Popular actress Sydney Sweeney has been in the headlines constantly this year. Whether it’s her hit new movie, The Housemaid, or for a controversy like the American Eagle advertisement or the Hollywood sign stunt, we’re wondering: what books does she like to read? Here is a list of her favs.
By Jayne Turner – Staff Writer
Sydney Sweeney shared these favorites during a 2020 interview with Marie Claire, which offered a glimpse into her personal library. Her favorite genre is Young Adult fiction, but she also appreciates books she read in school that she felt were educational.
We Used to Be Friends by Amy Spalding
This book follows two girls, James and Kat, who have been best friends – inseparable – since childhood, but find their friendship crumbling under the pressure of their senior year of high school.
It utilizes a dual-timeline structure to tell the story, allowing readers an opportunity to piece together the story themselves. Half of the chapters move forward in time, and the other half, backward.
It examines themes of growing up, miscommunications, identity and sexuality, and first love. Many people have experienced an important friendship that ended, whether in a positive or negative way, making this story something everyone can connect with.
Sydney likes this book for many of the reasons that others do: the innovative dual-timeline writing style, and character-driven plot.
Here are some more great books that you might like.
Again, But Better by Christine Riccio
This book follows Shane, a shy college student who has checked all of the boxes. Good grades, pre-med, and happy parents. Despite this, she is dissatisfied. She goes home every weekend with no friends and no romantic prospects – ever. In hopes of changing her life, she goes abroad to London for a semester, where she hopes to gain life experience.
In a shocking twist, Shane is given a chance to redo part of her past to open new doors. This book offers a reflection on how one choice can change everything, The Butterfly Effect. It is a relatable, coming-of-age story that will charm readers of various ages.
Some reviewers warn that there is an excess of pop culture references in this book. Check out this article to read more about why books should cool it on these sorts of references.
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The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
This novel diverges from the YA romance of previous suggestions. Though this one is also the young adult genre, it is a thriller novel with dystopian world-building and elements of survival.
In the isolated Garner County, every girl must endure a “grace year” at the age of sixteen. This means a year spent banished to the wilderness to release mysterious “magic” before returning home purified. This book follows Tierney James and her peers as they battle survival against the elements, starvation, and each other.
Exploring themes of oppressive societal structures, female friendships, and the struggle for truth. The idea that women possess a hidden, dark magic is a longstanding theme. This book explores the consequences when society attempts to suppress it.
Sydney suggests that she’d like to see this book turned into a movie because its storyline resembles Lord of the Flies, and A Handmaid’s Tale.