Whether it’s a classic tale of judgement and isolation like The Scarlet Letter, or a story of heartache and lost love like The Great Gatsby, books never fail to teach essential life lessons and prepare us for the post-graduation “real world”—whatever that means.

If you’re worried about the future, bored with mundane high school life, or just desperate for some words of wisdom, look no further! Visor reporters Lily and Sam provide their top 10 books to read during these four (sometimes rough) years that’ll help guide the next chapter of life.  

Sam’s Picks:

• The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger

Being a teenager is hard—Holden Caulfield, the main character of Catcher, gets that. If you ever feel like no one understands you or no one is going through what you’re going through, read this book. I guarantee it will capture all the teen angst you’re undoubtedly harboring.  

• Tuesdays with Morrie, Mitch Albom

Sometimes, when you’re in need of comfort, words of wisdom or guidance, the best person to listen to is someone who has gone through it themselves. That’s where Morrie Schwartz, dying of ALS, comes in. The old professor’s words— filled with love, compassion and wisdom— will never fail to speak to what you’re going through and help you find the positive amidst all the negative.

• Misery, Stephen King

Obviously, this book has its fair share of gore considering it’s Stephen King, but, underneath its horror-filled plot lies some of the most honest and painful truths of life. The novel tells the story of Paul Sheldon, the fictional writer who is held captive and tortured by his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes. King’s writing delves into the human response to pain and trauma, and captures what it really means to be trapped— while also providing a good scare here and there.  

• Perks of Being a Wallflower, Stephen Chbosky

This honest, funny, painful coming-of-age story artfully captures the difficulty of being a teenager, navigating through high school and struggling to find a place in the world. Please, I beg of you, don’t just watch the movie. Yes, Emma Watson and Ezra Miller are beyond fantastic, I know. But the novel adds so much more depth and detail to the already amazing plot—this read is an absolute must.

• The Bell Jar, Sylvia Plath

Just to forewarn you, this book is sad— very sad. However, the sheer volume of meaningful, poignant lines and metaphors will always be applicable to life and existence. Before graduating and entering adulthood, pick up this book and read of 19-year-old Esther’s struggle to find her place in the world and cope with pain. Trust me, you will learn from her mistakes.

Lily’s Picks:

• The Green Mile, Stephen King

Although Stephen King’s serial novel The Green Mile is not his most horror-filled work, this book captures the haunting responsibilities of death row supervisor and main character, Paul Edgecombe. King expertly unfolds the mysterious story of alleged rapist/murderer John Coffey and his journey on the “green mile.” Edgecombe learns the most important lessons in the most unexpected places—and you will too. This novel will not only keep you on the edge of your seat, but will also keep you thinking long after your journey on the “green mile” is over.

• The Poisonwood Bible, Barbara Kingsolver

Kingsolver accurately and emotionally encapsulates the journey of the Price family from Georgia to the other side of the world— the Belgian Congo. This story will charm and haunt you as the family must face violent political divisions, while also attempting to find peace within their own home. The stories of the strong women in the face of adversity will undoubtedly make their mark on your heart and move this straight to the top of your book list.

• Ready Player One, Ernest Cline

This sci-fi thriller takes place in the dystopian year 2044. Main character Wade Watts must fight his way through a virtual reality game in an attempt to gain money and status in a broken world. During this journey, he discovers so much more than the world of VR. Even though Steven Spielberg is releasing his movie adaptation of this story in 2018, reading this book is a must, as you will realize it is much more than a game.

• To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee

Although most people shy away from the classics, this is, in my opinion, one of the best. This Pulitzer Prize winner is narrated by Jean Louise Finch, daughter of lawyer Atticus Finch. This novel deals with racial inequality in the Deep South and other controversial topics, but will ultimately charm readers with love, integrity and perseverance. This is no “boring classic.” Harper Lee’s story is so important. Let yourself become a part of it.

• The Shining, Stephen King

Number ten is yet another Stephen King book (sorry!). Per usual, so many people have watched the movie, but so few have read the book. Per usual, the book is hands down better than the movie adaptation. This story takes place in the Overlook Hotel during a winter in Colorado. The Torrance family must stay alone in the massive hotel all winter to look after it. What could possibly go wrong? King’s work, as always, stuns readers with incredible horror and his even more incredible writing ability.