Ten books to read before you turn 20

These are my must-read ten books: whether you want to feel empowered, be influenced or comforted on a rainy afternoon.

Books like Wonder can’t help but inspire you, especially when a young boy, who doesn’t look like you or me, starts middle school and faces unkindness in the struggles of growing up.

For all my feminists, Lessons in Chemistry will be for you; a woman in STEM who faces constant misogyny will wow you with her intelligence, strength and badass attitude. A must-read about cultural difference is Educated; recounting the author’s experiences of being raised in a Mormon household and the way her life significantly differed from her peers.

A novel designed for a single read on a cosy night is The Bridges of Madison County, a realistic love story that warms the heart. Set in Iowa, a photographer and a married woman meet and start a story of passion and responsibility.

Sticking with the romantic theme, Me Before You has to be mentioned; Louisa Clark is determined to make life better for paralysed Will Traynor. This is bound to bring about tears, so get the tissues ready. They ought to read a mystery novel,

The Da Vinci Code, which is impossible to put down and constantly leaves you wanting more, building a story around some surprising facts.

A classic that everyone should read is Pride and Prejudice, a captivating will they, won’t they romance that will definitely make you swoon.

Literature can have a profound impact and The Princess Saves Herself In This One is the best example of this. A series of poems that comment on life, making your own struggles feel normal while empowering you to persevere.

Another need to read the classic, To Kill a Mockingbird underlines racial prejudices and awakens your conscience to the realities of the world.

If you are after an educational, yet romantic novel then I recommend The Book Thief, following a young girl living in Nazi Germany who finds enjoyment in literature as well as love.

Edited by Anna Cao