Five Unforgettable YA Reads

When it comes to books, it's hard for me to choose a favorite because I like them equally, for the most part. However, if I had to narrow a list down to my top five favorite young adult reads, it would be the ones below because they are the most memorable.

Finding Audrey by Sophie Kinsella

Image by Delacorte Press. Finding Audrey Book Cover, 2015.

“I think what I’ve realized is, life is all about climbing up, slipping down, and picking yourself up again. And it doesn’t matter if you slip down. As long as you’re kind of heading more or less upwards. That’s all you can hope for. More or less upwards.” --- pg. 284.

Audrey is a fourteen year old girl living with social anxiety. She wears dark sunglasses at all times and can't bring herself to leave the house. Then she meets Linus, her brothers video gaming partner, whose funny and supportive character help her to see things in a new light. This is the story of her progress towards recovery.

What Makes This Book Worth Reading?

• The story is the perfect mixture of funny and serious. Kinsella keeps the plot from becoming overly dark and depressing by adding a comedic element. Yet at the same time, the story is far from your average fluffy, teen fiction read.

• It's easy to relate to. The book discusses a variety of issues ranging from the excessive use of electronics to mental health. These topics add a modern and relevant twist to the plot. In addition to this, the characters possess certain qualities that make you feel as though they are your actual family and friends rather than pieces of fiction.

Salt To The Sea by Ruta Sepetys

Image by Penguin Books. Salt To The Sea Cover, 2016.

"What had human beings become? Did war make us evil or just activate an evil already lurking within us?" --- pg. 79.

Set in East Prussia at the end of World War II, four refugees paths collide as they each desperately attempt to survive the terrifying reality of secrets, tragedy, and war.

What Makes This Book Worth Reading?

• It has a well written narrative and strong character development. Alternating between characters can make it challenging to create fully developed characters and engage an audience but Sepetys is able to effectively utilize the technique. As a result, you are able to read four unique perspectives that give you a stronger understanding of the political climate at the time.
  

Wolf By Wolf by Ryan Graudin

Image by Little, Brown Books. Wolf By Wolf Cover, 2015.

"Once upon a different time, there was a girl who lived in a kingdom of death. Wolves howled up her arm. A whole pack of them--made of tattoo ink and pain, memory and loss. It was the only thing about her that ever stayed the same.” --- pg. 1.

Former death camp prisoner Yael will do anything it takes to avenge the loved ones she lost. After surviving Nazi experiments that left her with the ability to skinshift,

Yael enters the Axis Tour, a deadly motorcycle race from Germany to Japan where the winner will get to meet the reclusive Adolf Hitler. Her mission is to win the race and assassinate Hitler but

first she has to overcome the danger and deception she encounters along the way.

What Makes This Book Worth Reading?

• The plot is fast paced and action packed. Wolf By Wolf is the type of book you could read in one sitting because of its engaging and intense nature as competitors go head to head in a high-stakes race. The story puts a fresh and unique spin on a well known historical period which is even more likely to keep your eyes glued to the pages since you don't know where the characters will take you next.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Image by Henry Holt. Six Of Crows Cover, 2015.

"No mourners. No funerals...Among them, it passed for 'good luck' ” --- pg. 20.

Six dangerous outlaws team up to pull off an impossible heist.

The one about a gang/group of criminals who are all brought together to try to accomplish a great task of stealing back a scientist in charge of making this really powerful and dangerous drug.

• Fast paced

• Action packed

• Liked the development of the characters and the different points of view

• Showing both sides/feelings of the characters
  

• What Makes This Book Worth Reading?

• It has strong character development. Like Salt To The Sea, Leigh Bardugo is able to create a believable gang of convicts, thieves, sharpshooters, spies, and mages by switching between characters to show all sides to the story.
  

Faithful by Alice Hoffman

Image by Simon & Schuster. Faithful Cover, 2017.

"You rescue something and you're responsible for it. But maybe that's what love is. Maybe it's like a hit-and-run accident; it smashes you before you can think. You do it no matter the cost and you keep on running.” --- pg. 122.

Shelby Richmond is haunted by guilt in the aftermath of a horrific accident that destroys her best friend's life. Feeling trapped by these painful memories, Shelby moves to New York City where relationships and experiences gradually push her to think about her own future.

What Makes This Book Worth Reading?

• It's an emotional roller coaster (in a good way). This story has the potential to make you cry one minute and smile the next as you empathize with the main character and her process towards reclaiming her life.

• It has a sweet and engaging storyline. Although the book deals with serious content matter, the main character's love for dogs incorporates a sweeter side to the story that makes you happy about the kindness, generosity, and vulnerability shown in those moments