~post by Teen Press Corps reporter, Adrienne
Has Valentine’s day got you down? Does Valentine’s Day have you feeling a little cynical? If the answer to either of these questions are a big fat “YES!” we have a list of books to get you through Valentine’s Day this year!
Going Vintage by Lindsey Leavitt
When Mallory finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her with a girl online, it is a pretty sick blow to the head. Not fun, especially with prom just around the corner. But Mallory has the perfect plan to show her ex-boyfriend that she is strong and does not need him. She goes to prom without a date, swears off dating, tries new tags, and shoots romance straight in the face with Cupid’s arrow. Repeatedly. It’s not all pink roses and chocolates on Valentine’s Day, and sometimes we’re better off on our own, with people like Mallory right by our side.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
High school is hard, but boy, it is harder when the girl you love has placed you in the friend-zone. That’s how it is for Charlie, but he makes the best of it. After having a tough year before high school, he finds a group of friends who accept him for who he is, show him how to enjoy the little things, and who tell him that love isn’t everything. And they’re right. Maybe she isn’t the right girl for him, but even the saddest of hearts can be cheered up with a showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. So high school isn’t all about finding “love”- it’s about our best friends, and Charlie’s, who show us what it’s really all about. Don’t sweat it, the little things are what matter most.
Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare
“Wherefore art thou Romeo?” I’ll tell you where: in a grave. Talk about love gone wrong. Yes, Shakespeare is a literary genius, but this love story is not one I’d like to be part of. Poor Juliet falls head-over-heels in love with this guy, who she can’t have, because of a rival between the two wealthy families. Finally, after proclaiming her love after less than a day of knowing the guy, she decides to fake her death, because it just isn’t worth it without him. Sure, Juliet. Sure. Her plan backfires, Romeo kills himself, which is followed closely by a weeping, sobbing Juliet stabbing herself with his dagger. In the mood to mock “true love”, or just don’t feel like it’s worth it? Shakespeare can hook you up – he gets it. Love is not the center of the universe, because there are other great things out there.
Alive by Chandler Baker
Stella recently had a heart transplant, and what better way to get her heart beating fast than a cute new guy at school? Lucky for Stella, he notices her, and BAM! they’re boyfriend and girlfriend. But something must be wrong if everything is peachy-keen and perfect? Right? Right! Try having a killer for a boyfriend who is out to get you, and it might put everything into perspective. Love often seems like a dream come true, but then . . . it not so much. I guess it just isn’t worth the killer boyfriend. Ladies, stay sharp, and at any hint of a crazy guy for a boyfriend at all, run. You don’t want to be six feet under on Valentine’s Day.
Editor’s note: This book isn’t out yet! It comes out June 9, but you can pre-order your copy today!
Kiss, Kill, Vanish by Jessica Martinez
Valentina Cruz has a perfect life: rich parents, good friends, and a nice boyfriend. But it all falls to pieces when one horrible fact is revealed: her parents are drug dealers, but who covered it up by selling art. And her boyfriend, who works for the FBI, is hunting them down. Why must it always be the boyfriend? So off she goes, running away, not wanting to be part of this crazy situation that is now her life and a bomb waiting to blow up. And to Valentina, I say good plan. When things go bad, run away. Unfortunately, running away isn’t always an option, but it should be . . . LOL. Who knows when we’ll have to run from some secret FBI agent.
Hope this is a good anti-Valentine collection! Let us know what you think or if you have your own recommendation to add!
BookPeople Teen Press Corps 