Another round of our Top Three Wednesday! Today we will be talking about our Top Three Contemporary YA novels. Who doesn’t love YA? There is this sense of comfort, of home-y feel when I am reading YA novels. And yes I do admit that sometimes I am too old for YA, but I just could not resist them, there this magnetic pull that I dare not fight. Because, admit it or not, we sometimes crave for the YA “feels”, the perfect one to read after a grueling, say adult fantasy or a dark book. YAs are truly a breath of fresh air.
1. Winger by Andrew Smith
You can check my review of the book here. This book just took me by surprise. I never had big expectations, I read it without knowing much about it. All I know is it is about a 14 year old boy in a boarding school. I have not read anything like it before so I went ahead and bought a copy and read it during the Anti Bullying Readathon hosted by Sarah on book tube and goodreads. I was not that excited to read the book since I thought I might not be able relate to it or identify with the character. But boy I was sorely mistaken. This book was a gem, I never thought I would like it this much. Ryan Dean West character was not one to miss. The book was funny and deep at the same time. I never thought I could get so much out of it. And that ending! Oh my goodness it broke my heart, I was sobbing like crazy. This is one of the best books I read in 2014. And oh there is this some kind of Looking For Alaska feel to it.
2. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
Ahhhh this will always be a favorite YA of all freaking time! I never thought I could love a book so much! This book kept me company when I was in the hospital taking care of my dad. And I couldn’t have picked up a better companion. The story of Eleanor and Park is not like the typical YA stories. This one right here has depth, it was not the usual immature and whiny characters we have grown accustomed reading. Now this one for me is a cut above the rest, and to this day not one YA contemporary has replaced this in my heart. What I would trade to read it for the first time again. This book introduced me to Rainbow Rowell and her brilliance. She is one of the authors I have high respect to and on my bookish bucket list is to meet her. I love the innocence in this book, that pureness of first love and also I loved that Eleanor was the representation of undervalued girls and how her character has been a relevant one in the society we live in today. Hmmm now I’m sensing a reread coming in the future! I want to meet them again!
3. Puddle Jumping by Amber L. Johnson
Another book that will always hold a special place in my heart. Too bad I don’t have a physical copy! This book is about a guy who has Aspergers and a girl who helped him and the beautiful relationship that sprung from it. Gahhhddd, I cannot recommend this one hard enough! I think I have tabbed almost each page. This book was so beautifully written and after reading it you will just hug the book and cradle it for as long as you possibly could. There was sincerity, coyness and most of all – heart. I loved how this book talked about a mental condition such as Aspergers and how the characters had their flaws yet despite it, they are beautiful. This is definitely one of the best YA books out there! Amber L. Johnson is such a great writer, she weaves perfect heartfelt stories that you wouldn’t want to miss. Definitely a must read for young and adult alike!
So there you have it guys, another Wednesday has passed. Are you excited for the weekend, it is Valentine’s day! Where are your partners taking you? Hope you will have a great time! Till next post! Bye!