Theater & Arts
Sometimes, all it takes to fix a bad day is a good book—a tale that reminds us of the joy in living, the love present around us, or even the serendipity of solitude. This Valentines’ season, Vantage has compiled a list of seven books that are sure to warm every heart. Though some entries aren’t centered on romance, these books are meant to be enjoyed by anyone. Readers are in for a treat with narratives about pure, unadulterated love, whether between lovers, friends, or family. In the end, the overall message of each story remains clear: Everyone, regardless of their relationship status, deserves a happy ending.
1. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe (2012) by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
With a wide array of coming-of-age novels, it’s difficult for a book to stand out from the crowd. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe manages to hit all the marks when it comes to making a name for itself through LGBTQ+ and racial representation. The novel follows two Mexican-American boys named Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza and Dante Quintana. As their friendship blossoms, they navigate through problems concerning sexuality, race and ethnicity, and their respective family problems. Self-discovery is difficult on its own, but it is all the more when it comes with the weight of discrimination and family issues. Witnessing the story between two young boys unfold only emphasizes the need for acceptance and the idea that one shouldn’t be afraid to love.
2. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda (2015) by Becky Albertalli
Prepare for an adorable and wild ride with Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda—a powerful book which tackles the age-old process of self-discovery and acceptance, while leaving space for readers to feel warm and fuzzy in between. The book tells the tale of Simon as he tries to figure out how to build a relationship with Blue, an anonymous e-mailer who also comes from his school, while he is blackmailed by a schoolmate who threatens to expose his sexuality. Eventually, Simon has to make a few tough decisions, but not before realizing just how much love and support he has from his friends and family. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda is written in such a way that will find readers feeling buoyant and giddy before they know it.
3. Boy Meets Boy (2003) by David Levithan
Back in 2003, it wasn’t all too common to find a young adult novel that features gay characters with a happy ending. Boy Meets Boy was ahead of its time with a story that follows a “boy meets girl, loses her, then tries to get her back,” narrative; the difference here is that it’s between two boys, namely Paul and Noah. Although the story is set in a small town in America that openly accepts and embraces the LGBTQ+ community, it also tackles instances of homophobia that eventually lead up to heartbreak. As the two boys navigate through the complexities of school, family life, and love, we come to find that ups and downs are worth going through in the pursuit of happiness.
4. Wonder (2012) by R. J. Palacio
Grade school is rarely pretty. Kids are exposed to bullying, cliques, and the like, and quickly learn about the harsher side of life. Follow the story of August, a child born with severe physical deformities as he goes through the tough trial of entering school for the first time in Wonder. Written from a child’s perspective, this story will make readers experience what it’s like to be alienated from everybody else with terrifying ferocity—whether it be the staring, the hurtful comments, or the questions that are meant to be harmless, but hurt regardless. Wonder’s lasting impression rests in the way it illustrates life in all its complexity: The ways in which light shines through the darkness, how difficult situations manage to bring out the best in people, and ultimately, just how powerful love and an open mind and heart can be.
5. The Five People You Meet in Heaven (2003) by Mitch Albom
If you’ve heard of any Mitch Albom novel, you may already know that a lot of crying is bound to ensue. Don’t be fooled, though; your heart may break after reading these, but it will also be put back together and feel brand new. Rather than following the life of Eddie, a maintenance man of an amusement park, readers instead follow his death and afterlife. Upon being sent to heaven, he encounters five important people who left a great impact on his life. Eddie’s story proves that even the most unexpected individuals and seemingly inconsequential interactions play a role in turning our lives around. The Five People You Meet in Heaven reminds us that we all affect each other one way or another through love, loss, and everything in between.
6. The Way You Make Me Feel (2018) by Maurene Goo
Not all stories have to revolve around pressing issues or themes and The Way You Make Me Feel proves just that. Told in a light and humorous tone, this book is sure to make readers laugh as they read about Clara, a quirky, yet relatable headstrong teen who enjoys playing tricks on other people a little too much. One day, she gets in trouble and is sentenced by her father to work in his food truck for an entire summer. The ensuing weeks are filled with hilarious conversations, unlikely friendships, unexpected romance, and self-discovery, which will make this short novel seem to go by in a blur.
7. Flipped (2001) by Wendelin Van Draanen
Flipped’s young romance may come off as seemingly sweet–children forming a friendship that develops into something more as time goes by. However, life isn’t always so simple when we look at the bigger picture. From the perspectives of second graders Julianna Baker and Bryce Loski, it becomes clear that there is much more to Flipped than a love story. Casting a spotlight on realities such as family issues, mistrust, and isolation, the novel challenges the notion of children’s experiences and relationships as less than those who are older. Through the experiences Juli and Bryce have with one another, readers are able to empathize with the two children and their whirlwind of emotions. In the midst of all the ups and downs, Flipped still manages to stay true to the idea that all the events are shown through characters who have a lot to learn. Much like the happy endings in children’s tales, readers still get to end the book with a smile on their face (despite the few tears shed along the way).
Whether you’re in the mood for a whirlwind romance novel or a story that broadens perspectives, modern literature has a variety of options for you. Although the narratives on this list each deal with different kinds of love, they all share something in common: These books exemplify just how precious happy moments, whether big or small, are, and how they must be cherished at any given moment.
Books are forever and though sometimes love comes and goes, these pick-me-ups will be there for you on your best and worst days.
