My last edition of Mom’s Bookshelf was dedicated to Middle Grade fiction so it is only fair that I grow up a little and move on to the Young Adult section. If you are interested in why an adult would read YA, I refer you to this series of articles in The Atlantic: Y.A. for Grownups. Or you could remember the words of C. S. Lewis: “Those of us who are blamed when old for reading childish books were blamed when children for reading books too old for us.” And really, what would you rather read, a well-written, thoughtful YA novel or Nicolas Sparks?
I rest my case.
So here are five six YA novels I recommend for those of you who think YA is all about Twilight (a book I will never read, but won’t judge you —much— if you do).
(Note: Book covers and titles are affiliate links)
And in case you are wondering, yes, I have read The Hunger Games, but only this last April, which is very late in the game (ahem). I didn’t want to at first because I thought “Distopia? I won’t like that.” Although I could discuss why I don’t think the books are as brilliant as everyone says they are, they are certainly page turners.
Now that I’ve made this list and have left off a number of books I also loved, I think I’ll have to do another YA feature again soon.
What about you? Do you look down your nose at YA, or do you like to mix it in with your so-called grown-up reading?
More Mom’s Bookshelf:
- Volume 1
- Volume 2
- Volume 3
- Volume 4
- Volume 5
- Volume 6: J FIC edition
- Volume 7: YA edition
- Volume: Parenting books
Jennifer says
“…really, what would you rather read, a well-written, thoughtful YA novel or Nicolas Sparks?”
HA! REALLY! I listened to a Sparks audio book once (and it was the last). I kept thinking, “This must be a parody. This plot is as predictable as a Scooby Doo mystery; the dialogue cloying. How can this be popular?”
Meanwhile, my bedside table is loaded with Percy Jackson (to enjoy w/the 11 year old, who co-reads with me) and Hunger Games Book 2–Playing With Fire (finally available at the library).
Mom and Kiddo says
So true. It's my opinion that book categories like Middle Grade and YA and Adult are only useful in telling us the age of the book's protagonist, not the age of the reader, or the quality of the writing.
MaryAnne K says
I love young adult fiction!
I haven't read “The Hunger Games”, because I have a strong suspicion it will keep me up at night…
Even in Australia says
We have similar taste. I won't read The Fault in Our Stars OR The Hunger Games for the same reasons you almost didn't read them!
Mom and Kiddo says
But I was soooo glad I did end up reading them!
Steph E says
I was home sick today and I finally read A Fault in Our Stars after hearing about it here first. Read it in just a few hours, bawled through much of it. I love your recommendation lists!! I also enjoyed The Hunger Games (for the entertainment value, not so much for the writing) and just recently finished the Divergent series, which I also enjoyed.
Erica MomandKiddo says
So glad you commented here to tell me. This post brings back memories of these great books. I’m glad you got to read it! I believe they are making a film of it now, too. I haven’t read the Divergent series, yet — but plan to! Hope you’re feeling better soon.