Some of My Favorite YA Books (that I read as an adult)

Recently, I have found myself wanting to catch-up on popular books I didn't read when they initially came out because I was too busy reading Dickens and Austen (that really isn't a brag!). So since college, I have been working on catching up! But not every YA book I have read has been a winner, at least in my book. However, below are a handful that have stuck with me.

Howl's Moving Castle, Diana Wynne Jones

This book was on my radar because I am a big Miyazaki fan, and one of my favorite movies (potentially of all time) is Studio Ghibli's adaptation of Howl's Moving Castle.

The movie adaptation is one of those rare occasions where the film studio took some fairly significant liberties with the story, but it still kept the feel and flavor of the original story and is such an excellent movie that you really don't mind! Now, having read the book, both the book and movie hold a very special place in my heart.

The book is a sweet story of love, magic, family, and the discovery of self worth. The twists and turns will keep you guessing, the characters are full of depth, the story feels both modern and like an old fashioned fairytale.

Honestly, watch the movie. Read the book. In whatever order you prefer. This is such a clever and endearing story in both formats.

Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins

No, I did not read The Hunger Games at the height of its popularity. However, I have recently made up for that by reading the entire trilogy in a week.

The hype was not overrated. This is an excellent trilogy. And where the movies leaned into the love triangle, the books view that element of the plot as truly secondary to the main plot. So, if you have seen the movies and are apprehensive about reading the books, don't worry-- the politics and dystopia of it all is the main point.

Whereas many dystopian novels main character's tend to be doe-eyed "who me?" types, Katniss feels far more realistic. Ultimately, her priorities are protecting those she loves, regardless of what happens to Panem as a whole. Of course, helping a rebellion will help her protect those she loves, but that may mean becoming a pawn that is used on both sides of the chessboard.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon, Kelly Barnhill

This book was unknown to me until an old coworker recommended it to me.

You will read this book in 24 hours, or maybe less. Not because it is short, but because it is a beautifully artistic story full of depth and heart.

If you want fantasy that is different while following many similar and well-loved structures and tropes, then this is the perfect book for you.

Themes include, love, magic, coming of age, rebellion against oppression, and the inexplicable and powerful bond between mother and daughter.

Also there is a dragon.

Harry Potter, JK Rowling

It would truly be impossible to write a post of this kind without including Harry Potter. True, JK Rowling has been in hot water in recent years, but that does not mean that the series she wrote is inherently bad. In fact, this is an incredible story.

The overarching story is full of themes of found family, sacrifice, and endurance. Harry is a child, yet he is a pawn in a larger game and had a truly traumatic childhood before Hogwarts. Coming of age under those circumstances is not insignificant. Harry will wrestle with love, death, grief, and all the pressure that comes with being the Chosen One.

Listen. You probably know the story of Harry Potter, or you have at least watched the movies, but regardless I cannot emphasize enough how good these books are.

Need a Recommendation?

I hope this post helped you find a new book to read.

If you are trying to find a new book to read, specifically to kick-start reading as a hobby, YA is a fantastic place to start as it is short and highly accessible.

Check out my other post here, for insight into how to fall back in love with reading!