Teen Reads Interview- Aily

Welcome to Teen Reads, a podcast that asks: What book should all teens read this year? Season one, Prose and Cons, is where teens go to bat for the books they love and love to hate. Brought to you by the North Vancouver City Library, this podcast features interviews with North Shore teens about the book they think all teens should read in 2025. Read along with our teens and vote to see which book comes out on top!

Aily Gholizadeh, Grade 9, Carson Graham Secondary: 

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Q: How do you fit reading into your schedule?

A: I fit reading in my schedule by spending a certain amount of time reading each night before bed. 

Q: What's your ideal reading environment?

A: In a cozy environment such as my bedroom or outside on my balcony on a sunny day. 

Q: What is your favourite genre and why? 

A: My favorite genre is romance because I love the emotional connection between characters and the way love can grow in unexpected ways.

Q: How do you get out of a reading slump? 

A: To get out of a reading slump, I choose a short or familiar book and go to a cozy, stress-free environment where I can just relax and enjoy the story.

Q: Where do you go for reliable/trusted book recommendations?

A: I usually go to friends, trusted websites such as the North Vancouver City Library, and social media for reliable book recommendations.

Q: If you could meet any author, who would it be and why?

A: If I could meet any author, it would be Jenny Han because I love how she captures the emotions and experiences of growing up while dealing with your first love in a relatable way.

Q: What is your current read?

A: I am not reading a book currently. 

Q: What books on your TBR (To be read list) are you most excited to read?

A: 1) To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han

2)They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

3)Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

4)The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

5)A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

6)We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Q: Do you read one book at a time or do you have multiple books on the go? 

A: One at a time, any more is a crime

Q: What is your favourite book adaptation to film or TV? Why? 

A: My favorite book adaptation is The Summer I Turned Pretty because it stayed true to the emotions of the book and brought the characters to life in a really relatable way. I actually have multiple favorites, since most of the books I read are adapted into films or TV shows, but The Summer I Turned Pretty is truly one of the best ones!

Q: How did you choose your Teen Reads 2025 book? Why should other teens read the book?

A: I chose The Summer I Turned Pretty as my Teen Reads 2025 book because I first saw it recommended on social media and then found it at the library. After reading it, I watched the TV adaptation on Prime Video. I believe other teens should read it because it’s super relatable, really well-written, and perfect for the summer—especially since season three is coming out in July. Plus, it’s a book series, so you get to grow with the characters, which makes it even more engaging. It’s honestly one of my favourite series!

Q: Share a quote from your Teen Reads 2025 choice

A: "He didn't give me flowers or candy. He gave me the moon and the stars. Infinity" 

Book synopsis: Belly spends the summer she turns sixteen at the beach just like every other summer of her life, but this time things are very different.