Top Ten Tuesday: Books I'd Recommend to Adults Who Want to Read YA

All of my friends are always asking me which young adult books might they like.  They want to try out the genre, but just aren't 100% sure where to go after reading popular YA novels like, Divergent, The Hunger Games, and Twilight. Here are the top ten books I recommend to adult readers that want to try out young adult literature.

1. If you've read Twilight and enjoyed it, I always recommend Die For Me (Revenants series) by Amy Plum - It's set in Paris (love!), it's paranormal, but no vampires, there's a lot of edge of your seat action, and there's a swoon-worthy romance.

2.  Also, if you read Twilight and are looking for another paranormal read, I recommend Unearthly by Cynthia Hand - This is one of my favorite paranormal series ever and it deals with angels.  Each book in the series is fantastic, so readers don't have to worry about a sophomore slump.

3.  If you want a contemporary beach read, I always recommend The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen - It's Sarah Dessen. I feel like everyone should read her and this book just so happens to be my favorite Dessen. Dessen captures summer and teenage love like no other, but it's not all fluff. 

4.  If you want another contemporary beach read other than Dessen, I recommend The Summer I Turned Pretty (Summer series) by Jenny Han - This is my all-time favorite contemporary series ever. Seriously. I push this book on everyone. I mean there's an awesome beach house, two brothers and one life-changing summer for Belly. (Don't let her nickname weird you out.)

 

5.  If you want a smart YA read that's powerful, I always recommend The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - This book is so powerful. I literally wanted to highlight and write down quotes from almost every page of this book. John Green is a genius.  I'm not kidding.

6. If you want something that make you feel all the feels, I recommend If I Stay by Gayle Forman - I read this book years ago, but just looking at the cover makes me want to sob.  But don't get me wrong, it's SOOOOO good!

 

7.  If you love historical fiction, I always recommend Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys  It takes place in New Orleans in the 1950s and the main character wants so much more for her life than her mother can offer her. The characters really come to life in this story and are so memorable. Plus, she works in a bookstore!

8. Also, if you enjoy historical fiction and want another historical recommendation, I always book push A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly - It's such a smart read and beautifully written.  There's a mystery, vivid historical details, and a main character that I just LOVE.  Plus, this book was a runner up for the prestigious Printz award, so it's definitely worth checking out. 

9.  If you liked Divergent and The Hunger Games series, I recommend The Maze Runner by James Dashner - This book had me on the edge of my seat and constantly questioning every little thing. Even my husband (a super picky reader) liked this book and it was always flying off of the shelves in my classroom.  Plus, you can read it before it comes to movie theaters next year!  

10. If you watch Game of Thrones and love it, then I recommend Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo - There's magic, an incredible setting, kick-butt action with a side of romance.  Also, I just read The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson and I'll be adding this high fantasy to my recommendation list for GOT fans.

Let me know what you think of my list and share with me some of your go-to young adult recommendations for adults who want to try out the genre.  This meme is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish, so check it out!