There’s nothing better than getting lost in a good book, especially when it’s one you can’t stop thinking about days later. For young adults, the right story can be a bit of an escape from the daily chaos. It may bring a smile to your face after a tiresome day, or might make you think about it late at night. There’s a wide range of books out there, and so many different genres you can choose from. If your bookshelf’s looking a little empty or you’re in between reads, here’s a list that’ll sort you out.
The Fault in Our Stars – John Green
Let’s start with the classic heartbreak machine. The Fault in Our Stars follows Hazel and Augustus, two teens who meet at a cancer support group and fall for each other. It’s equal parts funny, devastating, and filled with those little one-liners you’ll want to scribble in a notebook somewhere. It’ll make you laugh. It’ll wreck you emotionally. It’s a beautiful and amazing read for anybody who’s a bookworm.
Eleanor & Park – Rainbow Rowell
This one’s all about awkward bus rides, mixtapes, and first love in the ’80s. Eleanor is the new, odd girl at school, Park’s the quiet kid who just wants to blend in, and somehow, they click. It’s messy and it’s sweet. It may also make you feel exactly like those weird teenage years, where everything’s either a disaster or the most important thing ever.
The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins
Even if you’ve seen the movies, the books hit differently. It is set in a ruthless world where kids are forced to fight to the death for public entertainment. The world is surely very harsh. The story progresses where Katniss Everdeen takes her sister’s place in the deadly games. It’s sharp, fast-paced, and honestly, you won’t want to put it down once you start. Still one of the best dystopias out there.
One of Us Is Lying – Karen M. McManus
If you’re into mysteries and high school drama, this might be something you’ll enjoy. Here, five students get detention. Out of them, four make it out alive. One ends up dead, and everyone else has a secret to hide. It’s like a mix between a crime thriller and a teen soap, which, let’s be honest, is exactly what you need sometimes.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe – Benjamin Alire Sáenz
A poetic and quiet story that creeps up your spine. It’s about two boys, Aristotle and Dante, who strike up a friendship one summer that slowly turns into something deeper. It’s about family, identity, and figuring yourself out when you don’t yet have the words for it. Not heavy on plot, but it sticks with you.
They Both Die at the End – Adam Silvera
The title kind of gives it away, but it’s not really about the ending. In a world where you get a phone call on the day you’re going to die, two strangers meet up to live one last day to the fullest. It’s sad, hopeful, and makes you think about the kind of day you’d want if it were your last.
Turtles All the Way Down – John Green
Yep, another John Green book, because the man knows how to write confused, anxious teenagers like nobody else. This one’s about Aza, a girl dealing with intrusive thoughts while trying to solve the mystery of a missing billionaire. It’s raw, weirdly funny in places, and manages to talk about mental health without sounding preachy. You will surely fall in love with this mysterious yet beautiful book.
Paper Towns – John Green
Okay, last John Green, promise. Paper Towns is a strange little road trip story mixed with teenage obsession and the feeling of chasing people you don’t know. Quentin has a long-time crush on his neighbour Margo. One day, she disappears after a night of wild pranks, and that’s when he follows the cryptic clues she leaves behind. It’s fun, a little sad, and reminds you how weirdly intense teenage friendships can be.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder – Holly Jackson
Murder mystery lovers, this one’s for you. It follows Pip, a straight-A student, as she investigates a closed murder case for a school project, convinced that the wrong guy was blamed. The story is very racy and page-turning. You’ll be flipping through pages faster than you realise. Bonus for you, it is only the first book in a trilogy. And it’s marvellous.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower – Stephen Chbosky
An old-school classic that still hits home. It’s about Charlie, a shy teenager navigating high school, new friendships, love, and some pretty heavy personal stuff. Told through a series of letters, it feels super personal, like you’re reading someone’s diary. There’s music, awkward dances, deep conversations, and a few moments that’ll probably punch you right in the gut. One of those books you’ll want to reread when you’re older.
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