This week, Oct. 14-20, is Teen Read Week which aims to remind teens that reading is fun, free, and can be done anywhere, anytime. For the remainder of the week the J-14 Magazine staff challenges you to pick up a book -- just for fun! -- and fills you in on some of our all-time favorites.
"When I first read The Hunger Games, I couldn't get over how much it reminded me of Lois Lowry's The Giver. Fans of the dystopian Panem saga will love reading Lowry's classic tale of a boy who must decide whether to accept the life that's been chosen for him in a world of "sameness" or run away in search of something more. And if you want to get a head start on the 'next big thing,' check out my current obsession -- the 'Divergent' trilogy by Veronica Roth. Danger + love + girl power = You won't be able to put them down!" --Deputy Editor Ashley Spencer
"J.K. Rowling whisked me away into such an intriguing and detailed magical world in the Harry Potter series that I found myself stressing out about Yule Ball dance dates, bawling about characters unfairly killed off, and even fearing the evil He Who Must Not Be Named along with Harry, Hermione, and Ron throughout the seven books... to the point that I sometimes forgot they were just fictional characters!" --Editor-in-chief Rachel Chang
"My absolute favorite series is a tie between Sweet Valley High and The Babysitter's Club. Although the SVH books were a little before my time, my older cousin saved every single book in the series for me to read -- which I definitely did! (I was so much more of an Elizabeth Wakefield than a Jessica.) And as far as The Babysitter's Club? Does anyone even need to explain why they were obsessed with that series? I wanted to be as cool and stylish (and from New York!) as Stacey, as take-charge as Kristy, and have the cutest boyfriend, Logan, like Mary-Anne!" --Editorial Associate Katie Amey
"East of Eden by John Steinbeck. Usually, I think the stuff they make you read in school is kind of boring -- but not this book. I could read it over and over again!" --Designer Tanya Swartz
"I loved reading the Twilight series. Once I started I couldn't put them down, and read all 4 books in a row. I'm still secretly hoping for Bella and Jacob to get together. Team Jacob!" --Photo Editor Danielle Kepler
"I love a heart-tugging, tear-jerking novel, especially one that inspires you, educates you, and sometimes makes you remember how good you really have it! Jodi Picoult does all three of these things with her novels, but my ultimate favorite is My Sister's Keeper. If you liked the movie version (with Abigail Breslin and Cameron Diaz) you'll love the book. Get ready for a surprising ending that's way different than the movie!" --Assistant Editor Laura Knipping
What is your favorite book?