Some stories will change how you look at the world. They will force you to think in ways you never thought possible. This week, I recommend three such books. They are all beautifully and unconventionally written making reading them an absolute joy. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz The story revolves around two Latino boys, Aristotle or Ari and Dante, who first strike a friendship at the pool where Dante teaches Ari how to swim. The two main characters lead different lives. Dante is the son of professors and he is a confident person. Ari, on the other hand, is shy and comes from a modest background with a brother in prison. Dante has an unusual way of looking at things. Ari is an angry teen. The two have nothing in common but get along like a house on fire. The book explores how their relationship evolves from a friendship to something much more.

This is a YA novel that I believe will resonate with readers of all generations. It’s the book I wish I had read while growing up. The beautiful coming-of-age story is a thought-provoking exploration of sexuality and identity. It also disavows toxic masculinity and shows you that being strong doesn’t mean you have to be unemotional or resort to violence. It doesn’t have plot twists or drama to keep you on your toes. But the beautiful moments between the two keep you hooked till the end. Best, there’s a sequel too.

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo This is a story of a 15-year-old girl named Xiomara and how she feels disconnected from her family. Her mother is a devout Catholic who wants Xiomara to follow in her footsteps. But Xiomara is having none of that. She wants to do her own thing. To release her pent-up frustrations, she writes poems, which keeps hidden in a notebook under her bed. Then, a slam poetry club forces her into sharing her poems and revealing her secrets. ‘The Poet X’ is written in the form of a collection of poems. Each poem tells a little story that gives you a deeper understanding of Xiomara and her life. You meet a young girl who is trying to find her voice and is unable to conform. Perhaps you might even see yourself or someone you love in Xiomara. It’s a beautiful story about love, change, and the beauty of believing and holding onto your dreams. 20 Fragments of a Ravenous Youth by Xiaolu Guo Originally written in Chinese in 2000 and translated into English in 2008, ‘20 Fragments of a Ravenous Youth’ tells the story of Fenfang Wang, a 21-year-old girl who leaves the monotony of her village to start a new life in one of the most fast-paced cities in the world, Beijing. Not prepared for city life, Fenfang struggles to make her dream come true. The novel is a series of unconnected chapters, without a clear beginning or an end. It feels like someone is talking to you, telling you their life story. The main plot revolves around Fenfang’s failed relationships and how she is determined to live a life that’s not dictated by the men in her life. The book isn’t a happy one and the author has left many loose ends. But that’s precisely what makes it so relatable. It’s a great book to read when you are feeling down and low as it will make you realize life has its ups and downs and that’s okay.