose because, of course, I love all of the books in my collection. I decided to go with the ones that had that extra sparkle. (I've also read these particular books more than five times hah...) They're all romance novels because that's definitely "my thing," and they all made me adopt new personality traits based on the main characters.

Between Us and the Moon by Rebecca Maizel

I bought this book when I was in 11th grade and now, going into my second year of college, I can confidently say that I've read this book ten times since. It's written about a girl named Sarah, nicknamed Bean, who is known for her obsession with astronomy. After something unexpected happens, she wants answers on how to be different. Her family goes to Cape Cod for the summer and Sarah decides to perform a different kind of experiment involving her widely-loved sister, Scarlett. While at Cape Cod, Sarah meets a college boy and lies to him about her age. It's a crazy, steal-your-breath-away kind of story and I'm so glad it blessed my eyes.

I related so well to Sarah because I also have a gorgeous sister who has a much more exciting life than I do. She's wild and has so many friends, which is not like me at all. I've never attempted to do what Sarah does in the book, though. After reading this book a billion times, I don't think I'll be trying to copy her either.

I will admit that I copied Sarah in other ways. For my first semester of college, I chose to take astronomy class. I really enjoyed myself and made so many new friends because of the experience. I already owned a telescope, so it was nice to know about the beautiful sky I looked up at so many times before.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Ah, yes. The book that made me sob. I recommend this book to as many people as I possibly can. At first, I couldn't relate to Eleanor so I couldn't finish the book. After hearing so many good tings about the book, I decided to make myself get into it, and I was not disappointed. It's about two misfits living in 1986 who grow to love each other in the realest way. I loved how honest it was, and Eleanor's personality just floored me. Her bravery in everything she had to go through inspired me.

I'll admit that it isn't very hard for me to become engrossed in a story, but it's not everyday a story can make me squeal, cry, and have the urge to punch something all in one sitting. I don't want to give too much detail because I'm not a spoiler, but wow. This story is really something.

To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

I know, I know. This is already so popular, and everyone probably knows everything there is to know about this book-turned-movie. This is true, but I could in no way leave this out or I would be throwing away half of my personality. I first got this book in 2014, when I was in 8th grade, and I've read it 18 times since. I just love the story, the characters, just the whole idea. And I will swear up and down for the rest of my life that it is very different than the movie. Don't get me wrong, I love the movie. They did a good job, but there are definitely differences.

I won't go very far into explaining what this novel is about, but I will say that Laura Jean writes letters to boys she wants to stop loving and wow I can't imagine how freaked out I would feel if I had to live out her story. It really changed who I am. Once you read a story so many times, you can't help but picking up snippets of the main character's personality. I'm not even mad about it though, Laura Jean is pretty rad.

(P.S. I own the second and third book in this series, but I haven't read them because I'm afraid to ruin the perfect ending that was in the first book.)

These books really have been my heart and soul for so long. I know that I wouldn't be who I am without them. If you've read this books, let me know how you feel about them. I've also been looking for some new reads, so please leave some suggestions for me.

Thanks for reading! Xx