Throughout all of my elementary years, reading a book was probably my least favorite thing to do. It wasn’t till about seventh grade when I actually found books that sparked any interest in me. In my eighth grade year I read almost every Sarah Dessen book she had wrote at that time. I would find myself completely enthralled in her books and would read them nonstop till I was finished with them. Sarah Dessen’s writing was mainly romantic realistic fiction books. Realistic fiction books are my favorite kinds of books because I enjoy books all the more if I can relate to them. When I read a book I love I feel so attached and I feel as if it’s apart of my life and I never want it to end. Now I don’t read as much as I’d like to because I’m always so busy but whenever I find time in my life I love to pick up a good book and read.

A Stroke of Luck– Julie K. Dixon with Jessica Dixon At only 12 years old Alex’s perfect life is turned upside down when she has a stroke. Based on a real life story Alex Dixon is dealing with medical problems that the doctors can’t seem to solve. She went from being a happy, playful girl writing wonderful diary entries to becoming very mean, violent and writing nothing but unhappy journal entries. You learn about the struggles they had to face as a family for a couple of years and how a family’s love and support got them through the struggles. My mom gave this book to me after she went to a teaching convention and she met their whole family after they spoke about their journey. She was very touched and got the book for me to read. I ended up loving the book and it helped me have better appreciation for my own life.

Just Listen- Sarah Dessen The message Sarah Dessen was trying to convey in this book was about people who may look like they have everything but in reality no ones life is perfect. Annabel, the main character, deals with losing her best friend Sophie but makes another friend named Owen. Owen not only teaches Annabel to listen to all kinds of music he also teaches her to listen to herself. Her friendship with Owen becomes more than a friendship and because of him she will finally gain the courage to tell everyone what really happened the night her friendship with Sophie dramatically ended. This book was one of my favorite Sarah Dessen books in eighth grade. I was never able to put the book down because one event always led to the next and I become so involved in the life of the characters.

Now and Forever- Danielle Steele Going seven years strong, married couple Ian and Jessica are so much in love. Ian is a writer who is finding it hard to make his books a hit while Jessica is a successful boutique owner. Ian and Jessica are a beautiful couple who live in a beautiful home and share a beautiful life. Jessica often travels and isn’t home for week. Ian however, stays at home, writes and waits for hisi beautiful wife to come back. Bit this time when Jessica comes back Ian has done something that will jeopardize their marriage. I really loved reading this book because the love that Ian and Jessica have for each other is so strong and romantic. And even with the hard times their love ultimately came out on top.