Do you ever read books categorized as YA (“Young Adult”)? If so, what are some that you’ve really enjoyed?
Well, for me, the first thing that comes to mind is the Harry Potter series. I bought each hardback when it came out, and shared it with my (IT) coworkers after I’d read it. Audible has a new full-cast version of the books published now, with big-name actors narrating (e.g., Hugh Laurie as Dumbledore - squeeeee!). I just bought the first book and I’m looking forward to listening to more of them.
I also enjoyed listening to the Hunger Games series when those books came out many moons ago.
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Haven’t read YA, except for banned books, in quite awhile but I still own complete sets of Happy Potter, Nicholas Flamel, and Chronicles of Narnia.
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I’m not sure I can say that I really “enjoyed” these considering the subject matter but Marcus Zusak’s “Book Thief” and “I Am The Messenger” have stuck with me, as have “Code Name Verity” by Elizabeth Wein and “The Librarian of Auschwitz” by Antonio Iturbe. I knew she got a lot of grief over it but I thought Laura Moriarty’s “American Heart” was a thoughtful read that might be even more relevant now.
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I read many YA books when I taught middle school. The genres varied as I conducted individual or small group book discussions with my students every Friday. Those not having a talk with me that day actually read all period. As a result of their likes, I was exposed to many titles and tried to read their books. Many wonderful books. I ought to read YA again.
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@Carol_Ann_Robb, I thought Code Name Verity was amazing. I was surprised that it was considered YA, considering its themes. But boy, it was good. I read it many years ago and I still think about it from time to time.
I don’t typically read YA but I have read a couple of Ruta Septys’ historical fiction books, like Fountains of Silence and have enjoyed them.
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I normally dislike YA Books. But there are a couple of exceptions. A couple of years ago I read THE FIREKEEPER’S DAUGHTER, which is YA, and I enjoyed that. I also enjoy all the books by Ruta Sepetys,which are all YA. Her latest book, coming out this month, is her first book written for adults. I’m anxious to read that.
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Only in the past year that I have read about the YA genre. I learned that YA books are classified as coming of age books.
I was never interested in the Harry Potter book series.
I researched what books are in the YA genre, and the only one I’ve read years ago is the The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.
I also read that there is much controversy that Catcher In The Rye and To Kill a Mockingbird are considered literary classics, and they were published before the YA genre was classified.
Catcher In The Rye was published in 1951 —the year I was born. It was a very popular book to read during my junior year in high school. I realize that it did have vulgar language and sexual references so I can relate to the controversy. However personally I definitely feel that To Kill A Mockingbird is a coming of age book.
Yeah I do ….I love everything that literally makes me feel young. I love to explore the minds of youths and youthfulness.
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I’ve read more young adult books in the last few years than I have since childhood 50+ years ago. I don’t go for dystopian, science fiction, fantasy, or romance so my YA reading has consisted of the oldies, but goodies. Mildred D. Taylor’s The Landry Family Series (Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry) is excellent. The young characters mature as the series progresses. I still need to read All the Days Past, All the Days to Come, the last book in the series. Other YAs that I’m so glad I picked up are The Outsiders, The Call of the Wild, The War Horse, Johnny Tremain, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part Time Indian, and Anne of Green Gables.
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My first thought was the Harry Potter series also, Kim. I was curious of all the hype over it and thought I’d give it a try. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed all the books. I also listened to the CDs of the books narrated by, Jim Dale. To this day, he is the best narrator I have ever heard—I listen to many audiobooks. He had a distinct voice for each character and brought them to life.
I heard the new series of Harry Potter is coming and each season will focus on only one book at a time. I just recently listened to the first book again read by Jim Dale.
I too like Ruta Sepetys books. I am reading her newest, A Fortune of Sand, and I am enjoying it. There are mixed reviews for it, but it’s too early to really gage it yet.
Oh yes!!! I find that young adult books, especially Neal Shusterman, and dystopian novels really make me happy. There is plenty of plot, and no explicit scenes.