Here we are. For four years, one of the highlights of my time on Mountain Echo staff has been writing the Book of the Month. As an avid reader, it was the perfect reason for me to gush about all my current reads and share some wonderful authors and their novels. However, the time has officially come for me to let go of the Book of the Month. Lets make our last one a good one.
For the May Book of the Month, I have decided to look back over the past four years and reflect on my favorite reads during my high school years.
Freshman Year:
Top books:
– “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte
– “A Touch of Darkness” by Scarlett St. Clair
– “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie
I’ve talked about “Jane Eyre” so many times, that you could think it was my entire personality. In a lot of ways, it is. I’ve been in love with this story since I read it for the first time nearly 10 years ago. I love “Jane Eyre” so much that my graduation project was based entirely on the novel.
“A Touch of Darkness” was one of my first forays into the world of romantasy, and I ate up every single word. Nothing compares to a good Hades and Persephone retelling in modern day. I have since read the novel multiple times and am more than happy to say that it lives up to my original memories of reading it.
“And Then There Were None” was one of the first books I had to read in high school for English class, and I absolutely devoured it. Agatha Christie holds the title of “Queen of Mystery” for good reason. I have yet to read a novel from another author who can top her.
Sophomore Year:
Top Books:
– “Phantom Heart” by Kelly Creagh
– “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
– “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
“Phantom Heart” is another novels where I keep coming back to it. I’ve read it three or four times and every time I fall back in love with it. I also have had the pleasure of working with the author — who is so so sweet — and received an ARC (advanced readers copy) of her upcoming release, “A Date With Death.” As musical lover, and an avid “Phantom of the Opera” fan, this is my perfect novel and retelling.
If you know me, you know my love of “The Great Gatsby.” Yes, it is a staple to read in sophomore year, but I am a stan, fan and ambassador of this novel. It is the perfect length, interesting characters and a depressing, yet stunning ending. Also, Gatsby is the yearner of yearners. What isn’t there to love?
“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” is a novel that absolutely tore my heart out from start to finish. I absolutely adore Taylor Jenkins Reid and have never read one of her novels and not enjoyed it. As an Elizabeth Taylor lover, this novel is amazing.
Junior Year:
Top Books:
– “Binding 13” by Chloe Walsh
– “Highest Bidder” by Sara Cate
– “A Dowry of Blood” by S.T. Gibson
“Binding 13” and the Boys of Tommen as a whole are some of my favorite book(s) to ever exist. I think I’ve cried more tears over these characters than people I know in real life, and would give anything to give them all a hug — they need them.
“Highest Bidder” by Sara Cate is a novel that is short, spicy, emotional and fun. I read it for the first time when I was sick as a dog, and have reread it numerous times since. Ronan Kade is such a lover boy and we love him for it. Daisy and Ronan are one of my favorite book couples.
“A Dowry of Blood” is one of the best horror novels I have ever read. It is perfect for vampire lovers, horror enthusiasts and gothic literature, and covers every single base. The emotional and powerful balance of horror and emotional turmoil, as well as a quick read told in an epistolary form, makes it the perfect gothic novel.
Senior Year:
Top Books:
– “Atmosphere” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
– “Fake Skating” by Lynn Painter
– “Great Big Beautiful Life” by Emily Henry
“Atmosphere” is yet another Taylor Jenkins Reid novel and yet another book that tore my heart out, and I thanked it for doing so. I can’t rave about Taylor Jenkins Reid enough. Do I know anything about space and NASA? Absolutely not. But I loved it anyway.
“Fake Skating” was the best YA romance I have ever read. I loved every single second. As someone with a very close relationship with my grandfather, this one really hit home for me, and I couldn’t put it down.
“Great Big Beautiful Life” is a book that reminds me of the joy of being a reader and how vast our world and life can be. Emily Henry does it right every single time and leaves no crumbs. I truly can’t recommend her incredible works enough and am desperate for her to release another novel.
