As always, this feature is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish!
I've noticed that recently, I've been reading more and more contemporary YA than ever before! I used to be a strictly fantasy girl, but then I started blogging and talking about books with friends, and before I knew it, I was reading more contemporary books than I'd ever read before. I mostly have the amazing Ginger to thank for that, since her suggestions in this genre are always sound. Anyway, here are my current favorites in this genre...
1. Sarah Dessen - This lady is amazing. I've read every single one of her books except What Happened to Goodbye, and I've loved them. I think she writes her stories so well, and I think there's something very realistic to them. She was the first ever contemporary YA author I read (even before blogging) and I'm sure she'll continue to be one of my favorites. (See my reviews for Along for the Ride and Dreamland!)
2. Stephanie Perkins - I don't think I can even explain how much I adore her and her books. She's got a way with creating interesting stories and very quirky characters, and I'm charmed by her writing. She became an instant favorite with Anna and cemented my love for her with Lola, and I will definitely read anything she writes. (See my review for Lola and the Boy Next Door!)
3. Jennifer E. Smith - There's a beauty in the way that she crafts her stories, a simplicity to the flow of the words and something incredibly poignant about what she portrays. I absolutely adore her writing style, and I think her books are quite fabulous. (See my reviews for The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight and You are Here!)
4. Melissa C. Walker - I've only read one of her books, but rest assured, it gave me enough reason to want to read more from her. I think the way she handled such a difficult issue was very careful and realistic and relatable, plus I love the setting and family situation she chose for it. I can't wait to check out her other stuff! (See my review for Unbreak My Heart!)
5. Elizabeth Eulberg - I've only read one of her books, but I'm already sure of the fact that her books will always manage to make me smile. She's definitely got a handle on bringing characters to life! I love that she managed to make me laugh out loud while reading, and look forward to that happening with her other books. (See my review for The Lonely Hearts Club!)
6. Hannah Harrington - I've read both of her books out, and I must say that Hannah is an amazing writer. Her characters are definitely real and complex; her stories are simple, but meaningful. I think her writing is absolutely beautiful. (See my review for Speechless!)
7. Trish Doller - I fell in love with Trish's ability to bring a character so wounded and broken and real to life in her debut novel. The research and the passion with which she approaches her writing is amazing, and I truly admire what she's done. (See my review for Something Like Normal!)
8. Huntley Fitzpatrick - She's managed to write one of my favorite YA love interests of all time - Jase Garrett. I love that she took elements of life in a small town, a summer romance and even what goes in within a family and wove it all together into a believable tale. (See my review for My Life Next Door!)
9. Jenny Han - I started the Summer series this summer, but I'm already certain I love it. I love the setting (who doesn't want a beach house like that and a tradition to visit every summer?), but most of all, I enjoyed reading about the characters. There's something sweet about family friends and growing up together and falling in love, and she hit the nail on the head perfectly. (See my review of The Summer I Turned Pretty!)
10. Jennifer Echols - I read my first ever book from her this year, and I'm happy to report that I loved her writing. She took all these complex character, threw in an interesting situation, and wrote a story that had me truly emotional while I read it. I definitely cannot wait to read more from her. (See my review of Such a Rush!)
1. Sarah Dessen - This lady is amazing. I've read every single one of her books except What Happened to Goodbye, and I've loved them. I think she writes her stories so well, and I think there's something very realistic to them. She was the first ever contemporary YA author I read (even before blogging) and I'm sure she'll continue to be one of my favorites. (See my reviews for Along for the Ride and Dreamland!)
2. Stephanie Perkins - I don't think I can even explain how much I adore her and her books. She's got a way with creating interesting stories and very quirky characters, and I'm charmed by her writing. She became an instant favorite with Anna and cemented my love for her with Lola, and I will definitely read anything she writes. (See my review for Lola and the Boy Next Door!)
3. Jennifer E. Smith - There's a beauty in the way that she crafts her stories, a simplicity to the flow of the words and something incredibly poignant about what she portrays. I absolutely adore her writing style, and I think her books are quite fabulous. (See my reviews for The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight and You are Here!)
4. Melissa C. Walker - I've only read one of her books, but rest assured, it gave me enough reason to want to read more from her. I think the way she handled such a difficult issue was very careful and realistic and relatable, plus I love the setting and family situation she chose for it. I can't wait to check out her other stuff! (See my review for Unbreak My Heart!)
5. Elizabeth Eulberg - I've only read one of her books, but I'm already sure of the fact that her books will always manage to make me smile. She's definitely got a handle on bringing characters to life! I love that she managed to make me laugh out loud while reading, and look forward to that happening with her other books. (See my review for The Lonely Hearts Club!)
6. Hannah Harrington - I've read both of her books out, and I must say that Hannah is an amazing writer. Her characters are definitely real and complex; her stories are simple, but meaningful. I think her writing is absolutely beautiful. (See my review for Speechless!)
7. Trish Doller - I fell in love with Trish's ability to bring a character so wounded and broken and real to life in her debut novel. The research and the passion with which she approaches her writing is amazing, and I truly admire what she's done. (See my review for Something Like Normal!)
8. Huntley Fitzpatrick - She's managed to write one of my favorite YA love interests of all time - Jase Garrett. I love that she took elements of life in a small town, a summer romance and even what goes in within a family and wove it all together into a believable tale. (See my review for My Life Next Door!)
9. Jenny Han - I started the Summer series this summer, but I'm already certain I love it. I love the setting (who doesn't want a beach house like that and a tradition to visit every summer?), but most of all, I enjoyed reading about the characters. There's something sweet about family friends and growing up together and falling in love, and she hit the nail on the head perfectly. (See my review of The Summer I Turned Pretty!)
10. Jennifer Echols - I read my first ever book from her this year, and I'm happy to report that I loved her writing. She took all these complex character, threw in an interesting situation, and wrote a story that had me truly emotional while I read it. I definitely cannot wait to read more from her. (See my review of Such a Rush!)
Amazing list! I adore all of these authors, as well. And any time you need more contemps to read, you just let me know ;) hehe.
ReplyDeleteI love all of these authors, but I think my favorite would have to be Melina Marchetta. She is the Queen of YA, as far as I'm concerned. Her writing has magic powers.
ReplyDeleteOh, Such a Rush was my first Echols book too! Can't believe I went so long w/out reading anything by her. I feel like I've been reading a lot more contemporary this year than I probably ever have!
ReplyDeleteI love your list! I feel the same way about Sarah Dessen and Huntley Fitzpatrick. A bunch of the authors/books you listed are on my tbr list; I'm really excited to get to those books now!
ReplyDeleteYa know something, I haven't really read too much from the contemporary YA genre but thanks to ladies like you and Jamie, I've been adding more and more books to my TBR list. I adore how passionate you gals are about these authors and totally trust your judgement. I'll surely be adding a few more of these authors to my reading list as well!
ReplyDeleteWe share four of the same authors on our lists. The rest of the authors on your list have books sat in my tbr pile, I just need to get round to reading them!
ReplyDeleteMy TTT
Cool list... I did this topic too :) I'm reading Burn for Burn right now, and I'm liking Jenny Han! I didn't like The Lonely Hearts Club, so I'm not sure if I want to read any more of Elizabeth Eulberg but Take a Bow looks cute, so I'm thinking about it!
ReplyDeleteHere's My TTT
Great list! A lot of people did this topic :)
ReplyDeleteTTT fairytales authors @thedailyprophecy.
I think there are at least 5 or 6 authors on this list that I keep telling myself I need to read! And I looooove Stephanie Perkins! And I can't wait to read more Hannah Harrington!
ReplyDeleteGreat list, Alexa!
GOOD LIST. even though i was a total lame-o with mine, i really like yours and the authors you picked! i seriously need to read some elizabeth eulberg.
ReplyDeleteThis list is made of perfection, it also doesn't hurt that I love a good contemporary like no other! There were a few on here I have to read but for the rest YESSSSS! I LOVE the authors you picked since they are some of my favorites :)
ReplyDelete