This post is just a short-ish list of some of my favorite books in YA literature. I have a thing for dystopian novels, so a lot of them fall under this category. After reading this list, I hope you’re able to find one you’ll enjoy as much as I have! Happy reading!

The Giver By Lois Lowry

I know many people have already read this book, but it’s just so good. I love dystopian books because of the thought that went into them. Lowry literally crafted a world from the ground up. That’s amazing. And for all those who haven’t read this book, what are you waiting for??!! The Giver is told from the point of view of Jonas, a young boy who lives in a future society where there is no pain, choice, fear, doubt, or individuality. As he grows up he starts to see the world around him in a different way, which may turn out to be a lethal crime.

We Were Liars By E. Lockhart

I actually just read this book like 2 days ago. Omigosh it’s so good that I read it in literally in 24 hours. The book is told from the perspective of 17 year old Cadence who comes from a very privileged family. Every year she and her extended family spend the summer on their grandparents’ private island. The main story centers around post-amnesiac Cadence and her struggle to remember a tragedy that happened a few year before involving herself and her cousins.

When You Reach Me By Rebecca Stead

This book gave me so much joy. I remember reading this book at least 3-4 different times throughout middle school. It tells the story of a 6th grade girl named Miranda who lives with her mom in a run-down apartment. Throughout the story, she starts to receive mysterious letters about her life, including things that haven’t happened yet. She continues to receive these letters and soon finds out that she may be the only person able to prevent a tragic event. This is a really nice book in transitioning to YA literature.

The Alchemist By Paulo Coelho

This is another pretty common one, but if you haven’t read it…please do! The Alchemist tells the story of a boy named Santiago and his travels to find himself and happiness. Along his travels, he finds wisdom, friends, and the importance of following your dreams. I promise it’s not as cheesy as what I just wrote. But for real, read this book.

The Catcher In The Rye By J.D. Salinger

Aahhhh this book is so good. I know I keep saying that. But if I had to pick one book off this list for everyone to read, I think I’d pick this one. Books that “spatially expand my horizon” (thank you TLC for that little tidbit) are my favorite. I love it when books make me think in a different way. TCITR is about a 16 year old boy named Holden Caulfield. The story is told from his point of view. Which, lemme tell you, is a very interesting point of view. The novel is a beautiful book about the struggles of growing up, which I can definitely relate to.

The Knife of Never Letting Go (Series) By Patrick Ness

I read this series in 8th grade, and I literally could not put it down. Which is saying something because the books are pretty hefty! The series starts in a post-apocalyptic society of only men. They’ve been infected by the “noise germ” which enables them to hear the thoughts of everyone around them. Todd, the main character, suspects his town is hiding an awful secret from him and in result runs away with his trusty dog (whom he can also hear the thoughts of). I was going to say one more crazy thing in the book, but I don’t want to spoil it. hehe guess you gotta read it now.

Legend (Series) By Marie Lu

I remember reading this book a few years ago, and really enjoying it. This dystopian series follows the paths of 15 year olds June and Day. June comes from a wealthy part of town. But when her brother Metias is murdered, she sets out to avenge her brother’s death. Notorious criminal Day, is wanted for the murder of Metias. But when their paths cross, they soon find out that they are not each other’s true enemy.

1984 By George Orwell

Okay, okay I know this is like a major literary canon that basically everyone reads at least once in their lifetime. But I feel like I haven’t had enough exposure to literary canons such as these. And I’m sure I’m not the only one! So here’s me giving whoever is reading this the exposure to venture out and read this book. Your welcome. 1984 follows Winston, a 39 year old man, who lives in a dystopian society (wow really? dystopian? never would’ve guessed it.) where everything is monitored and controlled by “Big Brother”. The novel follows Winston’s struggle in finding his individuality in his totalitarian world.

 

I feel like I could go on forever, but don’t worry I won’t. 🙂 I wrote this list in attempts to  spark people to read something that will make them think. So if you want, do me a favor and read one of these (or 4!) amazing books. Thanks for taking time to read this! Have any other cool book recommendations? Read any of these books in the past? Feel free to leave a comment! Bye! 🙂 🙂