Watch That, Read This!

There's a part of me that truly believes that coming-of-age teen movies really are the universal language. Whether the movie is from 1982 or 2020, the teenage experience as depicted by Hollywood is universally entertaining, and with us all spending a bit more time inside, it may be a good time to go back and revisit some old favorites. Here's a list of books that you might enjoy based on the movies you already love.


If you liked Booksmart, you'll love Radio Silence by Alice Oseman

 

Equal parts smart and witty protagonists, incredible friendships, and existential crises, both of these stories tackle what happens when you realize that the path you thought you were on might not be the one you're meant to take. Radio Silence definitely takes a less comical approach to this topic, but is a must read for any high school senior who doesn't know what's next, (which is pretty much all of them).

 

 

 


If you liked The Perks of Being a Wallflower, you'll love The Art of Starving by Sam J. Miller

 

I know what you're thinking, why not just read The Perks of Being a Wallflower? Well, since many people have already read it, I thought it might be more interesting to offer an alternative. Both Perks and The Art of Starving follow a teenage boy and his battles with his mental health. The difference? Sam J. Miller's protagonist believes his eating disorder is giving him super powers. If you're in the mood for something powerful that'll tug at your heartstrings, look no further.

 

 


If you liked Heathers, you'll love Foul is Fair by Hannah Capin

 

For anyone looking for a bloody revenge story to rival the campy dark comedy of Heathers, Foul is Fair is the perfect solution. This YA retelling of Shakespeare's Macbeth is the definition of a page turner, though not for the faint of heart. 

(Please note that this book contains graphic accounts of sexual assault, murder, and suicide)

 

 


 

If you like Sing Street, you'll love This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales

Alright music nerds, I've got you covered. Both of these stories follow incredibly awkward and unpopular main characters who, through the music they love, learn to stand up for themselves, surround themselves with people they love, and figure out who they want to be. Anyone who lives with their earbuds in will relate.

 

 

 


If you like The Princess Diaries, you'll love Prince Charming by Rachel Hawkins

 

Okay, so maybe we can't all suddenly learn we're a princess of a small country, but what happens when your sister does? Headstrong and offbeat, Daisy's whirlwind entry into the world of royalty is an absolute delight to experience, especially if you spent your former years longing to visit Genovia yourself.

(Of course, you can also read Meg Cabot's series as well!)

 

 


 

If you like The Breakfast Club, you'll love Dress Codes for Small Towns by Courtney Stevens

This book is what would happen if The Breakfast Club would've all been stuck together as kids and never left. Perfect for John Hughes fans anywhere, Dress Codes for Small Towns follows a ragtag group of friends in their discoveries of who they love, want they want, and most of all, who they are.

 

 

 

 


 

If you like The Edge of Seventeen, you'll love Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

 

What happens when everything you know to be true about your friends (and siblings) changes? Ask Nadine or Cath, they'll both be able to tell you. Fangirl just shows us that sometimes the problems that plague us in high school are just as difficult in college, but regardless, you'll figure it all out eventually.

 

 


Your favorite movie not on the list? Just send us a message on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, and we'll do our best to find you a recommendation of your own!