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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Portland chapter.

I have a lot of books in my dorm room…

 

…Like, a lot of books. I especially like to read young adult fantasy and science fiction. Here are some of my favorites, to act as recommendations for what you should keep in yours!

Feed by M.T. Anderson

I’ve read this novel at least 4 times so far. Science fiction’s my favorite genre, and Feed definitely satisfies that craving for a futuristic read. It follows Titus, a young man living in a future where everyone can access shopping sites, television and chats through their heads. There are some disturbingly beautiful scenes. Be warned, though: the ending is a tearjerker.

 

Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

If you have a lot of reading time on your hands, I cannot recommend this book enough! I couldn’t put it down, there were so many twists and turns. If you’ve seen Park Chan Wook’s The Handmaiden, that’s based on this book — but the endings and settings are very different!

 

Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust

 

This YA fantasy novel only came out last fall. It’s an empowering and exciting retelling of Snow White. The characters feel alive and warm, with real motivations and flaws, and the snowy setting is breathtaking. 

 

Wildthorn by Jane England

Look at that pretty, shiny cover! The story inside’s told beautifully as well. It tells of Louisa, a young woman who’s sent to a mental institution because she likes to read and study like her brother. Parts of it can be brutal to read, but Louisa’s resilience is inspiring.

 

Illusionarium by Heather Dixon

This is another book I’ve read quite a few times. In it, Jonathan (I’m still not sure who the girl on the cover’s supposed to be) travels to an alternate world full of masks, magic and danger. There are some really clever elements to the story, and its world is a lot of fun to read about!