I have four teenagers who delight in taunting me by saying that there is nothing worth reading that is longer than a text. I realize that such statements are meant to provoke, and my reaction of spouting off lists of titles to their backs is ineffectual—and further proof of my perceived cluelessness. Since my advice at home is eschewed, I thought I would mention some picks for those open to the idea that YA fiction has reach beyond its intended audience. There are so many classic titles, exciting series and new releases that can appeal to those just entering the teen years and those whose adolescence is nothing but a distant, nostalgic memory.

Some tried and true YA Classics that are worth revisiting with an adult perspective:

Of course, there are many, many more and I am sure every one of you has a fond favorite that could be added to the list.

Due to their huge popularity and movie tie-ins, the following series are probably familiar to most. They are truly compelling and highly addictive for readers of all ages. If you haven’t already given them a try, these are solid picks that I would recommend reading prior to watching their adaptations.

Here are some authors that have written novels for both adults and teens:

Leigh Bardugo, James Patterson, Carl Hiaasen, Anthony Horowitz, Judy Blume, Neil Gaiman, Stephen Cbosky

A few contemporary titles that have captured critical and popular attention:

February's Featured Reviews

Recent Readings

Right now, I am reading Pretty Little Wife a debut novel by Darby Kane, Troubled Blood (#5 in the Cormoran Strike Series) by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling, see above) and listening to the delightful Nora Ephron narrating I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman.

Do you read YA as a break from heavier titles, to reminisce about your younger years, to communicate with your children about books, or just because you think they are wonderful reads?! Let me know what you have discovered this month in your “reading life.” I love hearing from you (jnmegan@gpl.org), and want to thank you for all the fabulous recommendations!

Until next time: Be well and be well-read!

Joelle

So, who am I, anyway? I am a resident of West Groton, with a husband, 4 teenaged children and a Samoyed puppy-all of whom are systematically destroying our house during the COVID crisis. I am currently working part time at the Groton Public Library and in a former life I was employed as a Director or PR/Marketing at a high-tech consulting firm. My BA is in Psychology, but most of my time was spent in college earning a Concentration on the Novel. That is all to say that I make no claims at being an expert of any kind and my thoughts, opinions and mistakes are solely my own. I am just a person whose passion for books has continued to grow from the moment I was first able to grip and gnaw on them, and I have been devouring them ever since.