It seems lately whenever I bring up one of my favorite books/series, people respond with a blank stare, a careless shrug, or, worst of all, an “I’ve never heard of it” type of comment. AHHH! So, I decided it’s time for me to give you the heads up on some books you MUST read if you haven’t.
Jen’s Top 10 “How Have You NOT Read This?” YA Books
1. Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
On average, I read a book a week. AKA, I read a lot. However, no matter how many pages I turn, or how many stories I finish, Daughter of Smoke & Bone remains one of my favorites of all time. And it’s troubling how few people are even aware of it. No offense to Hunger Games or Twilight, or even Divergent, but I wish the mass population would revere this story. Simply put, it’s awesome. Daughter of Smoke & Bone has everything a reader craves: intrigue, romance, humor, and, of course, adventure.
So go read it! And be sure to spread the word how awesome it is.
Check out my full review here!
2. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
Sighhhhh…Just…God, just go read this series, okay? I can’t even begin…I can’t even tell you…AHHH! Just read it. Goooo.
Check out my full review here!
3. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Believe it or not, there are still people in the world who haven’t read Harry Potter. *cue gasps* Every time I encounter one of these rare beings, they usually tell me, “Well, I tried watching the movies, but I just wasn’t into them.”
…That’s all I have to say about that.
*clears throat*
4. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
When people ask me, “What’s your favorite book?” I first glare at them, and then I tell them I don’t have a favorite (what book nerd does?). Then, when they still won’t leave me alone, I spout off a handful of memorable titles. The Book Thief is always on the list. Always. And it should be on yours! I promise, it’s a tale you’ll never forget.
Check out my full review here!
5. Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Barking spiders! You haven’t read the Leviathan series? Are you mad? What’s not to like? A round-the-world adventure? A would-be heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne? A commoner girl disguised as a boy? Daring deeds? Fun? AMAZINGNESS!
Hey, all you sods, I can fly and you can’t! A natural airman, in case you haven’t noticed. And in conclusion, I’d like to add that I’m a girl and you can all get stuffed!
…Hmmm, I think even I need to go read this–again. So much fun!
Check out more about Leviathan here!
6. Legend by Marie Lu
Amongst all the dystopian books out there, Legend is my favorite. Think Les Miserables set in the future with a deadly virus, two badass protagonists, and lots of rip-roaring action.
In a nutshell, Legend is…
Read more about Legend here!
7. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
Have you ever read a book as slow as possible? Because you’re dreading the end? Because you know when you turn that last page, the story will be over and you’ll be sad for days and days? Well, that’s how I felt while reading The 5th Wave. Although I’m not a huge fan of stories revolving around aliens, this one is both awesome and terrifying. It actually made me stop and think, “Oh crap. What if this actually happened?”
Dun, dun, dun…
I dare you to read it…Okay, forget the dare. I’m telling you to read it. Scoot, scoot.
Check out my full review here!
8. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Rainbow Rowell is officially one of my favorite authors of all time. In fact, I had a difficult time choosing which of her novels to recommend. The truth is, I recommend all of them (Fangirl, Eleanor & Park, and Attachments). Rowell is a master at character development and writing stories that have meaning and relevance. Trust me, you won’t be the same after experiencing one–or all–of her books.
Check out my full review for Fangirl here!
9. The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare
Adventure. Wit. Tears. Mystery. Romance…The Infernal Devices has it all! This prequel series to Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments is a MUST-READ! Especially if you’re looking for a new giddy book crush.
Oh, Will Herondale…
“How rude. Many who have gazed upon me have compared it to gazing at the radiance of the sun.”
Jem still had his eyes closed. “If they mean that it gives you a headache, they aren’t wrong.”
Read more about The Infernal Devices here!
10. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
I could easily list thirteen reasons why you should read this book, but I’ll only give you one: it’s life changing. So read it!
Check out my full review here!
Okay, I have about a hundred more books/series I could list, but I’ll end things here. Just take my word for it, these are books you MUST read! You won’t regret it.
What about you? What books make your “How Have You NOT Read This” YA book list?
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Jen's Pen Den 
I really want to share this on Twitter but you don’t have that option. Have you read Graceling by Kristin Cashore? Very good.
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Hmm, there should be a “Share” button at the bottom of the post with Twitter as an option…I’ll have to look into it. Sorry about that. Thanks for sharing (well, trying to share, haha).
…I have read Graceling. It was enjoyable. I still need to read the others in that series.
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Not quite as good but still not bad. She nailed it so perfectly with the first one that it’s hard to beat.
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And I found the share. 🙂 (Hiding face in shame.)
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Ha! No biggy. I’ve done that plenty of times.
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Totally agree with Deathly Hallows and Daughter of Smoke and Bone. And have you read Only Ever Yours by Louise O’ Neil? It’s brilliant, brutal, dystopian/satire about a school for girls bred only to be Companions for men (shivers). Can’t stop telling everyone about it!! Congrats on getting through to third round in Midnight Challenge btw – loved your first 2 stories even if they were a bit creepy haha! I only got through to second but have lots of useful feedback to improve my stories 🙂
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I’ll need to add Only Ever Yours to my TBR list! Thanks for the recommendation.
And thank you! I’m not sure why, but many of my stories take a turn into Creepville, LOL! Glad you enjoyed them anyways 😉 Hope to see you back in the fall for NYCM’s FFC!
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