Books are the most beautiful form of escape, right into a world that is magical, enchanting and very, very real. If you just embraced reading, or if you simply love losing yourself in stories, here are 12 books that you certainly need to read before you turn 20!
Matilda by Roald Dahl
It's a classic for children but you must pick this up to know the wonderful character that Matlida is. Right from fighting her TV-obsessed parents and losing herself in the world of books to having the strength to take charge of her own life, Matilda is magical.
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
A novel set during the American civil war, Scarlett O'Hara fast turns from a sweet, comfort-loving girl to someone who can work in the fields, marry for practicality instead of spending the rest of her life taking care of people who are too weak to stand up on their own.
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Pick up this graphic novel that follows the story of Marjane Satrapi's life in Iran post the Islamic revolution. A perfect book to get some perspective on life in a different culture.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
A classic love story, this book lets you believe in love and second chances.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Another classic that you must not miss out on is To Kill a Mocking Bird. The story of Scout Finch, a six-year-old protagonist who grows up refusing to give in to society's values of gender and race inequalities. The sequel, Go Set a Watchman, was printed quite recently and is another great read.
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
A story that will break your heart, but one that must be read nonetheless. Anne keeps a diary during the Nazi rule, and her entries take your through her life and they hide in a cellar and eventually get caught and sent to concentration camp.
My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
The story of a girl who struggles to be a part of a family where her older sister has cancer, this book particularly highlights how her sister, unwilling, is always the center of all the attention. This is quite an emotional read.
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Stargirl is quite a quick read but the book highlights the importance of fighting to be who you are in a world that constantly tries to change you.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Narrated by an introvert teenager, Charlie describes his experiences of growing up to an anonymous stranger in a series of letters. The character is so much like all of us growing up that you will instantly find a connect.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
A modern-day love story, this YA novel follows the story of Hazel and Augustus who meet and fall in love in a cancer support group.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
The story of four sisters as they grow from childhood to adults, you see the characters embrace changes and stick together as a family.
The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
It might not be a classic, but the Harry Potter series draw you into a magical world and teaches you about friendship, family and staying true to what you believe in.