Even though I’m not technically a teenager anymore, I really enjoy reading young adult novels. There is something about the subject matter and writing style that attracts me to this particular genre. Lately, I’ve been finding that I’m not alone in my love of YA. So, if you are a fan of YA and romance, then this recommended reading list is for you.
1. The Infinite Moment of Us by Lauren Myracle
This book focuses on Wren and Charlie who attended the same high school with one another for four years without ever talking. It isn’t until graduation that the pair strike up a romance. With Wren planning on leaving for Guatemala at the end of the summer and Charlie’s ex-girlfriend lurking around the corner, their romance has a few interesting twists and turns that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
2. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins
Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
I loved Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins. I think that Perkins wrote one of the best contemporary YA romance novels in the last five years. After Anna’s father sends her to Paris, she is upset that her family discarded her. But, when she meets Étienne St. Clair and his group of friends, Anna begins to think there might be something of interest in Paris after all.
I also have to mention Lola and the Boy Next Door and Isla and the Happily Ever After, too. Anna and Étienne St. Clair, as well as other characters, will randomly pop up in these two novels making the reader feel as though they are seeing old friends again.
3. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Fangirl is a truly wonderful novel. I have the original published novel and the limited edition for collectors. I can’t say enough positive things about this book. Rowell created great characters, an interesting story, and detailed scenes. Due to Fangirl’s popularity and success, it inspired a second novel, Carry On, further exploring the fanfiction Cath wrote in Fangirl.
Cath has spent her entire life with her sister, Wren, writing Simon Snow fanfiction. When she and her sister are separated in their freshmen year of college, Cath finds it difficult to adjust to her new life. Her roommate, Reagan, and her boyfriend, Levi, help make Cath feel involved, but she still misses her old life.
4. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
In regards to Eleanor and Park, John Green said, “Eleanor & Park reminded me not just what it’s like to be young and in love with a girl, but also what it’s like to be young and in love with a book.” Personally, this novel has become one of my favorites. Rainbow Rowell is such a talented writer. Her characters, descriptions, and plots are amazing. At one point, Eleanor and Park are sitting next to one another, on the bus, talking about what superpowers they would like. The pair actually learn about one another, rather than perpetuating the love at first sight scenario, readers have become accustomed to. When Park first sees Eleanor, he thinks she has wild hair and a weird fashion sense.
What makes this book unique is the rotating chapter perspectives Rowell wrote, providing readers with both Eleanor and Park’s perspectives about their romance, interactions, and family lives, making the reader feel not only intrigued by the story, but emotionally invested in the novel’s outcome.
5. Let it Snow: Three Holiday Romances by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle
Let is Snow is composed of three interconnected stories, The Jubilee Express, A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle, and The Patron Saint of Pigs, from three bestselling authors, Maureen Johnson (The Name of the Star), John Green (Paper Towns, The Fault in our Stars), and Lauren Myracle (The Internet Girls series). I really enjoyed how each story was unique with each of the writers incorporating their own styles, yet still blended well. When reading this book, try to pay attention to the characters in the background because they reappear in the other stories.
My favorite story is The Jubilee Express by Johnson. Jubilee’s Christmas gets off to a rather strange start after her parents are arrested trying to buy a decorative miniature house for their Christmas village, forcing her to board a train for her grandmother’s home. But, when her train gets stuck in the snow, things go from strange to opportune, especially when she meets Stuart.
6. My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories by Stephanie Perkins, Rainbow Rowell, David Levithan, Holly Black, Gayle Forman, Myra McEntire, Kiersten White, Matthew de la Pena, Jenny Han, Ally Carter, and Laini Taylor.
I wanted to mention this book because it is composed of twelve separate holiday romance stories. I’m the type of reader who feels compelled to stay up late and finish a novel, but with short stories, I don’t need the extra coffee in the morning. What differentiates this collection is the Hallmark holiday feel that it instills in the reader. The stories will make you smile, laugh, and, potentially cry.
Who needs to wait until Christmas to read a few holiday stories?