If you know me, then you know one of my defining personality traits is that I am a reader. I have loved reading for practically my whole life, I am an avid goodreads user, a proud member of STA’s Book Club, I have shelves in my room packed with books and I even have a book TikTok account (follow me @i_1ove_to_read). I think that all of these qualifications give me the right to the title of certified bookworm, and as a certified bookworm, I’m here to tell you about three of my favorite books you absolutely have to read. 

The first book I’m going to talk about is “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe.” I started this book on September 5th, 2021, and I finished it on September 5th 2021. That’s right, I read this book in one day — in one sitting. I had bought it the day before at Barnes and Noble after much pestering from a friend of mine who had read and absolutely loved it. I didn’t think I was going to like it that much, but from the moment I read the first page, I was unable to put the book down. Stopping in my reading only for bathroom breaks, I finished the book and, as I wrote in my journal that night, was “forever changed.” 

This book tells the story of two Mexican-American boys, Aristotle Mendoza and Dante Quintana, growing up in Texas in the 1980s. It’s a coming-of-age story that perfectly showcases the different struggles that come with growing up. While it is definitely not a plot-based book, it makes up for it with poetic writing and loveable characters. I, along with 224,870 other goodreads users, would rate this book 5/5 stars. 

The second book I want to talk about is “Salt to the Sea.” Like “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” I read this book in one sitting. I sat with my dog on my hallway floor for four hours straight reading this book. If you go follow my booktok that I mentioned earlier, you will find a video of me simultaneously crying and recommending this book. It is a story about a real-life ship sinking during World War II told through four different intertwining perspectives. This book has beautifully written characters with a plot that has just a hint of mystery that makes you want to keep turning the pages. 

Last, but most certainly not least, I want to talk about “Daisy Jones and the Six.” This is one of my most favorite books I have ever read. I also read “Daisy Jones and the Six” in one day, just not in one sitting. I did, however, take it with me everywhere that I went that day: to my dog-sitting job, in the car and even in the movie theater before my movie started. The book follows a band called The Six and an up-and -coming singer named Daisy Jones who eventually join together to form the legendary group: Daisy Jones and the Six. I was so captivated by the characters and swept up into their imaginary lives that I sometimes still find myself searching for one of their songs on Apple Music before I remember that they aren’t a real band. This book took over my every thought for weeks after I read it, and I had my CD of “The Dance” by Fleetwood Mac on repeat in my car because the book is inspired by them. 5/5 stars doesn’t feel like nearly enough to represent this book, so I would rate it 10/5 stars. 

Although none of these are short books, they are all quick reads, and you won’t be able to put any of them down. I consider all three of them life-changing and I am 100% sure that once you read these books, they will make their way onto your list of favorites. I hope that this article has convinced you to read them, and I hope that you take some time to check them out!