Books transport us to an alternate reality, one that may be better than that we’re in. A story has the power to help you escape into a different dimension, one that may be full of imagination and creativity.
It is summertime, and nothing is better than drinking a cup of coffee while reading a good book. However, it is hard to find good books with stories that will remain with you forever. As a bookworm, here are 5 books I would recommend that you will never forget!
1. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
A heartfelt classic for children (yet definitely enjoyable for adults too) that will stay with you forever, especially if you’re an animal lover. Black Beauty is a story narrated from the perspective of a horse during the Victorian era. From one owner to another, “Black Beauty”, the horse, must deal with several cruel owners and suffers from harsh treatment. This novel offers the reader a detailed insight into the horse’s emotions that inspires incredible sympathy. Black Beauty is a wonderful story about courage, intelligence, and the beauty of kindness and freedom. It gives great examples of how animals should be treated, which is significant to understand, especially for children.
2. Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Before the Coffee Gets Cold is a series of 2 short novels. This story radiates the cozy vibes of a small coffee shop, of course with great coffee and an aesthetic interior. Set in Tokyo, this coffee shop is magical and offers its customers a once-in-a-lifetime experience of traveling back in time! Each of the two novels narrates the story of 5 individuals who experience this magical adventure. Before the Coffee Gets Cold isn’t just a fantasy entertainment novel, it is filled with lessons you will never forget. A heartwarming and emotional story I would definitely recommend!
3. Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel 
Where are my romance novel fans, because this one’s for you! Like Water for Chocolate is a Mexican novel that narrates the story of Tita’s love story and her troubles with her Mexican family’s traditions. Not only does this novel describe the pure emotions of love, sacrifice, and passion, but each chapter contains a recipe for a meal! So, technically speaking, this book is both a cookbook and a romance novel, and you do not want to miss that! Fun fact, the phrase “Like Water for Chocolate” is a Spanish saying that means one’s emotions are on the verge of boiling over. This story literally depicts that phrase as young Tita falls in love with Pedro, and the two struggle. A forbidden relationship, but a passion so strong, this story is full of metaphors and exaggerations that represent what love feels like. A 5/5 summer romance!
4. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
Charlie suffers from an intellectual disability and is subject to an experiment that helps him become more intelligent, and Algernon is a mouse that undergoes the same procedure as Charlie. However, Algernon gradually deteriorates and returns to his initial state. Flowers for Algernon takes you on Charlie’s journey to intelligence. From being bullied and ridiculed for his disability at the beginning, Charlie starts to witness a different treatment once he becomes intellectual while he embarks on a painful journey to his past. A powerful story that depicts how humans tend to overlook what is truly important, kindness and love.
5. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
You’ve probably heard about this classic, and if you haven’t read it yet, you should not miss it! Little Women narrates the life of four sisters with their mother as their father is away serving in the War. Tackling several themes such as gender roles, love and family relationships, and the reality of growing and coming of age, Little Women will make you feel part of the March family. This novel will take you on an emotional roller coaster. Surely, you’ll find yourself relating to one of the March sisters 😊
These are some of my favorite books! If you’re looking for a simple and short, yet powerful, these would be a great start.
