Many teenagers often miss out on the indulgence of reading because all their life they were told that books were for “nerds.” Getting into reading at an older age can be confusing and pretty overwhelming when you are not sure what you like or where to start off at. No need to worry, though, this article has your back.

Where to start

   When getting into reading, it is important to maybe not pick out an obscure book, hidden in the depths of a library shelf. Instead, choose a book that is super popular, especially in internet pop culture, because it is clear most people like it, which means that you will probably like it, too. Choose something that intrigues you, though. You like the idea of fantasy? Start out with “Harry Potter” by J.K. Rowling. No, you are never too old to pick this series up. You could also pick up “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, which is technically a dystopian book. You like romance? Pick up something like “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green or “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han. You like coming of age? Pick up “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky.

Expand

   So, you have read all these popular books and have found a genre you particularly like. It is time that you expand a bit and read other, less popular (but still popular) books in that genre. Go to the bookstore and hang out in your desired section and look at what captures your eye. Interested in more fantasy? Check out “Shadow and Bone” by Leigh Bardugo or “The Infernal Devices” by Cassandra Clare. You want more romance? Check out “They Both Die at the End” by Adam Silvera or “Fangirl” by Rainbow Rowell. You need to read more coming of age? Check out “The Poet X” by Elizabeth Acevedo or “A Separate Peace” by John Knowles. These are all pretty popular books but you probably would not have known of them unless they were well known on the internet.

New Genres

   Once you have expanded into your preferred genre, start expanding even more and pick up some new genres. If you loved the mystery aspect in your fantasy book, pick up a mystery book. Try out “Truly Devious” by Maureen Johnson or “We Were Liars” by E. Lockhart. If you loved the historical setting of your romance book, pick up a classic. Try “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen or “A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.” If you liked the life story aspect of coming of age books, pick up autobiographies, the real coming of age stories. Try “Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah or “I Am Malala” by Christina Lamb and Malala Yousafzai.

   Do not be afraid when picking up books. One of the best things about them is that you can properly immerse yourself in the world of the character you are reading about. The story is not hasty and does not end after an hour and a half like it is in movies. If you want to start reading, take the leap and actually try it out.