You just have to look at my bookshelves to see that I am a huge fan of YA fiction. It's just so easy to read, and it comes in all shapes and sizes. You have coming of age books based in the real world of high school or University, and you have dystopian and fantasy novels which push the boundaries of your imagination. I have so many YA books that I absolutely loved reading, so I thought I'd share my top ten picks with you.
It was so difficult to narrow it down to just ten, and I changed my mind so often on which order they should be in. I also know that there are lots of YA books that I'm yet to read, and if I were to redo this list in the future it could potentially be very different. That being said, I've tried to include a variety of different genres, and pick some that maybe aren't so well known, but there are definitely some recognisable titles in there! Here we go...
Number 10: The Declaration series by Gemma Malley
I continue to be surprised by the fact that Gemma Malley's story isn't very well known, because it's very well thought out, the characters are intriguing, and the plot is very engaging. Anna lives in Grange Hall, which is a Hall for surplus children - children who have been born illegally; born into a world where people can choose to take longevity drugs to prolong their lives by sacrificing the right to procreate. Anna accepts that what she is taught by Grange Hall must be true and so strives to be a Valuable Asset, by which she can reduce the shame of being alive by being useful. When surplus boy Peter arrives at Grange Hall, Anna doesn't like him. She feels that he is causing unnecessary trouble by telling crazy stories about the outside world. But as Anna spends more time with him, she begins questioning the world that she thought she knew, sensing that perhaps she is in more danger than she ever realised, simply by committing the crime of being born.
I absolutely loved this series. The idea was a really great one, and I could see immediately that there was a lot of potential in this plot. Anna is a really likeable protagonist, and her interactions with Peter, and the world around her, are intriguing. I also found that her character development was rapid and believable, and you really do egg her on in this sinister environment with which she is familiar. It's a great series, and I would urge anybody who hasn't yet picked it up to do so. The books deal with a lot of pretty heavy themes, but it's all done with such care and precision that it all feels very natural. A really great read.
Number 9: The Princess Bride by William Goldman
This is probably the most different of all the books on the list. I'm still unsure whether or not this can be classed as YA fiction (I feel like it's more of a children's book), but I love it so much that I included it anyway. Hey, it's my list, right?
The book follows Buttercup, who has been told that the man she loves, Wesley, has been killed. She vows never to fall in love again. But things aren't quite to simple. She finds herself preparing to marry Prince Humperdink, who isn't the nicest man in the world. But what if what she knows of Wesley's death isn't quite the truth? It's really difficult to summarise the plot neatly, but those are the essential points. Just add to that some magic, giants, sword-fights, adventure, and a whole lot of other inconceivable moments, and you have got yourself a book.
But what really makes this story great is the unusual way in which it is told. A father tells this story to his son, and so we get to see his reactions to this incredible tale of adventure, as well as experience our own. And let me tell you, the wit and sass this book oozes on every page make for a reading experience that will never be repeated.
Number 8: If I Stay by Gayle Forman
I picked this book up, like I did with so many others, because I had heard about it. I often find that recommendations can be really hit and miss, and if I was going based on the film adaptation I wouldn't like the story at all. But I read the book first, and I found it really beautiful. It was such a heart-wrenching story, and I found myself becoming incredibly invested in Mia's story. I would never have expected to like the plot, because it's not the kind of book that I usually enjoy, but I loved Forman's writing. The story flashes between the present day, and flashbacks to Mia's past. At the very beginning of the novel, Mia is involved in a family car accident, which puts her into a coma, but we delve repeatedly into the past, witnessing Mia becoming a wonderful cellist, pursing a career in music. Watching Mia's past story makes the present day, and the accident, much more emotional and poignant, and it was just one of those stories that really gets to you. We view the story through Mia's having an out of body experience, where she can see herself in a coma, and the consequences of the accident.
This story is essentially a choice: based on what she is witnessing, should Mia choose to live or die? The flashbacks allow us to understand her life a lot better, leading up to her decision. It was one of those books that crept up on me. I enjoyed it, and was left thinking about it for quite a long time after I'd finished it. When returning o the story to write this post, I realised how much I had actually appreciated the story, and I felt I needed to include it. This is an emotional book, but it is incredibly beautiful, and it really gives you an appreciation for life.
Number 7: Books by Morgan Matson
I kind of stumbled upon Morgan Matson, around about the time that The Unexpected Everything was published. I saw a lot of buzz about it online, and thought it might be worthwhile to pick up some of the other novels first. I'm really glad I did. I've since read Since You've Been Gone, Amy and Roger's Epic Detour, Second Chance Summer and The Unexpected Everything, and have appreciated them all in their own way. Since You've Been Gone is my particular favourite, because I adored the story and the characters, but all have made for enjoyable reads. If you like your stories light-hearted, cute, and a little bit predictable, then Matson is definitely the author for you.
I think what makes these stories so special is that the characters are so relatable. They're all so normal, and it makes reading about their lives so enjoyable. I would read any book Matson writes, because I know I'll end up feeling uplifted. These are definitely books to save for a summer holiday.
Number 6: The Selection series by Kiera Cass
Let me just start by saying that I really did not expect to enjoy this series as much as I did. I thought it was going to be much too prissy and girly for me. The reality? I love these books! The first three books are a trilogy following fiery protagonist America, who finds herself in 'The Selection', a competition in which she is expected to win the affections of Prince Maxon. But America already loves another, and so she has no plans to impress Prince Maxon, who consequently finds himself charmed by her total lack of interest. Think TV show 'The Bachelor', but less cringey!
I think if we had any other heroine, this series wouldn't work, and I would find the whole thing totally archaic. In reality, America presents a wonderful balance to the old-fashioned set-up, with the chip on her shoulder balancing out the perfect world that she is expected to conform to. This was perfect for me, because I am a bit of a sucker for a fairytale, and a happy ending, but I also love my heroines sassy. These stories worked really well, and actually made for a really gentle but satisfying read. The very definition of 'don't judge a book by it's cover', these books are more than just girls in pretty dresses.
Number 5: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
Where do I even begin with this book? It's very different, and the premise wouldn't appeal to everybody. The story follows Sam, who appears to be perfectly content in her life. She goes to school, sees her boyfriend, goes out with her friends; your average teenager. But then Sam is involved in a car accident, and everything changes. Sam wakes up to find she is stuck in a loop, reliving the day of the accident over and over again. And it's whilst stuck in this loop that Sam realises just how much her actions can affect others, and how much impact a single day can have.
If you enjoyed If I Stay, then this is definitely up your street. It's a very unusual story, and although it is set in a high school environment, the plot goes a lot deeper. We see the use of very emotional themes, and there is a tremendous amount of growth in Sam's character throughout the book. If you like your YA fiction with some depth to them, this is definitely a must-read.
Number 4: The Queen of the Tearling series by Erika Johansen
This choice may be a bit presumptuous, because I haven't quite finished the series yet. I'm currently halfway through the final book of the trilogy, but I'm confident that even if I don't like the ending, this is still strong enough to have a good spot in my top ten.
This is a fantasy series, following Kelsea, a young lady who is thrust into her rightful place on the throne. Amidst criticisms over her mother's previous decisions as ruler, and the chaos that is the Tear kingdom, Kelsea must learn to navigate her reign. I've never really dabbled in the genre of fantasy before, but this has definitely convinced me that I need to read more. The many different stories that intertwine in this series are wonderful, and the variety of supporting characters really elevate the books to another level. Kelsea makes for a wonderful heroine, in equal parts strong and vulnerable.
The second and third books take the plot in an unexpected direction, but I find that this divergence has been clearly mapped out, and so I'm happy to trust the author. I'm really excited to finish this series, and I hope the ending doesn't disappoint!
Number 3: The Divergent series by Veronica Roth
Well. I could talk about this series all day, because it holds a special place in my heart. Divergent has to be one of my favourite books of all time, and I am in love with the world that Veronica Roth has created. Beatrice 'Tris' Prior is born into a world that is split into factions, all designed with an attribute in mind; Selflessness, Kindness, Intelligence, Honesty, and Bravery. At age sixteen, everyone must make a choice as to which faction they belong in, based on who they really are, and the beliefs they hold. Tris makes a brave decision to leave home and make a new life, and so witnesses the dystopian world in which she lives unravel before her.
I cannot even put into words how much I would recommend this series. Divergent and Insurgent I could read and reread forever. I find Tris such a relatable character. She is underestimated for being a small girl, but she is much stronger than she seems, and I think this is part of the reason this series rates so highly for me. Although I don't really feel that Roth made the right decision in the direction of Allegiant, this doesn't take away any of the love that I have for these books in the slightest.
Seriously, just read them. Please. You won't regret it!
Number 2: The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins
I can't imagine there being a person in this world now who hasn't heard of The Hunger Games. And with good reason. Suzanne Collins perfectly captures a world where reality TV, the class system, and war clash, with horrific results. Children are reaped to compete in the annual 'Hunger Games', where all competitors will fight to the death until only one victor remains. That is, until the uprisings inevitably start...
There probably isn't too much more to say about this series, except that if you haven't read it: what are you waiting for?
These books are so carefully crafted, and that's why they beat a lot of the books on this list to the number two spot. It's so easy to get to the last book in a trilogy and find that the author has been so caught up in the drama that they forgot to tie plotlines up neatly. Collins didn't fall into this trap; these books have a powerful, emotional storyline, but the ending is equally as impactful as the beginning. This is aided, of course, by heroine Katniss Everdeen. I think it's probably clear by now that I'm a huge fan of books where we have a strong female lead, and Katniss is a leader for all of the other female protagonists on this list. I cannot recommend these books enough; for the plot, for the characters, and for the impact the entire series will have on the way you perceive the world.
Number 1: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
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| Markus Zusak's The Book Thief, along with another of his novels, I am the Messenger. This was another book that I found very enjoyable and inspiring, but which unfortunately did not make this list. |
This is classed as a young adult book, but it is told through the eyes of a child, and can easily be enjoyed by adults. Whether a lover of young adult fiction or not, I have no doubt that this story can be enjoyed by the widest variety of readers. I truly believe that of all the books on this list, this has to be the one that everybody should read. It is so powerful, so emotional, and so beautiful that I can provide no criticism of it. Liesel's innocence really shines through, and we see this repeatedly in the way she interacts with the wide range of different characters that crossed her path during her childhood. You do not need to have a wide knowledge of history to perceive how emotional this book is in every way, yet it is also a very uplifting book. This is not a book detailing the horrors of death, although it does not shy away from this subject. Rather, it is a book celebrating life in it's most beautiful form, and the enjoyments that can be found in the smallest of moments. Liesel's love of books is the inspiration for the story, and this theme is underlying while the larger plot unfolds. The plot is constructed so delicately that every moment is significant, and it is hard not to be moved by the story.
This is a beautiful book in every way, and could not have been anywhere but the top of the list.
And the best of the rest...
As I mentioned earlier, there are so many books that I love of this genre, so it was incredibly difficult to narrow it down to just my top 10 choices. Having managed that task, I can't wrap up this post without providing some extra titles that I've thoroughly enjoyed reading. So here are a few more which I would highly recommend:
- We Were Liars - E. Lockhart
I'll start with a book I've already reviewed (the review you can read here). This was an interesting one, as it's only right at the very end that you realise that things aren't necessarily as they seemed. It's a very gentle book, with quite mellow characters and a very hazy plotline. I spent most of this book plodding through, not really gripped. The ending changed that for me completely, and I suddenly had a newfound respect for the book. This is definitely worth a read once just for the sheer shock factor.
- The Maze Runner series - James Dashner
The first book in this series has to be one of my favourite books. I absolutely loved the idea of the maze, and it was executed so well. Thomas wakes up in a maze surrounded by many other boys. But wait, his memories have all been erased. This is a story of a puzzle, and how these boys must solve it if they want to escape with their lives. I enjoyed the rest of the series, but the first book in particular is definitely worth the read! You've probably gathered by now that I'm a fan of dystopian series', and this had all the elements of good dystopian fiction. Getting to the end of this series gave me a serious sense of satisfaction, because the ending tied everything up so neatly.
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower - Stephen Chbosky
This is probably one of the more well known books on this list, especially because of the film released. The book, as in most cases, is infinitely better than the film. Charlie is a really endearing character, and makes for a really interesting narrator. His kind heart and good intentions make him one of the sweetest heroes in YA fiction. You really feel for him in those many awkward teen situations, and the cast of eccentric characters make this a generally warm-hearted and lovely book to throw yourself into.
- Delirium series - Lauren Oliver
As well as Before I Fall, I also love the Delirium series by Lauren Oliver. The last time I read this series was a few years ago now, but what stays with me is how much I loved the books: Delirum, Pandemonium, and Requiem. It was the idea of this series that really attracted me - what if love was considered a dangerous disease? That's exactly what Lena is taught to think, until she starts to feel she may be falling in lover herself. In many books, good ideas are let down by poor plot progression, but I wasn't disappointed at all in reading the series. I thought it was a really beautiful story, and I'm hoping to read it again soon!
- The Fault in Our Stars - John Green
This is another very famous one. I've read all of John Green's novels, but this, predictably, is my favourite. For anybody out there who hasn't yet read this beautiful book, what are you waiting for?! This is a story about how love can make life feel incredible, even under the worst possible circumstances. Hazel and Augustus are wonderful characters in an incredible story, and I would urge anybody to pick up this book. It deals with tough themes, but you'll take something away from this story that will stay with you.
- The Mortal Instruments series - Cassandra Clare
This was one of those rare occasions where I saw the film before reading the books. I know that fans of the Mortal Instruments series really disliked the film starring Lily Collins and Jamie Campbell-Bowers. I, on the other hand, was totally oblivious to the books, so I really enjoyed it! I then bought all the books and set off reading them. Clary thinks she's just an ordinary teen, until she witnesses shocking events in a nightclub that make her question everything. It's up to Jace to show her the hidden world of vampires, werewolves, witches and shadowhunters, and exactly where she fits into it. Although not one of my favourite series, I did enjoy this story, and I raced through them! There are six lengthy books in this series, so if you are planning to read them, make sure you've got the time to commit to them! I promise you, they're well worth it.
- The Spectacular Now - Tim Tharp
This is an interesting book. It's your classic coming-of-age novel, but there is just something about it that stands out for me. The two main characters are as different as they could be, but they still find themselves drawn together, with often devastating consequences. I will confess that there were elements of this book that I didn't like, but it's really easy to read, and I raced through it. If you want something relatively light-hearted, but still maintaining a deeper plot-line that makes you think, then this is the one for you.
- The Vampire Academy series - Richelle Mead
Another instance in which I've already written a review (accessible here). I'm not generally one for vampire fiction, but this was a definite exception. This is a world where good vampires and bad vampires both exist, and dhampirs (half-human, half vampire hybrids) are trained to protect the former in an Academy of supernatural beings. This is another long series, but it's definitely worth it! I loved the entire world that Mead created, and our heroine Rose Hathaway is the perfect protagonist. A really great series to get lost in.
- Beastly - Alex Flinn
A classic fairytale, thrust into the modern day. It could so easily go the wrong way and be too cliché. This had a perfect balance. It's predictable, yes, but it's also an incredibly sweet story. If you're a fan of YA fiction and Beauty and the Beast, it's really worth the read!
- The Testing series - Joelle Charbonneau
This was a series I stumbled upon by mistake, but I'm glad I did. There was a fantastic premise to this book, about the system of education and leadership. I wasn't sure if I would love this series, but I fell in love with the first book rapidly. It doesn't always have the same depth of plot and characters as the other series' on this post, but it holds it's own and I'm glad I discovered it.
- The Sky is Everywhere - Jandy Nelson
This is another beautiful book, about loss, mourning, love, and moving forward. This is possibly the most emotional book included here, because it focuses on some very powerful subjects. It's also about following your heart, and morality. Do you follow your heart or your head? Prepare to switch back and forth with your opinion as you follow Lennie. I challenge you not to get invested in her story.
YA books I'm looking forward to reading
So those are lots of books that I've loved reading in the YA genre, and which I would definitely recommend. I also have many more which are sat patiently on my 'to be read' pile, which I'm really excited to get into. I'm hoping to start The Lunar Chronicles series, by Marissa Meyer, really soon, which I'm sure I will love! Fairytales really appeal to me, especially when a different spin is put on the traditional stories. I'm also looking forward to the Beautiful Creatures series. I wasn't sure I'd be a fan, but I've heard great things so I'm optimistic! I've also been told by more than one person that I absolutely need to read the Throne of Glass series. The first one was given to me as a present a couple of years ago, but I haven't yet read it - I obviously need to get going! Also on my 'to read' list are Jenny Han's Lara Jean books, which I'm looking forward to getting into.
Writing about all the books I'm yet to read is making me see that I need to stop writing and get reading! Let's hope I can reduce my 'to be read' list, at least until my next book haul...
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