Genre Spotlight: YA!
Hello, lovely bookworms! Today we explore the world of young adult fiction subgenres! The YA genre is often full of angst, adventure, and coming of age triumphs. Being a teenager is hard. It gets even harder when you’re forced to fight each other to the death, or you are abandoned by your parents and left to fend for yourself, or, the worst yet, your high school crush doesn’t know you’re alive. Let’s dive into the various problems these fictional teens have to deal with!
Dystopian: Ah, the ever-popular dystopian subgenre! If you enjoy stories where life is miserable and teenagers are the only hope for saving humanity, then this is your genre! From surviving in post-apocalyptic landscapes to overthrowing oppressive regimes, these books will make you realize that surviving high school was a piece of cake compared to battling malevolent governments. My book recs: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (I devoured this series, books and movies!)
Paranormal: Calling all supernatural enthusiasts! Paranormal young adult fiction is where vampires and shifters come out to play. If you've ever wanted to date a vampire or live among shapeshifters, these books will fulfill your wildest supernatural fantasies. My book recs: The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare — I know Twilight was a popular series, but I couldn’t get into it. (Don’t come at me! Lol)
Contemporary: Not all young adult books are set in fantasy realms or dystopian futures. There's an entire world of contemporary YA fiction waiting to be explored. These tales will whisk you away to the familiarity of the real world, where teenagers face everyday struggles like romance, friendship, betrayal, and self-discovery. My book recs: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Magical: Wands, spells, and fantastical adventures—welcome to the realm of magical YA fiction! If you've ever dreamed of falling in love with or fighting the Darkling, then this subgenre is your golden ticket to a wild ride. My book recs: Shadow and Bone series by Leigh Bardugo
Sci-Fi: Brace yourselves for the world of YA Sci-Fi! Extraterrestrial encounters, mind-bending technology, and intergalactic escapades await you on these pages. My book recs: First, I must admit Sci-Fi is not my genre. I’ve just never been able to get into it, but I’ve heard good things about the Ender Sextet by Orson Scott Card—book 1 is the ever-popular Ender's Game. (Plus, Harrison Ford, Viola Davis, and Asa Butterfield are in the movie, so it must be good! Lol)
Mythical: Unicorns, dragons, and ancient prophecies, oh my! Mythical YA lets you immerse yourself in folklore and legend. These books offer a delightful blend of magical creatures, epic quests, and ancient mysteries. My book recs: American Gods by Neil Gaiman.
Now you have more books to add to your TBR, or maybe you’ve read them already and want to read them again. Either way, grab a cozy blanket, brew a cup of your favorite potion (coffee or tea, your choice), and dive into a book that promises to take you away from the real world for a while.
Happy reading!
