Finding the Time for Unrequired Reading

School is back in full swing and the required reading is stacking up. But what about reading for just for the pleasure of it? Booksellers Tara and Ester have the answer — Unrequired Reading, a new book club just for teens. Their number one priority? Picking books that are FUN! Selections will range widely within the young adult genre, and meetings will be planned around breaks during the school year, so you can make time to read. Since fall is the perfect time to cozy up with a good book, Tara and Ester are here to introduce you to some of our favorite fall YA picks to tide you over until the next Unrequired Reading meeting in January!

PLEASE NOTE: This group is intended for those 13-18. This club is meant to be a safe space for teens to discuss books and come together to build community. 

For the Mystery Lovers The Naturals

By Jennifer Lynn Barnes

A group of teenagers with a unique skill set are recruited to help the FBI solve cold cases in an elite school. I could not put this book down or predict the ending. 

For an Escape What the River Knows: A Novel (Secrets of the Nile #1)

By Isabel Ibañez

A fast-paced adventure novel set in 19th century Egypt. Inez is on a quest to discover the mystery behind her parents disappearance and this book also has some of the biggest plot twists of all time. 

For Summer Vibes One True Loves

By Elise Bryant

If you are already feeling nostalgic for summer, this should be your next read. Lenore is a recent high school graduate about to embark on a Mediterranean cruise with her family for the summer. One True Loves makes references throughout to some classic YA romances and takes the reader on a journey across Greece and Italy.

For the Fantasy Lovers An Ember in the Ashes

By Sabaa Tahir

Three people on opposite sides of a war– One who wants to gain power at all costs, one forced to fight for the wrong side, and one just trying to survive. With romantic tension just as high-stakes as the plot, you will be on the edge of your seat!

For the Romantasy Lovers Divine Rivals: A Novel (Letters of Enchantment #1)

By Rebecca Ross

A war between gods. Magical typewriters. Two writers competing for a promotion. What else could you want? This is one of my top reads of 2024… maybe even of all time. With dreamy prose and a romance to die for, you must add this to your to-read pile!

For a Dose of Magic Sorcery of Thorns

By Margaret Rogerson

Sorcery of Thorns follows Elisabeth and her journey in becoming a warden of magical grimoires. Tangled in a crime she didn’t commit, Elisabeth has to work with Sorcerer Nathaniel Thorn and his demonic servant. This is perfect for fans of whimsical, Studio Ghibli-esque stories– full of banter and found family, this fantasy standalone checks every box!

We hope you’ll pick up these recommendations and join us next year for more great Unrequired Reading discussions. Sign up for our email list for reminders about all of our upcoming book club meetings as well as in-store YA events. And don’t forget to mark your calendars for our first couple of meetings in 2025!

Reggie and Delilah’s Year of Falling

By Elise Bryant

We’ll be discussing Reggie and Delilah’s Year of Falling by Elise Bryant on Sunday January 5, 2025 at 4 p.m. 

Friends Like These

By Jennifer Lynn Alvarez

We’ll be discussing Friends Like These by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez on Sunday, March 9 at 4 p.m. The author will be joining us as a special guest for this discussion!