Do you think Reading Matters? Want to make reading a regular habit? Want to start reading, but don’t know where to begin? Well, here are 10 Young Adult (YA) books to help you with your reading goals. And, yes, reading matters! No doubt about it. These ten books will have you hooked onto reading!

I’m sure you have heard your teachers or parents say that you should read more and keep that pesky phone aside. Some of you may even have tried to read a book or two, taking that advice; however, giving up soon. Have you ever given thought to why so happens? Rather, have you given thought to why reading sounds like such a boring thing to do? Well the answer is simple: you haven’t figured out what books work for you. JK Rowling, the author of the world-famous book series, “Harry Potter” said, “If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.”

You must’ve tried to read a classic or  a book that’s too long or a book about a topic you’re not interested in. Let us get this straight, I’m not here to convince you to read more books, I think enough people in your life have tried to do so and that’s what brings you here in the first place. I’m here to help you out with the process of reading more. That’s why I have curated a list of 10 books that beginner readers will be able to enjoy and at the same time develop important skills like reading comprehension, building your vocabulary, sentence structure, et cetera.

1. Wonder by RJ Palacio

August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to school till the fifth grade. Now attending Bleacher Prep, all August wants is to be treated like an ordinary boy by his peers— the question is, will they?

Why you should read this book

I read this book when I was in the eighth grade, and finished it in just one sitting because that’s how captivating it was. Wonder is a beautifully written novel about childhood and school life. It is relatable and relatively simple for beginners. The strong message and the way it is delivered through the characters is simply poignant. If you want a book that feels like a warm hug, definitely pick this one up.

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2. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

A gripping suspense story about a group of four friends whose friendship leads to chaos on a private island. Need I say much? I think the less I say about the book, the more fun you’ll have reading it!

Why you should read this book

Trust me when I say you will NOT want to put it down until you’re done. It’s a pretty short book and you’ll literally breeze through it so it makes a perfect read if you’re not the one to go for big books (trust me I have that big book fear too). If you’re a fan of  suspense and thriller movies you need to read this book right now!  Of course, this is a spoiler free zone, don’t you worry about that. But that being said, I cannot hold back saying that there’s something that happens that will absolutely blow your mind.

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3. A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhatena

In this novel, we follow 16-year-old Zarin Wadia and she’s the kind of girl that your parents warn you to stay away from. In a very deliberate and interesting way, Bhatena begins the story with Zarin and another boy, Porus, dead in a car together, crashed on a highway in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. We follow her life, before the crash, told through different perspectives.

Why you should read this book

This book is a masterclass on how to write amazing characters. It’s a must read if you want to write mind-blowing characters. The contemporary setting and real-to-life characters makes this story extremely relatable. It’s definitely a treat to read for teens who are struggling to find themselves in this vast ocean of identities.

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4. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The almost eighty-year-old actor and superstar, Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the story of her glamorous and scandalous life to the world. When she chooses the unknown journalist, Monique Grant for the job, everyone, including Monique herself is surprised.

Seizing this opportunity to kick start her career, Monique takes up the task and unravels truths about Evelyn, her seven husbands, and herself.

Why you should read this book

This is the perfect book for our social media obsessed generation (and I don’t mean that as an insult at all). The first sentence had me hooked onto it and I read it in just a day because it’s a total page turner. If you’re someone who gets bored while reading, you should definitely pick this book up. I’ll rate this one 10/10 on the “un-put-downable” scale!

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5. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

In A Monster Calls, we follow 12-year-old Connor who’s dealing with a lot in life: his mother’s terminal illness, bullying at school and his dad. To add to his troubles, a monster comes and visits him. This book explores childhood, grief and relationships.

Why you should read this book

Patrick Ness creates a fantastical world with his writing. You should read this book for two reasons: its simple and elegant writing and its ability to pull at your heartstrings. The conceptualisation of the monster is done beautifully. Ness discusses serious topics in such a palpable manner which makes you want to devour his writing.

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6. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

16-year-old Starr Carter witnesses her best friend Khalil killed by a police officer— a clear act of police brutality since he was unarmed. After this incident, her world completely changes as she struggles to find a voice amongst the thousands that accuse Khalil of being a thug.

Now, with Khalil’s death being sensationalised, Starr, the only witness that night, can choose to stay silent or speak up.

Why you should read this book

The subject matter of this book is heavy and it includes a potentially triggering scene so reader discretion is advised before moving on. That being said, if you’re interested in learning more about the Black Lives Matter movement and what it stands for, this is a perfect starting place. It’s one of the most critically acclaimed YA novels on this subject as it discusses it with so much sensitivity and nuance. It’s gripping and extremely interesting as well. If you like to explore different social issues, you have to read this book.

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7. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

This novel follows our main character, Charlie, throughout 4 years of highschool. Written in the style of letters to an unknown someone, we don’t even know, Chbosky crafts the perfect coming of age story.

Why you should read this book

I read this novel when I was about 15 years old and absolutely fell in love with it. I think it’s  my most re-read novel of all time. What is so charming about this book is the way that the characters are written— they’re just so relatable, especially if you’re in highschool. There is a reader discretion for some sensitive topics, but I still think you should pick this one up. It’s the perfect coming of age story that will have you thinking about it for days after you’ve completed the book. It’s relatively short as well, so it’s super easy to breeze through.

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8. Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan

Greek mythology and adventure in a contemporary setting— need I say more than this? This series of 5 books follows a demigod, Percy Jackson who goes to Camp Half-Blood to learn the truth about himself. Throughout the series Percy and his friends embark on quests that will seal their fate.

Why you should read this book

There is just so much adventure packed into this series. It’s super fun to follow the main characters and their journeys as they try to complete different quests and missions. This series is also the perfect way to get started with Greek mythology and learn about Greek gods and goddesses in a fun and entertaining way. Definitely a must read series as Rick Riordan’s writing is so encapsulating— it will suck you into the world that he has created.

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9. The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins

The YA dystopian series that started it all! The Hunger Games series follows Katniss Everdeen, a citizen of District 12 in the nation of Panem— a district riddled with poverty. When her sister is chosen as tribute for the 74th Hunger Games, a cruel game run by the rich people in the Capitol, she volunteers as tribute; a decision that changes her life forever.

Why you should read this book

This series is full of action and adventure. You’ll not be bored even for a second. The twists and turns that the series takes are so interesting to follow, you’ll just be craving for more! I read this book when I was 12 and fell in love with reading all over again after finishing it.

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10. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

Mitch Albom learns about his college professor, Morrie Shwart’s ALS on television one day. He hasn’t had any contact with Morrie since he graduated college. Now, knowing that Morrie is dying, Mitch makes an effort to rekindle their relationship. Follow Mitch’s journey as he flies to meet Morrie every week (on Tuesdays), for a “class” on life lessons

 Why you should read this book

 Tuesdays with Morrie is that kind of book that makes you feel all sorts of emotions. It will help you put a lot of perspective to life. But don’t you worry this book won’t tire you with endless philosophical life lessons; it’s just like listening to stories narrated by your grandmother!

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Now that you have a list to pick your first read from, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and pick up any of these amazing titles!

I know that many of you might be a little apprehensive about spending a lot of money on books since you might not end up liking them. In that case, there are few resources you can use to try out different genres without spending a lot of money.

First and foremost, you can become a member of libraries like the British Council. You could also use websites like Zlibrary, Lib.gen and Project Gutenberg to read free ebooks online. You can also use Storytel, a subscription service where, for only 299 INR per month, you can get unlimited access to ebooks and audiobooks. Last but not least, start with shorter texts given on Fluentlingua website.

I think, by now, you’re good to go! Happy reading!

By Naqiya Shehabi
Auro University, Surat