Tap a guy on the street and ask him about his first love. I’m certain that to the very details, he’d remember – from the color of her hair, to the way it sways when she walks. Because the funny thing about first love is, not that it doesn’t die – it does at times – but it lingers. It leaves bits and pieces and scatters them about in your brain, sometimes even in your heart. So no matter how long it’s been, or far you’ve moved from it, somehow tiny fragments of it are still there.
But what makes your first love memorable except for the obvious fact that it’s how you’re introduced to the idea? It’s the moments. From the first pinch on your chest when they get close, the subtle smiles you break with every little interaction, to the fireworks and music that plays on your head as you have your first kiss. It makes you wonder, what wouldn’t we give to feel those feelings again? Well, nothing, cause here are five books that will have you reminiscing about your first encounter with love.
P.S. I Like You
Nothing will ever replace the fluttering feelings of a high school fling – the anticipation, the excitement of not knowing, gets your stomach twisting and twirling in the best possible way. If you miss those butterflies, this book will make you feel like you are back to that time. Lily finds herself pleasantly surprised when she sees that someone replied to a song lyric she scribbled on her desk during a boring Chemistry class. Their anonymous exchange of thoughts gradually develops as they start to open up about their lives, dreams, and insecurities. This becomes a big part of Lily’s day that she looks forward to, which urges her to find out who the man behind the pen is. But when she finds out who he is, Lily is forced to face her feelings, as he is the last person she would have guessed. This is such a sweet story, and is perfect if you just want a light read that will have you giddy.
Eleanor and Park
This story follows the unlikely bond of two teenagers who both have a hard time fitting in. Both coming from complicated families, this story will touch topics that will warm your heart about Eleanor and Park. Set in the 80s, reading will transport you back to the time of mix-tapes. As you explore deep into the emotional highs and lows of first love, you will see how well the writer portrayed the vulnerability, excitement, and intensity that comes with it.
The Sun is Also a Star
Serendipity or fate? This book follows a story which unfolds in only a day, a day filled with exploration and questioning of the possibility of love at first sight. Natasha Kingsley, a Jamaican-American teenager, and her family are set to be deported on that day, while Daniel Bae, a Korean-American boy, was on his way to an interview – neither thought this encounter would alter the course of their future. Could a day of impending deadlines and undeniable frustrations also be the day they find their first love? If you love chance encounters and find beauty in diverse experiences, this book should be on your TBR list.
Anna and the French Kiss
There are stories that prioritize the love aspect before the details and questions in need of answer. It’s understandable. It builds up curiosity and eagerness to get to it. But this book is the other way around – laying the grounds and establishing the developing dynamics between the two before it gets to the love aspect. If you’re the kind of person who needs to know how, why, and just what exactly you’re getting into, this book is perfect for you.
Anna Oliphant, who was looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta where her friends and an almost boyfriend-to-be are, is unexpectedly sent to a boarding school in Paris. This is where she meets Etienne St. Clair, a charismatic boy who’s in a complicated relationship. Their friendship deepens as they get to know each other, and with it, Anna’s feelings for him. But will their connection grow stronger amid the challenges that will naturally come their way? Set in the backdrop of the city of love, this book has all the feels, along with it is the stomach twirling slow burn romance of such likeable characters.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Imagine how good it feels to finally find “your people” – the people who will not only get you but help you go beyond what your long-standing idea of that is. And imagine your surprise to see the countless things about the world and yourself you barely had any idea were there. This is the story of Charlie, the wallflower in question, whose life’s trajectory has not been the best – dealing with mental health issues and trauma – he’s glad to find solace in Patrick and Sam who are older, charismatic, and free-spirited. These relationships taught him his first ideas about love, acceptance, and growing up. This book touches on deep and important themes that will surely teach a thing or two about love and life.
