As a creative writing major, one of my favorite “me time” activities I use to relax is reading. Nothing is more comforting than being curled up with a thick book in bed with warm fuzzy blankets and a hot cup of tea! Over the years of YA reading therapy, I have collected a favorite book list and decided to share the top five with you all! I tried to stay away from the Harry Potter’s of the book world, so here are some books you might have missed when they were published, but definitely should check out now!
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Maas sweeps you away in the world of Prythian through the eyes of Feyre, a human girl taken away by faeries for killing one of their kind. Tamlin, the High Lord of the Spring court and her captor teaches her that faeries are not always the scary monsters humans make them seem. In this Beauty and the Beast retelling, you can find sexy romance, thrilling action, and hints of mystery as Feyre uncovers what is truly happening in the Spring Court. (This series gets better as it continues!)
2. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
This novel follows the mysterious Mara Dyer. Her family has recently moved to Florida in hopes that new surroundings will help ease the pain of Mara’s best friend’s accidental death. But things only get more confusing. Death follows in Mara’s wake. Noah Shaw, an intriguing love interest, believes he has the solution to her problems. Immersed in the tropical climate of Miami, you will join Mara and Noah on their journey to explore the eerie truth of who they actually are.
3. These Shallow Graves by Jennifer Donnelly
Set in New York City during the late 1800’s, the mystery of who murdered Josephine Montfort’s father arises. While she is certain her father did not commit suicide, everyone else is trying to convince her otherwise. In order to prove this notion, she must travel places no aristocratic women would go. Mystery intertwines with romance in this whodunnit novel, and all the loose ends swirl together in the end.
4. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Coldwater, Maine native Nora Grey (NOT Fifty Shades!) becomes ensnared in stereotypical bad boy Patch’s trap. Even though she knows there is something dangerous about him, she cannot help but gravitate towards Patch’s darkness. As she falls further down this rabbit hole, she begins to uncover the paranormal truth about Patch, and the undeniable bond between them.
5. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
Fall in love with the seemingly perfect Violet Markey and freak of the school Theodore Finch through this heart wrenching and tear-jerking novel. An unexpected friendship turns into an adventure to see the wonders of the otherwise boring state of Indiana. As their relationship buds, they each realize that the other needs saving. Goodreads states the situation the best, “…about a girl who learns to live from a boy who intends to die.” Keep your eye out for upcoming news on the movie too!