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It's YA Week on Goodreads!
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If you have not tried Onyx and Ivory by Mindee Arnett then try that one. If felt really original to me amid the constant tropes. Not to say there aren't some in there, but overall I was refreshed by the book. Also, its not new, but the Wicked Lovely series by Melissa Marr is fantastic!!
Maedeh wrote: "Okay, I want to share something here and I hope it's appropriate. I'm literally too scared to read any new YA book because I keep thinking that I'll just hate them and put them aside or throw them ..."Hi! Another sceptic here. I love YA, but lately I've been shying away from them. What I can recommend you are two that really surprise me (since they're not what I usually read): Skyward and To Kill a Kingdom
While both are very YA, they had plots that surprised me. I hope you like them :)
Stephanie wrote: "Hello! Does anyone have any lists dedicated to popular YA contemporary authors? I typically read Sarah Dessen, Jenny Han, Susane Colasanti, and Colleen Hoover and I am looking to expand my readin..."
If you're looking for new series, I recommend for fantasy the Throne of Glass series or a Court of Thornes and Roses, both by Sarah J. Maas; Queen of the Tearling; and The Winners Trilogy . Mystery: a study in Charlotte. Bone Season, for... weirdness.
Also, if you want to try something between YA and NA, read The Royals (Erin Watt).
I hope that if you read some of them, you like it :)
Cathy wrote: "Maedeh wrote: "Okay, I want to share something here and I hope it's appropriate. I'm literally too scared to read any new YA book because I keep thinking that I'll just hate them and put them aside..."I agree with Cathy about the Ascendance Trilogy. Very good and unpredictable!
Amy wrote: "Hello all! I'm kind of curious as to what books/series are considered the quintissential YA novels? The ones that established the tropes of the genre, like the love triangles, hyperstrong female ch..."Well, yeah...but I'm not sure we want to take up all the room here. I teach Young Adult Literature at UCLA in the library masters program. There are the "first" YA books, the "trope" YA books, and then there are the classics of their genre (speculative fiction, historical, mystery/horror, paranormal, soft/edgy, etc.). While I wouldn't necessarily recommend all these as great reading, they have had a significant effect, for various reasons, on YA fiction:
The Outsiders, by S. E. Hinton
The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier
Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson
The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
Twilight, by Stephenie Meyer
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins
Cinder, by Marissa Meyers
Illuminae, by Amie Kaufmann & Jay Kristoff
How It Went Down, by Kekla Magoon
The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak
Eleanor and Park, by Rainbow Rowell
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian, by Sherman Alexie
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, by Mark Haddon
a bunch of books by Walter Dean Myers
Ditto Jacqueline Woodson, Sharon Draper, Sharon Flake
Esperanza Rising, by Pam Muñoz Ryan
Books by Benjamin Alire Saenz, Gary Soto, Matt de la Peña
Books by Malinda Lo, Melvin Burgess, Andrew Smith
Books by David Levithan!
the Weetzie Bat books by Francesca Lia Block
Gracefully Grayson, by Amy Polonsky
As I said, not necessarily classics (although some are), but representative of significant trends. And yes, I have left a lot out (about 12 book lists' worth).
Maedeh wrote: "Okay, I want to share something here and I hope it's appropriate. I'm literally too scared to read any new YA book because I keep thinking that I'll just hate them and put them aside or throw them ..."Bone Gap is an interesting YA book. It's kind of obscure and more than a little unsettling but I've never read anything quite like it and it is an interesting book to read.
Maedeh wrote: "Sasha wrote: "Maedeh wrote: "Okay, I want to share something here and I hope it's appropriate. I'm literally too scared to read any new YA book because I keep thinking that I'll just hate them and ..."Definitely check out Rin Chupeco's stuff, especially the Never Tilting World; her writing is amazing. The Gilded Wolves is another great one without cliche and immature characters
blckisthewrmstclr wrote: "I'm going to be reading The Past and Other Things That Should Stay Buried by Shaun David Hutchinson for sure."It's my absolute least favourite of his. Hopefully you will like it and maybe try some of his others as well :)
Mindcull by new Australian author K H Canobi is a must read. Fast paced, loved the main character Eila and her best friend Mei. If you love YA futuristic fantasy this is a cool new author to look out for
Samantha wrote: "I recommend Denton Little's Death Date by Lance Rubin. I thought it was an interesting concept. The overall premise of the plot was not what I predicted at all. I also liked that it wasn't yet anot..."I've just finished the second Denton Little book and I agree that its a great concept and really enjoyable.
I second Bone Gap! Unique and enthralling. Completely underrated.
I read Kingdom Cold by Brittni Chenelle and was surprised at how unique it was. You may enjoy it. There's a 2nd book out now that I haven't read yet but plan to. It sounds really good, too! Best wishes!! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
Hello, how about some Indian YA? The Hidden Children by Reshma K Barshikar has become a national bestseller and it's based in Mumbai.
Maedeh wrote: "Okay, I want to share something here and I hope it's appropriate. I'm literally too scared to read any new YA book because I keep thinking that I'll just hate them and put them aside or throw them ..."What genre of YA Intrests you most?
Maedeh wrote: "Okay, I want to share something here and I hope it's appropriate. I'm literally too scared to read any new YA book because I keep thinking that I'll just hate them and put them aside or throw them ..."I read contemporary YA in physical format because it is relatable to me and I can easily consume it that way. However, for YA sci-fi fantasy, I listen to them in audiobook format. I tried reading them in physical or ebook format but I really can't wrap my head around it, I end up not finishing them or not buying them at all. In audiobook format, especially those in full cast narration, my god, give it a try. It changed my life. I binge-listen and finish the entire series that way.
I am 24 and I have to say that I don't like YA (no, not 100% dislike it, but I feel like I'm not really into this kind of book).And I don't like the fact that people keep boasting about certain YA books or series the sometimes have impact on my choice.
And yes, because a large number of YA is easy to read, so YA has been highly rated on some websites.
kinderella wrote: "I love reading contemporary young adult books but I noticed that some of the most popular books in this genre are trash. Full of clichés and tired tropes. One dimensional male leads and annoying he..."I have to agree.
The first time the idea of YA got into my mind was when I was reading "My sould to take" (by Rachel Vincent) and I was like "what on earth I'm reading???" and the further I went with this series, the more "trash" is became (my apology if this comment offend you).
And then I started to search for this kind of book.
Yes, some YA are worth reading, but a bunch of them is trash.
Maedeh wrote: "Okay, I want to share something here and I hope it's appropriate. I'm literally too scared to read any new YA book because I keep thinking that I'll just hate them and put them aside or throw them ..."Hi Maedeh, I was like you in that I was afraid to read any new YA books. But then my online book group decided to read Holly Black's "The Cruel Prince." It wasn't bad. The follow-up book "The Wicked King" is pretty good as well.
The YA author that has blown me away though is Leigh Bardugo.
I started with her first book: "Shadow and Bone." Could not put it down!!! That is the first in a trilogy of books. Are there some tropes in there, sure, but there are many of the same tropes in adult fiction as well. The world that Bardugo has created, however, is totally unique and enjoyable.
Stop and think about it, though.... How many of our GREAT Science Fiction and Fantasy authors started by being labeled as 'Young Adult?' Why, JRR Tolkien himself wrote 'The Hobbit' as a children's book! And he is credited as being the creator of modern epic Fantasy! Anne McCaffrey's first Pern novels (the Harper Hall Trilogy) were created as 'young adult.' Even the first ever Grandmaster of Science Fiction, Robert Heinlein, wrote a series of 'juvenile' Science Fiction stores ("Podkayne of Mars", "Have Spacesuit will Travel", "The Space Beast," etc....).
Part of the joy of Goodreads is being able to discover new authors and have discussion just like this!
Thanks,
Bobbie
Jacob Have I LovedI just read "Jacob Have I Loved" for the first time ever, and was surprised by the depth of emotion and evocation in the writing!
One of my faves books is "Half the World" serie by Joe Abercrombie. It would be considered as YA?
To all that would not read young adult, I'd like to gently ask that you consider BEFORE MY EYES and LIE -- young adult books with complexity, grit, passion in the teen-- and the adult characters...
-- Caroline
I'll be reading Silent Kingdom by Rachel L. Schade again. I also have been wanting to read some David Estes. My mood has been everywhere lately. . . Also craving a good space story like Cinder.
Maedeh wrote: "Okay, I want to share something here and I hope it's appropriate. I'm literally too scared to read any new YA book because I keep thinking that I'll just hate them and put them aside or throw them ..."Hey! For "original" and "unforgettable", I would take a look at the following:
- The Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
- Warcross and Wildcard by Marie Lu
The first is a comic sci-fi adventure series with a really interesting format and plenty of perspectives. It gripped me from start to finish! The second is a duo and focuses on a futuristic world in which everybody essentially lives inside virtual reality - brilliant and extremely engaging. I hope this helps! :)
In the middle of Like A Love Story by Abdi Nazemian - outstanding thus far!On my YA TBR shortlist:
When the Ground is Hard - Malla Nunn
I Wish you All the Best - Mason Deaver
Same Difference (Graphic Novel) - Derek Kirk Kim
Saunders wrote: "I cannot read YA because of the DRAMA and the immaturity of the characters. YA just makes me want to grind my teeth and YES I believe that as an "older" reader (I am not Methuselah) there is an exp..."Good thing YA isn't written for you, then...
I am the author of this YA novel but since reading your post I thought I would let you know about it; it is different, title is "Zehiya"
Maedeh wrote: "Okay, I want to share something here and I hope it's appropriate. I'm literally too scared to read any new YA book because I keep thinking that I'll just hate them and put them aside or throw them ..."You might consider searching out books that are "Adult for Young Adult" books. These are YA-adjacent, and I often recommend them when I talk to teens about books to read.
Have you tried The Hard Count by Ginger Scott or Boy Like You/Girl Like Me duo by same author?
Authors should be aware that their suggestions of their own books are deleted from the discussion. GR views this as spam and a nuisance.
Sheree Bonita wrote: "Also craving a good space story like Cinder."Maybe try Becky Chambers' The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet and A Closed and Common Orbit. The first one is like Firefly and the second one focuses on an AI character.
They're both really good--the characters felt real and lovable.
I, for the most part, tend to avoid YA fiction, because the majority I have read recently were quite mediocre... vapid, full of clichés and tropes, "wishful thinking" projected by the author (ugly girl is pursued by 3 hunks and all that jazz), nothing that would make the novel stand out... but from time to time I find a gem. I now choose any YA I read really carefully, after reading the synopsis thoroughly and a lot of reviews to avoid something that I would most probably hate.
Maedeh wrote: "Okay, I want to share something here and I hope it's appropriate. I'm literally too scared to read any new YA book because I keep thinking that I'll just hate them and put them aside or throw them ..."I know a good one. "We were liars" by E. lockhart.
Sure, it has a Romance in it. But the writing is good. And the ending is worth it.
Not all YA is fantasy! Try Alan Gratz's REFUGEE, Monica Hesse's GIRL IN THE BLUE COAT, Tiffany Jackson's MONDAY'S NOT COMING, Susan Pfeffer's LIFE AS WE KNEW IT, Holly Sloan's COUNTING BY SEVENS...and more and more!
I plan a reread of TAG - That's "The Atlantis Grail", by Vera Nazarian. Three books so far, named Qualify, Compete, Win - a great mixture of dystopian SciFi with a very healthy dose of romance and coming-of-Age-story. In Short: a Dino-Killer comparable Asteroid will hit the Earth, but the old Atlanteans come back in time and allow 10 million teens to travel with them to their new homeworld of Atlantis - but first, they have to qualify ... Highly recommended.
Maedeh wrote: "Okay, I want to share something here and I hope it's appropriate. I'm literally too scared to read any new YA book because I keep thinking that I'll just hate them and put them aside or throw them ..."You might want to check out IMAGINARY GIRLS by Nova Ren Suma. It's one of those books that's definitely not for everybody, but I love it. NOTHING she writes is tropey or cliche. Plus she's an incredible teacher.
Melliott wrote: "Amy wrote: "Hello all! I'm kind of curious as to what books/series are considered the quintissential YA novels? The ones that established the tropes of the genre, like the love triangles, hyperstro..."Wow, thank you for suggestions! I'm going to add all of these to the list. It's very cool that you teach YA Lit at the masters level. I wish I could take that class! Do you happen to know if there are any online resources available for me to learn more about the YA genre?
I recently read The Lying Woods by Ashley Elston and it is an extremely underrated/under talked about young adult book. Highly recommend.
I am the same. I avoid YA in fear of it beeing too 'teenage', but I LOVED 'court of thorns and roses'-series by Sarah J Maas. It might be a little cliche (and graphic) here and there, but it is one of only two series (mistborn beeing the other) that made me cry at the culmination of the series. Not because they were emotional/romantic/sad, buit because they were so epic my body didn't know how else to respond <3
Here is the thing about me. I don't really care for the cliches and common tropes in YA books, I can easily see passed that. They don't stop me from enjoying a book, since I still feel like I am reading a different story. Personally, there is a thin line between, having cliches and tropes, and basically reading the same story. If the book is overall telling a different story I'm good.
Maedeh wrote: "Okay, I want to share something here and I hope it's appropriate. I'm literally too scared to read any new YA book because I keep thinking that I'll just hate them and put them aside or throw them ..."Graceling series, Daughter of smoke and bone, girl of fire and thorns
Maedeh wrote: "Okay, I want to share something here and I hope it's appropriate. I'm literally too scared to read any new YA book because I keep thinking that I'll just hate them and put them aside or throw them ..."Try Katherine Arden (I can't tell if it's YA... it's too good to give it a label).
Monsters Like MeI've done all the recording & initial edits for the audiobook edition of this book & its one of my favorite YA novels I've read in a long time. It's J. Robin DeFord's first novel & very well executed. The main Character, Matias Soto Perez, is forced to live another life whenever he falls asleep as a crew of monsters, magically summoned by a cave-man/fox thing. What I enjoyed about it is Matias is just a normal kid & in facing moral quandaries, he does what most any kid would do. Asks for help cryptically from those he loves, bottles up most of it & goes from there. The other thing I enjoyed about it was the humor of the other monsters - Particularly N'Klarka - and that when some distinctly "earth idiom" is used, instead of just throwing it out there, DeFord deals with it in a clever way that keeps you engaged in the story.
If you want to listen to it, I'm hoping to have all the edits done by the end of the month & it should be live come Mid-August. Or you can get the book on Amazon & elsewhere.
Maedeh wrote: "Okay, I want to share something here and I hope it's appropriate. I'm literally too scared to read any new YA book because I keep thinking that I'll just hate them and put them aside or throw them ..."Try Going Bovine. It's older (mid-2000s) and the most unique YA book I've read. It's something of a modern-day Don Quixote, but very loosely. The reason I recommend it is it defies being put into any particular genre. Everyone I've recommended it to loves it (I'm a YA Librarian).
Also, if you want something totally off the wall, try Play Me Backwards, which is about a boy trying to win back his dream girl through some very unconventional means. This one had me laughing cover to cover.
Maedeh wrote: "Okay, I want to share something here and I hope it's appropriate. I'm literally too scared to read any new YA book because I keep thinking that I'll just hate them and put them aside or throw them ..."I don't know, but I think a historical-fiction might be better for you. I highly recommend Resistance by Jennifer A. Nielsen. A story about a Jewish courier in Poland during WWII.
Maedeh wrote: "Okay, I want to share something here and I hope it's appropriate. I'm literally too scared to read any new YA book because I keep thinking that I'll just hate them and put them aside or throw them ..."Hey Maedeh I would recommend Skyward by Brandon Sanderson. It has a MC that is different from most YA books and the setting of a flight school on an alien planet was really interesting. Hope this helps!
Maedeh wrote: "Okay, I want to share something here and I hope it's appropriate. I'm literally too scared to read any new YA book because I keep thinking that I'll just hate them and put them aside or throw them ..."I've kind of run into the same problem but if you're looking for something different, I 100% recommend one of my long-time favorite books 'The Princetta' by Anne-Laure Bondoux! 'Cybele's Secret' by Juliet Marillier is also really fantastic, as is 'For Darkness Shows The Stars' by Diana Peterfreund, 'All The Truth That's in Me' by Julie Berry, and 'Afterworlds' by Scott Westerfeld!
Maedeh wrote: "Okay, I want to share something here and I hope it's appropriate. I'm literally too scared to read any new YA book because I keep thinking that I'll just hate them and put them aside or throw them ..."Does it have to be new? I really liked How I Paid for College: A Novel of Sex, Theft, Friendship & Musical Theater
It may be because I am 18, but I feel like I will read it well into adulthood.