Tips in Preserving Family Recipes

Food never tastes the same in a restaurant as it does when it is prepared at home with love.  First of all, the recipes are most likely different. The ingredients used in a home cooked food do not include chemical items to retain freshness. The home cook elevates flavors differently than when food is prepared in a commercial kitchen to serve large numbers of people. Nothing tastes quite as good as when it comes from your kitchen!

Culture comes into play significantly when serving up different styles of food.  Different cultures use a variety of spices and herbs to flavor food.  When a specific flavor or ingredient lives from one generation to another it might be considered a secret ingredient. But nothing compares to sharing recipes and learning how to cook another culture’s food.  Preservation of food and recipes also preserves traditions.  How can we preserve traditions in food?

Create a cookbook

Writing a cookbook is not everyone’s cup of tea.  While it is a good idea to share family traditions and recipes with the world, it requires an investment of time, effort and money. Food entices the senses and many people love to cook or love to dabble in the kitchen.  Food allows families to relive memories of their ancestors. Generations of Good Food, a cookbook by Eleanor Gaccetta, contains many great recipes that span six generations and heartwarming tales of Italian life that brought families together around the table.

Share it with the next generation of your family

The most convenient way to preserve a recipe is by sharing it with the next generation in the family. No matter how the world has progressed today, there will always be one person in the family who is drawn to cooking. You can pass the recipe down to that individual by reaching out to him in your most preferred way, such as writing it in a note, sending it through a text message, sharing it verbally, or make a video while cooking. In that way, you can keep the recipe alive, and it can also be handed down to another generation as per your custom.

Write it in your journal

Journals are a reliable way to preserve recipes.  This is one way to pass down the legacy of a family or culture. You can write down the recipes and keep the journal until it is ready to be shared to a family member or used as reference in cooking a certain dish. In Gaccetta’s cookbook, recipes of family friends are also shared.  Many of those recipes were received on a notecard that was added to others. The notecards represented a type of journal of adding to the shared experience.

Make a scrapbook

Today people take pictures of their food on a regular basis.  It is not unusual to find people taking a photo with a smartphone in a restaurant of a dish they’ve ordered or see a picture of food in different social media platforms. An option to preserving ideas for food would be to create a scrapbook of art and recipes. It is will take you to a trip down memory lane and ignite your creative juices during the process. Often a chef in a restaurant will share the ingredients in a dish – you can research the amounts needed to re-create that dish at home. A “scrapbook” whether it is created online in scratch or using a template or one made of paper and pictures is a great way to preserve your food experiences and share with loved one.

Cook it in your kitchen

Personally, preparing the dish in your kitchen is one of the most accessible forms of preserving the recipe. Although you may have already memorized it by heart, you can invite a family member to watch you cook it. In that way, they will learn your techniques and can easily recall how you do it the moment they decide to cook the dish. There are different kinds of memories that can be awakened even in the cooking process, which can also turn into a great family bonding moment. With the help of memories and emotions, you will be inspired to cook better and preserve the recipe.

How Stories Boost Inspiration within You

Inspiration is crucial in life. Imagine having to live each day with a drained mind, body, and soul. Feeling drained and unexplainably tired for quite some time would be undesirable because it could impact your daily life. Moreover, that kind of condition can bring a series of negativity and unproductivity since you don’t have a good amount of energy and great mindset to look forward and face the coming better days.

Although it is normal for people to fall on a slump or ran out of enthusiasm for things, looking for ways to reinstate your previous well-being and regain your positive outlook in life. There are many activities and things that can help you acquire the inspiration that you need.  But, if you want a practical and inconvenience-free means to boost self-esteem and encouragement, then books is the perfect option! If you are wondering how stories could boost your inspiration, here’s how:

They offer significant guidance

Apparently, there are thousands of reasons that lead you to identify the cause of your lack of inspiration. It could be because you have fallen out of passion on things that once sparked joy to you. It could also be because of external reasons, such as the influence of the people and things around you. So, when you start reading books — the stories that they contain will give you the enlightenment and guidance that you never thought you needed in life. Whether it is a fiction or nonfiction tale, the central messages and other elements of the story give you guidance on how to deal with life in different angles.

Take for example, when you read the beautiful and encouraging story on LaPrele Jordan’s book, you will start to gain understanding and guidance on how faith in God can bring so much difference in your journey through life. The story will help you walk on your chosen path with enough confidence and inspiration to reach the end of the road.

They give essential lessons

Life is filled with millions of lessons. All this learning can be acquired through different approaches and means. Reading and hearing stories of kindness, bravery, forgiveness, and love, makes you learn and apply these values in life. Some of these amazing stories are Wonder by R.J. Palacio, Divergent by Veronica Roth, and Forgiveness is a Choice by Robert D. Enright. That said, storytelling makes us develop a better understanding, respect, and admiration on a particular aspect in the world, such as culture, race, social status, religion, and more. From all these remarkable tales and learning, you will be inspired to also tell your story, savor every experience, and manifest values that can make you better.

They push you to your limits

Everyone undergoes different developmental process. Some grow slowly while others progress rapidly. It’s just never the same for most people. If you are drained of inspiration and have observed that you are not growing along with the individuals close to your heart, then there’s no need to worry. There are many stories that help you understand how progress is non-linear. These tales could be from your favorite books or from significant people in your lives. Moreover, the moment that you hear these stories and apply them in your life, you will be driven to take action. You tend to learn to direct your attention on your dreams and start to explore new things that can contribute to your development; you will become happier and more motivated.

They encourage you to reflect on yourself

Self-reflection is a great way to identify the parts of you that needs more nurturing. The product of reflecting on your past actions and decisions often leads to better and more positive things, such as rising of inspiration levels and boosting of self-esteem. There are many ways of reflection and among them is reading or listening to stories. Whether the tales are product of the imagination of the writer or based from real experiences, you can still get their gist and morals to connect and apply in your life. In that way, you are already given the guidance that you need, the chance to grow, and, most importantly, the drive to conquer every day with a head held high and heart made stronger.

Tips in Nurturing Your Mind, Body, and Soul

When you hear the word “nurture,” you immediately might think about the act of taking care of someone or yourself. The term mentioned is often defined as the act of taking care and inspiring an individual to grow and development. That said, it is evident that nurturing is connected to personal growth because it is the process of caring for people through acts of service — such as providing them with their daily needs and more.

As a person starts to enter the process of metamorphosis, like how caterpillars gradually turn into butterflies, they go through different stages in life that can either make them or break them. Every phase is another challenge and experience that many need to conquer to say that they have fully nurtured themselves with the help of the individuals and things around them.

However, there may be times that you seem to run in circles and become stagnant. As a result, you find yourself less enthusiastic and encouraged to continue nurturing all aspects of yourself, including your mind, body, and soul. Perhaps there are a wide array of reasons why you haven’t fully focused on growth and self-care, but you might want to slowly go attend to yourself to develop holistically. So, in order for you to concentrate on nurturing your mind, body, and soul — we have listed below some simple yet essential tips that you should know.

Communicate

Many often overlook the value of communication. In this fast-paced world, people tend to be more focused on hustling and bustling that they forget to talk and bond with others. Effective communication plays an integral role on your health, especially on your mental and emotional well-being. So, if you have someone to talk about things that bother your mind, weaken your heart, and down your spirit can slowly make a difference in your life without you knowing it.

You are not required to share your stories and frustrations to everyone you encounter. You are also not obliged to keep in touch every minute of every day. What is needed is for you to have someone to hear both the good and bad things that you have stumbled upon in some days in your life. Just talk to someone you feel comfortable and safe with, and somebody who can appreciate and protect your vulnerability. As you keep the communication open, you can also help them take care of themselves because communicating is a two-way process that allows both sides to talk, listen, and vice versa.

Read

Reading is the best activity that gives you both healing and understanding. There may be a lot of people out there who fail to recognize the value of books and stories, but try opening and reading one so you can see the amazing benefits books can give you. Moreover, the literary world is filled with millions of books in different genres. Among these great categories is self-help, which houses books that aim to help people figure out life, understand themselves, and everything in between.

In your pursuit arrive at the best condition of your mind, body, and soul; it is important to pick books that are relevant to your situation. McClain book on De-Stressing Without Drugs titled Happiness in Quantum Leaps, would be a great read because it also guides you to achieve happiness by working on those three important aspects. There are also other works written by other remarkable authors that might suit your taste and demands. All you have to do is to look for the best and relevant book.

Meditate

In this lifetime, meditation is essential. Perhaps you cannot appreciate the value of this activity in the early stages of your life; but, now that you are already in the age where you slowly gain understanding of the world — meditating seems to be important. You can take some time off your daily routine or busy schedule to take a quick breather to refresh your mind, take care of your body, and feed your soul. There are many forms of meditation that might work for you, such as spiritual meditation, focused meditation, intention setting exercises, mindfulness activities, progressive relaxations, and whole lot more.

Must-read Science Fiction Books this Summer

Summer is basically the most awaited time of the year. Why? Because it is the season to relax, unwind, and enjoy the warmth of the sun. Although every season is worth waiting for, the atmosphere and brightness that summer brings is incomparable to the other seasons. People can wear thin clothes and do whatever they want since the weather becomes warmer and greater. On that note, different leisure activities can be done both indoors and outdoors with better comfort.

Reading and summer can become the best combination; because, you can read outdoors comfortably and happily with the most relaxing scenery and weather. It is also the most suitable time to look into new genres, such as sci-fi. Why science fiction? It just has the most awesome blend of thrill and excitement with twists that can blow your minds. There are also different tropes that you can find and scientific elements that will add to your knowledge. You wouldn’t only be entertained but also be educated; hence, you are getting the best of both worlds.

So, do you have enough books to delve into the most amazing time of the year? If not, then listed below are some of the must-read science fiction books that you should check out and add to your reading pile.  

Moon Luck by Scott Harral

Moon Luck by Harral was published in 2020 by Outskirts Press. The story follows the 30 astronauts who resides on one of the most admired heavenly bodies, which is the moon. They are not ordinary astronauts, because there are some of them that are researchers while others are explorers. What they are doing there is essential, especially on the field of science. There are those that are growing plants and looking for mineral ores while there are also those that creates experiments and makes animosities and close bonds. But, when a peculiar accident killed a senior member, suspicions arise. Was there a murder on the moon? If there was, then who was the actual perpetrator?

The Madhouse Projects by Rick Badman

Published in 2019 by ReadersMagnet, The Madhouse Projects by Rick Badman will definitely give you an adventure-filled story. There were no eerie homicides, only a roller coaster ride of action. It follows the story of Dick Thurman, who was a former professor at a promising university. After getting kicked out of the academic institution, he was hired to be an automotive engineer in Arizona, specifically in the Madhouse. Dick works hard to create fly-wheel-power electric Indy cars that are meant to be used in racing. His wife followed him in the Madhouse and discovered something through a virtual reality program. Thus, the story becomes more interesting.

Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline

Have read or seen Ready Player One? Then, you might want to look into the second book of the series, which is Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline. It was published in 2020 by Ballantine Books and automatically made it to The New York Times bestselling list. The story revolves around the same protagonist, Wade. However, his squad — called the High Five, was scattered worldwide. Aech is in Senegal, Shoto is in Hokkaido, and Samantha is in Vancouver. Wade decided to examine his brand-new skills to keep himself productive. He discovered an inscription on the Easter egg of James Halliday. He followed the instructions and finds the very first functional headset of the OASIS Neural Interface and the action follows.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

The bestselling author of The Martian and Artemis penned another remarkable book titled Project Hail Mary.  It is a near-future sci-fi book that centers on the story of Ryland Grace, who regained consciousness after being comatose afflicted with amnesia for quite some time. Ryland slowly recalled that he was into a mission going to a solar system called Tau Ceti, which is 12 light-years far from Earth. The purpose of his mission is to look for the cause of the solar dimming activity that might put the humankind on the verge of extinction. Hence, the sequence of the story is delivered through a mixture of both flashbacks of Grace and the present narrations while they are already in the Hail Mary.

Pulp Adventure Books You Shouldn’t Miss Reading

Have you heard about pulp adventure? It typically refers to the exciting mixture of fresh and classic fiction genre, such as sci-fi, mystery, horror, and more. It is a subgenre of pulp fiction, which pertains to the infamous hardboiled crime books and pulp magazines way back in the middle part of the 20th century.

The word “pulp” was derived from the inexpensive wood pulp paper, which is the primary material used to print magazines. Doc Savage, Nick Carter, Secret Agent X, Captain Future, The Avenger, and Operator No. 5 are some of the well-known pulp characters.

So, if you are currently interested in reading pulp adventure or fiction works, then it must be your lucky day! Listed below are some of the best pulp adventure books that you should add to your to-be-read list.

The Hunter in the Shadows (Thule Trilogy #1) by Joab Stieglitz

The Hunter In The Shadows by Stieglitz was published in 2019 by the Rantings of a Wandering Mind. It is the first book of the Thule Trilogy following the story of Anna Rykov and the alien invasion that endangers humanity. The protagonist had a dream that Sobak, her alter-dimensional sibling, was in peril. Thus, Anna was brought to Boston during the Depression period to search and end the life of the shape shifting extraterrestrial creature who held her captive and who plots things that could end humanity. Cletus the hound and a homeless veteran with deep secrets helped Anna on her quest. But, her questions captivated J. Edgar Hoover, whose intentions in this mission are still undisclosed.

Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs

This classic pulp adventure was authored by Edgar Rice Burroughs and published by A.C. McClurg in 1914. It is the first book of the series focusing on the protagonist named Tarzan. You probably are familiar with the name of the character since Disney released a film with a titled taken after the name of the character. Moreover, the story revolves around the life and adventures of the guy Tarzan who grew up in an unlikely environment for a human to be raised in, which is the jungle. It was the apes who took him in and raised him until he begins to get in touch with people and the Western society. Identity crisis and racial superiority are some of the integral themes tackled by the book.

Casino Royale by Ian Fleming

Does the named James Bond ring a bell? Well, he is the popular secret agent that was brought to life by many remarkable actors in movies with the same title as his name. The films were adapted by Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale, which is the first book of the James Bond series. It was published in 1953 by Jonathan Cape. It follows the story of a British spy who is associated with the gambling at a popular casino called Royale-les-Eaux with the purpose to bankrupt a high-profile person named Le Chiffre. Although he is known to be a great secret agent, he was still assisted by Vesper Lynd, Felix Leiter, and René Mathis during the course of the mission.

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson was originally titled as The Sea Cook: A Story for Boys. It was published in 1883 by Cassell and Company in London. This book was categorized in different genre, such as adventure fiction, young adult fiction, and more. The book typically centers on pirates and treasures. Its impact on the widely known views on pirates has become larger than expected; thus, creating famous elements that spark interest from the readers, such as treasure maps with X marks, tropical locations, amputated sailor with parrots on his shoulder, and more.

Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini

This adventure novel by Rafael Sabatini was published in 1922, which revolves around piracy and justice. The author based the first few sections of the tale from Henry Pitman’s story Blood, who is a doctor that took care of the injured Monmouth rebels and was given death penalty by Judge Jeffreys. However, he run away and was held captive by pirates after his death sentence was transmitted to Barbados’ penal transportation.

Exciting Stories about Our Furry Friends for Your Reading List

Do you have a pet that you love with all your heart? If you do, then books about them surely suit your taste. There is just so much comfort, joy, and fun our furry friends bring to our lives. Even though they have different traits and characteristics, both externally and internally, they still are charming and adorable in their own little ways.

Hence, if you want to be reminded of how spectacular it is to have pets or desire to see them break barriers with the help of fiction, then you are lucky! We have listed below the best fiction books to read that feature our furry friends that you shouldn’t miss reading. Check them out now.

William and Tibby Forever by Lynda Hamblen

Lynda Hamblen authored the action-packed book titled William and Tibby Forever. It was published by Christian Faith Publishing, Inc. last 2018. Both amazing furry characters display characteristics like no other. They are just so up for adventures and fun while being together and living under the roof of their Second Mom. But, the moment that William found himself in heaven, which is impossibly away from his partner-in-crime, everything changes. He struggles and works hard to obtain a halo and other significant things to be on his new setting. Thus, this book doesn’t only show you fun and thrill but also family life and love.

The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford

Hodder & Stoughton is the publisher of the first edition of Scottish author Sheila Burnford’s children’s book The Incredible Journey. It was primarily set in northwestern section of fictional Ontario that has several bodies of water and broadly spread little farms and towns. The book centers on the story of three pets that are on their journey through the wilderness of Canada, which totals to 300 miles. These pets are composed of two dogs and a cat that aim to look for their owners. What makes this book special is its way of depicting the pain and stress of a relentless trip along with the firm loyalty and bravery of the animals.

A Dog’s Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

This New York Times bestselling novel was written by W. Bruce Cameron that was published in 2010. A Dog’s Purpose narrates the journey of a dog through the course of the lives that it has lived. Basically the dog has gone through multiple reincarnations and in every life that he experience, he constantly search for his purpose in it. Because of how inspiring and touching the story is, it obtained multiple reviews from popular critics, such as Temple Grandin, Marty Becker, and more. It was also adapted into film in 2017 directed by Lasse Hallstrom after DreamWorks bought the book’s film rights.

A Street Cat Named Bob by James Bowen

Have you watched the film titled A Street Cat Named Bob that was released in 2016 and directed by Roger Spottiswoode? Did you know that it is the film adaptation of James Bowen’s 2014 novel with the same title? The New York Times bestselling book by Bowen centers on the story of a street musician named James and a street cat named Bob. The struggling musician found an injured cat in the lobby of his apartment building one day. Little did he know, that cat would definitely bring great impacts on his life. Although he didn’t want a pet, he still helped Bob get back on his feet and sent it away afterward. He never thought of meeting that cat back again, until it happened.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon was published in 2003. It is a mystery novel that was release not just in the U.K. but also in two great countries namely U.S. and Canada. The book title pertains to the observation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s popular character named Sherlock Holmes in the short story titled The Adventure of Silver Blaze. It focuses on the story of a teenager who is experiencing some behavioral issues. One day, the boy found a corpse of a dog pierced by a garden fork, which he recognizes because it was his neighbor’s. That is when Christopher came up with a plan to investigate the dog’s death.

Thrilling Mini Adventure Ideas You Must Try

Do you miss going on adventures and make the most out of your spring break? Those feet surely want to go somewhere and that heart definitely wants to wander. But, your activities are being halted or postponed due to the pandemic. There are still many nations who are imposing travel bans, which resulted to cancelled flights and accommodation. What is worse is that you cannot experience the beauty of the great outdoors.

But, the travel ban can be a blessing in disguise because you get to go on exciting mini adventures and discover a beautiful world within the bounds of the state that you live in. With the brand-new progress in handling the pandemic, which is the mass vaccination, you might be able to do different adventures and risk-takings now but still with caution.

That said, there are different awesome adventures that can satisfy your immense craving to experience the wonder of the outdoor. If you ever need to document your amazing experiences during the mini adventure, like how the exciting outdoor adventure of Mike Honeycutt where he turned into a great memoir, then don’t hesitate to do so. Here are some of the best adventures that you might want to try.

Hiking

Hiking is often the most underrated adventure for many prefer to venture greater heights before the pandemic hits. But when you try to think about it, hiking is the most savory and amazing activity because it allows you to appreciate everything around you in moderately. You can go hiking in your neighborhood, park, and other sites where you can feel relaxed and delighted. There are also several health benefits that hiking brings, so try it now!

Camping

Have you ever experienced spending a night in the woods near a lake or uphill? If you haven’t, then this is a sign for you to go camping! There are already amazing and safe campsites crafted for those backpackers and campers who want to experience nature at its most calming and serene vibe. All you need is a tent, a couple of supplies, a bunch of tools, and a group of friends. After that, nature will vouch for you and provide you the recreation, fun, and distressing that you need.

Hunting

You probably have heard of hunting and have watched many promising hunters in the movies. But, have you considered becoming a hunter? This activity might be a little difficult, because there are many rules you have to abide to manage the wildlife population. You must study the rules first, as well as the ways of using hunting tools before you start your course. Make sure that the animals that you are targeting are not among those endangered and migratory species.

Cliff jumping

In this day and age, many already experienced cliff jumping. It is the activity where people jumps on a coastal cliff without any equipment and lands on the water afterward. It is a popular sport that many have already conquered. But, there are also several people who try it genuinely for fun. So, if you are living near the ocean or has an incoming trip to the beach, you might want to try this daring activity.

Mountain climbing

Mountain climbing, also known as mountaineering, refers to the activity where individuals climb mountains. Many tend to do it for hobby, recreation, and workout. However, you might want to do this with friends or family to feel more secured and safe. If you want to make this a hobby or at least try reaching the peak of a mountain, then start looking for the nearest mountains in your area and organize the activity.

Scavenger Hunt

This might be the only activity in this list that isn’t considered a sport or a hobby. It is commonly a game conducted in different kinds of parties. You can do this game with your family and friends where you hide different items in your vicinity and let everyone go on a little treasure hunt. You will never know how much strength it could bring to the relationships you have with them, as well as the fun that this game offers. Just by seeking for the hidden things, you can experience the shortest yet best adventure in your lifetime.

Clever Ways to Write a Page-turner Fantasy Novel

Does your heartbeat for exciting stories set in extraordinary worlds? Are you fond of powerful and interesting characters with great traits? Fantasy definitely has all these interesting aspects! It is a literary genre known for its remarkable ways of bringing magic and sparking up the imagination in this messed-up reality. 

If writing fantasy books ever crossed your mind, you must consider different points to create the best one. With all the promising fantasy stand-alone novels and series published before yours, crafting an outstanding work would be a struggle. But, worry not, because listed below are some of the best ways to write a page-turner fantasy novel that you should know.

Read books on the same genre

There are probably hundreds of thousands of fantasy books that were published and are conquering book charts today. What you need to do first is to read some of them in order to get familiar with the common elements and styles of fantasy and identify and hit the spots where you can stand out. This is a great way to assess, evaluate, and understand the genre better. There are different characters that possess different traits, which might inspire you, such as Elf Stronghold of Fallquint on Shadow of the Staff by M.A. Haddad, and more. You can also investigate the various themes and points of view that are usually conquering this genre. 

Set your target readers

Just like other genres, it is essential that you identify your target readers first for relevancy. The age range of your readers plays a significant role in the writing process because they usually help build the elements in your novel. You might be given all the freedom in writing fantasy fiction, but without relevancy, your book wouldn’t sell. Marketing-wise, writing a book using a suitable language, good point of view, timely theme, and engaging plot enhance the reading experience of your targets, compelling them to check out your brand and other works. Thus, ensure never to skip this step.

Build your fictional universe

The setting is everything in fantasy. This element doesn’t only tell the readers the time and date when the story takes place but also sets the tone and mood of your story. Gradually describing the fictional universe in your story generates excitement and other intense emotions from your targets. The setting will also give your characters and your story, in general, a fantastic avenue for development and growth.

Some incredible fantasy worlds that everyone has known are J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth, C.W. Lewis’ Narnia, J.M. Barrie’s Neverland, and more. So, if you want a more captivating novel, make sure to focus on your setting and the way you bring the readers from the real world to your extraordinary realm. Also, do not forget to perfect your world by creating customs, traditions, and history. 

Write authentically

Get on the actual writing and start by creating the story’s outline for a more seamless and convenient process. Since you have read several fantasy books and observed the various fictional universes, you need to guarantee yourself and your readers to write authentically. This means that you must use your voice and writing style. There is no need for you to imitate the style of other authors just because they have produced best-selling books. Own your story and build your brand. Thus, bring your A-game during this step so that you can expand your reader base, hit targets, and produced a remarkable story.

Highlight the theme

Every great story has a remarkable theme as its foundation. A full-blown fantasy novel wouldn’t make that much difference in the lives of the readers and even in the world. Even though each corner of fantasy is composed of fiction and imagination, it cannot be denied that things inspired aspects of it in the real world.

There are also several important messages that readers can apply in reality, such as eradicating discrimination, ending classicism, fighting abuse, increasing determination, evaluating political events, striving to survive, and more. Hence, the theme is the gist that the readers should get after reaching the last page of your book. The central message must also be highlighted aside from the fun and thrilling elements.

Must-Read Romance Books of All-time

Romance books always hit differently. Perhaps it could be because people have experience how magnificent it is to fall in love and be loved back. The sense of comfort, relief and assurance that love can offer is incomparable. Hence, reliving that moment through the eyes and experiences of a character is still a spectacular opportunity that many have and are experiencing just by merely reading a book.  

With the huge reader base of the romance genre, it cannot be denied that there are thousands of books under its wing that are entertaining teens and adult readers. If you are one of the fans of romance novels that are looking for brand-new books for your to-be-read list, then you might want to check out the titles below.

Dream, Sweet Dreams of You by Rick Vasquez

Christian Faith Publishing, Inc. published the heartwarming book Dream, Sweet Dreams of You by Vasquez in 2018. This book recounts a Latino tale of love and survival set in Downtown L.A., specifically in Sonora Town. Juan and Rafella, two star-crossed lovers and immigrants, found love with one another in front of L.A.’s oldest church. But, like Romeo and Juliet, there were many hindrances in their love story. Rafella had to give everything up, especially her name and wealth, to marry the one she loves. On the other hand, Juan also gave up his family and spirit to pursue music and popularity. When they entered the married life, it wasn’t all good and fun because there are also pain and horror healed by forgiveness.

November 9 by Colleen Hoover

The New York Times bestselling author, Colleen Hoover, authored the excellent book titled November 9. The book centers on Fallon and Ben. Many might think that everything is going well, and the happy ending would not be far-fetched. Little did everyone know that Hoover excellently injected great twists and turns that will make the readers flabbergasted! After their first encounter, they felt an unfamiliar connection resulting in them spending Fallon’s last moments in L.A. together before moving to another country. Fallon’s exciting life starts to ignite Ben’s creative juices, an aspiring author, which he put into writing. But, Fallon discovered how Ben took advantage of her vulnerabilities and put her life into writing; and, that’s when everything starts to get messy.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Written by the remarkable Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice have never failed to evoke familiar emotions and make the readers’ hearts flutter through the romantic story of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. The young Elizabeth Bennet gradually gets to know all the aftermaths of fleeting judgments and starts to respect the variations of exterior and pure goodness. When Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth first met at a ball, the former refuses to dance with the latter with the prejudice of she is not glamorous and lovely enough. On the other hand, the latter didn’t take the judgment seriously and made it a joke to her peers. However, both grew fond of one another and ended up married to each other.

Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie

Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie was published in 2004 by St. Martin’s Paperbacks. This contemporary romance novel revolves around two incredible people, which are Minerva Dobbs and Calvin Morrisey. Min knows for a fact that there is no happy ending in real life, while Cal believes that to commit is unimaginable. The cranky Minerva and gorgeous Calvin went on a date but didn’t go out again after that one evening. However, their paths crossed again, and now, everything has become a roller coaster ride with the appearance of a jealous and determined ex-boyfriend. Would they defy the odds and bet everything on true love?

The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

Another romance novel written by the New York Times bestselling author Nicholas Sparks that will make you want to fall in love again is called The Lucky One. It was published by Grand Central Publishing in 2008 and has already adapted into a film starring Zac Efron and Taylor Schilling. The story centers on a US Marine who fought in Iraq named Logan. He found a picture of a young lady and carried it with him as a good luck charm. He never knew the woman, and he don’t have any idea who owns the photograph. When he got home in Colorado, he embarked on a journey to find the woman. And, he did found Beth. That is when everything starts to unfold.

How Young Adult Fiction Helps Its Readers

If you are a book worm, you probably know by now how wide the genre that literature has. Most of these literary genres feature thousands of remarkable books that have already created differences in the lives of their readers; and, young adult fiction is one of them. YA fiction is the category that showcases a broad array of books intended for teens that opt to help them uncover their best versions and get along with life.

However, it is nearly a redundant point at this moment to say that YA is not just for teenage readers anymore because even book worms beyond its targets are reading young adult books. According to the Association of American Publishers, there was a significant growth in both children’s and YA genre reaching up to 9.2 percent in 2019 compared to its preceding year, specifically in the paperback format.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, Playing Hurt by Gerald L. Nardella, and Paper Towns by John Green are some of the best titles in this genre. Moreover, aren’t you wondering why young adult fiction is becoming popular even up to this date? It could be because of its ability to help its readers, such us by:

Giving them reasons to pursue their passion

Many readers are commonly going through a crisis of whether to follow their dreams or choose practicality. Those who chose the latter may grow to be a little less enthusiastic about life and everything in between. But, your judgment becomes clearer and you tend to develop better decision-making skills through reading young adult books. There are many YA books that will push you to pick and keep your passion ablaze. As a result, you will be more excited to live your life, strive better, and unlock a new level of happiness if you pursue your passion. A great example is Lara Jean Covey from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before who chose to go to NYU, where she fell in love, to study literature instead of going to Standford and be with her boyfriend.

Helping them discover themselves better

Self-discovery is one of the most popular themes of YA fiction. Most teenagers are still on their journey to knowing their purpose, following their dreams, unlocking their full potential. As a result, many YA authors write stories that will help everyone, including you, to gain self-understanding and awareness that will later on lead into greater things. Louisa May Alcott, for instance, wrote a coming-of-age story titled The Little Women. The March sisters have inspired millions of teenage girls and even boys to continue being themselves and strive to do what they love until they discover their hidden skills and talents and grow into the best version of them.

Making them more optimistic in life

Life is one hell of a ride. It gives you different kinds of experiences and situations that will either make or break you. These types of circumstances contribute to your pessimist mindset. But, young adult fiction is here to help you craft a more positive outlook and live a better life. There are many stories that will inspire to be better. Many protagonists in YA books go through different kinds of pain, such as depression, grief, heartbreak, and more, and hardships, which they opt to turn into strengths. The inspiring tales of the characters fuel your motivation to follow their footsteps and mold a mindset that will bring you to the more optimistic side of life. Thus, you become more positive in facing and conquering challenges.

Young adult fiction is one of the most overrated genres. But, it constantly proves that it deserves the attention and patrons that it gets even until today. With the promising stories that feature strong characters and powerful themes, they definitely create a mark on the lives of the readers.

YA fiction has an amazing way of getting the attention of its readers and relating to their personal experiences just by merely telling substantial and interesting tales. Therefore, the books under this genre truly helps the readers in dealing with  life and everything in between.

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