25 books I believe that every young person should read before they are 25. From historical fiction to queer graphic novels, there's something for everyone.
CONTEMPORARY FICTION
1. Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkin Reid
'Carrie Soto is fierce, and her determination to win at any cost has not made her popular'
Carrie Soto is Back is one for those who are detemined, independent and may not always be the most popular. The main character, Carrie Soto, knows her worth and IS the best tennis player in the world.
One for those who need to own their success a little more.
5/5 🌟
2. The Handmaid's Tale by Margeret Atwood
“Nolite te bastardes carborundorum. Don't let the bastards grind you down.”
A book I believe every single person should read at least once in their life.
With the rise of religious extremism, discussions on women's bodily autonomy and the misuse of power in governments within our current society, the book continues to be relevant to reads even 40 years on.
5/5 🌟
3. The Women by Kristen Hannah
“The women had a story to tell, even if the world wasn't quite yet ready to hear it, and their story began with three simple words. We were there.”
The Women tells the story of the women who served in the Vietnam War and the deeply traumatic experiences they have to navigate. An incredibly important book which highlights that women have always been making history.
5/5 🌟
4. Normal People by Sally Rooney
“Marianne had the sense that her real life was happening somewhere very far away, happening without her, and she didn't know if she would ever find out where it was or become part of it.”
Often called a modern classic. Rooney's novel has deeply complex characters and explores first love, class differences and the transition from childhood to adulthood.
One for young adults who don't really know what they are doing.
4.5/5🌟
QUEER LIT
5. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkin Reid
“I’m under absolutely no obligation to make sense to you.”
Set in the Golden Age of Hollywood, Seven Husbands is about experiencing love in many different ways. With complex, compelling and loveable characters, it is an engaging read which will surprise all readers.
Deeply emotional and very sapphic.
5/5 🌟
6. Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
“You can't tell whether people are gay by what they look like. And gay or straight aren't the only two options.”
A graphic novel!
One for queer people who felt they missed out on teenaged years. Charlie and Nick's story show, not only how society is changing, but also how true love can be experienced even when you are young.
5/5 🌟
7. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
“We were like gods at the dawning of the world, & our joy was so bright we could see nothing else but the other.”
One of the saddest books out there.
A novel for any fans of Greek Mythology as it is a retelling of the Trojan War from the POV of Patroclus.
This novel is simply beautiful, with some of the most stunning language I have ever seen in a book. I'm unsure my words can do it justice.
5/5 🌟
8. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
“To be careful with people and with words was a rare and beautiful thing.”
A novel about self-discovery and identity between two young boys. This heart-warming novel will fill you with such joy whilst ripping out your heart.
One of readers who are truly to discover parts of themselves they may have kept hidden.
4.5/5 🌟
9. Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters
“Being in love, you know... it's not like having a canary, in a cage. When you lose one sweetheart, you can't just go out and get another to replace her.”
A book I read when I was 17 and it changed the way I viewed gender and sexuality. If you want to think about your view on gender a little more, I would truly recommend picking this up.
Sarah Waters is a wonderful author who makes the unknown known.
Set in Victorian London, it is a Historical Fiction I will recommend for the rest of my life.
5/5 🌟
10. Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
“Time makes us sentimental. Perhaps, in the end, it is because of time that we suffer.”
A heart-breaking look at first love, self discovery and coming-of-age. Call Me By Your Name is a beautiful novel, with quotes you will think about for years and a setting with makes you want to jump up and run to Italy for a summer.
If you love the film, this is better.
4.5/5 🌟
11. This Is How You Lose the Time War
by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
“I want to meet you in every place I ever loved. Listen to me. I am your echo. I would rather break the world than lose you.”
A Sci-Fi queer novel which shows two of the soldiers of a time war which spans the whole universe.
A novel which makes you think, makes you cry, makes you gasp and makes you love again.
Wonderful language which you will still be thinking about weeks on.
4/5 🌟
ROMANCE
12. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
“I'm starting to wonder if this is what being in love is. Being okay with ripping yourself to shreds, so the other person can stay whole.”
A whole load of fun with the kind of men you'd die for. If you are a fan of strong women, grumpy men and a STEM setting, this book is truly for you.
A book you can read over and over again.
5/5 🌟
13. Beach Read by Emily Henry
“I’ve never met someone who is so perfectly my favorite person.”
Emily Henry can WRITE.
Her language, her characters, her settings, her everything is so incredible that I will read anything she writes. However, this is my favourite by far as I could relate so strongly to January and her experiences.
One for someone who needs a good small town, rivals to lover romance.
5/5 🌟
14. Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young
“Our souls were tied a long time ago, I think. We’re just finally admitting it to each other.”
One for new mothers, people who are experiencing something scary for the first time and people who need more support in their lives.
Out on a Limb is about love and support during scary parts of your life. Bo is one of the most supportive MMC's (male main character) out there.
Sometimes you read a book at the exact right moment in your life and that's what happened with I read this beautiful book.
5/5 🌟
15. Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto
“Look, I don’t know what you want from me, but—” “Anything.” Black eyes looked down on her, and he took a shaking breath. “Everything.”
If you've ever wondered what it would be like to be in an orchestra, well this is the novel for you.
On a more general note: this book is SEXY with the most swoon worthy man out there.
One of people who need a bit of music, love and support in their lives.
5/5 🌟
16. From Lukov with Love by Mariana Zapata
“Because I'm okay with you having ten other people be your favorite. But you're always going to be my favorite person.”
An ice skating, enemies to lover, slow burn. One for people who know what they want, who are determined and strong.
A beautifully written sports romance with engaging characters, a supportive and caring MMC and a women who knows what she wants.
5/5 🌟
YOUNG ADULT AND TEEN
17. Paper Towns by John Green
“What a treacherous thing to believe that a person is more than a person.”
A book that has stayed with me, even 12 years on. When I first read this book, I related so much to the FMC (female main character) that I thought of nothing for weeks on end.
John Green's best written book (in my opinion).
If you have ever wanted to run away and start a fresh, read this.
4/5 🌟
18. Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
“I don't know if I can fix your broken heart, but you can take mine because it's already yours.”.
This should also be in the romantasy/fantasy section. My favourite YA fantasy novel (EVER).
This novel is set in the most romantic world you will ever experience, it is truly like stepping into a fairytale.
If you love fairy tales and villains, read this.
A three part series where they get better and better as the books go on.
5/5 🌟
19. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
“Things change. And friends leave. Life doesn't stop for anybody.”
A deeply emotional coming of age story which will leave you questioning your teenage years. With raw and realistic writing, Perks will show you things about yourself you haven't thought about for years.
If you like the film, you'll love the book.
5/5 🌟
20. Solitaire by Alice Oseman
“All I know is that I’m here. And I’m alive. And I’m not alone.”
A heartbreaking coming-of-age novel which I believe is deeply underrated.
If you are a teenager who does not know what they are doing and how to navigate this scary world, I would really recommend this novel (however, please read the trigger warnings before you read it).
If you love Heartstopper - this is a fun look into Tori's story.
5/5 🌟
21. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
“I am not pretty. I am not beautiful. I am as radiant as the sun.”
If you haven't read this series, WHAT ARE YOU DOING. A dystopian novel for the ages (we still talk about it to this day and it came out in 2008).
A deeply unsettling look at government and society; a look which still radiates with the world we currently live in.
All three books + its prequels are just stunning.
5/5 🌟
22. A Good Girls Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
“Maybe laughter was one of the very first things you lost after something like that.”
One of the best written YA thrillers out there. Holly Jackson knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat, throwing twists at every corner. If you love a thrill, you will love with novel.
A very fast read which I could barely put down.
(a note: there's a UK and US version which are the same novel but set in different countries).
4.5/5 🌟
Fantasy and Romantasy
23. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
“I threw myself into that fire, threw myself into it, into him, and let myself burn.”
Be prepared to be completely consumed by this fantasy. The books only get better and better.
Part of an (unfinished) 5 part series, this fantasy has everything you could want.; strong women, dark and brooding men, a fantastic world, war, death, love, life and friendship.
I cannot recommend it more.
5/5 🌟
24. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
“I am the sky and the power of every storm that has ever been. I am infinite.”
If you like dragons and scarred men - well sign up. This is a true romantasy which will keep you on the edge of your seat. Set in a world where you can choose to be a dragon rider, Violet is an unlikely candidate but wow does she blow your mind.
The first three books of the series are out now and you will get hooked.
5/5 🌟
25. Six Crimson Crane by Elizabeth Lim
“If fate is a bunch of strings, then I'll carry scissors. My choices are my own. I'll make them as I please.”
A unique retelling of 'Six Swans'. Set in a fairytale like world, this novel is one for people who love well developed world building.
Lim's writing style is truly beautiful and will make you feel like you are floating on air. Writing that rivals poets.
One of people who would do anything for their family.
5/5 🌟
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