Today I have something a little different for you. It’s a guest post from the folks at Love At First Chapter! Love at First Chapter is a new biweekly newsletter featuring the first chapter of a new or upcoming YA novel, specially curated by their diverse team. So far they’ve featured Labryrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova, The Girl with the Red Balloon by Katherine Locke, and Twelve Steps to Normal by Farrah Penn.
Since I’m always looking for recommendations, I was happy to host a guest post with favorites from some of the crew at Love at First Chapter. Check out what they’re loving:
Guest Post:
What’s Your Favorite YA Book?: Recommendations from Love At First Chapter
What’s your favorite young adult novel?
It’s a question we both dread and look forward to; one that forces us to put together haphazard mental lists of all the books we last read, and forces us to panic that we may have forgotten about a release or two along the way. What is your favorite YA novel, and most importantly, if you were to recommend it to someone else, what would you say makes you love it so much?
This is what makes a recommendation, especially those from YA book recommendation service Love At First Chapter, so special. They’re personal, and are catered specifically towards singular elements that leap out at us as we read each page.
The Love At First Chapter team want to share their favorite YA books — or their favorite YA books at the time of this blog post. Which of these sounds like your next read?
IF YOU LIKE EVOCATIVE PROSE AND LUSH FANTASY WORLDS
Julie recommends WHEN THE MOON WAS OURS by Anna-Marie McLemore
“WHEN THE MOON WAS OURS is a beautiful YA magical realism novel that immerses readers in the lives of two strange yet unforgettable best friends. Roses growing out of Miel’s wrists, and Sam paints moons and hangs them around town. Miel and Sam may be different from everyone else, but they’ve always had each other. But when the Bonner sisters blackmail Miel to giving them her roses, Miel must decide whether she can give away a part of herself at the cost of protecting Sam’s secrets.”
IF YOU LIKE DARKLY LUSH SETTINGS AND LYRICAL PROSE
Michelle recommends WINTERSONG by S. Jae-Jones
“WINTERSONG is a beautifully written YA fantasy for readers looking for a story as musical as any 18th or 19th century composition. S. Jae-Jones weaves the romantic tale of Liesl, who must rescue her sister from the Goblin King. It’s an emotional journey not only to find her sister, but to unlock her own talents as well.”
IF YOU LIKE TWISTS OF FATE AND FALLING IN LOVE WITH LOVE
Louisa recommends THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR by Nicola Yoon
“THE SUN IS ALSO A STAR is a beautifully grounding YA contemporary fiction about love, fate, and the universe. It’s perfect for readers who are secret romantics, whose belief in ‘the one’ is strong, and those who are lucky enough to experience love at first sight. Romance isn’t the only thing at the heart of this story. Natasha and Daniel’s stories are rooted in heart, empathy, and human connection, illustrating that not everything is a chance meeting, and we are more connected than we realize.”
IF YOU LIKE FANTASIES GROUNDED WITH DEEP PERSONAL STAKES
Kate recommends THE SCORPIO RACES by Maggie Stiefvater
“THE SCORPIO RACES is a compelling and lyrical YA historical fantasy to try. Maggie Stiefvater writes the rolling emotions of the characters and the violence of the titular race with grace, and the book captures the poignant joy and heartbreak of what it is to love something wild. Her transporting descriptions make her world sound real for the reader. The weaving of Celtic lore and a compelling emotional story make this a must-read for lovers of beautiful bloody tales.”
IF YOU LIKE OUT OF MY MIND AND TURTLES ALL THE WAY DOWN
Heidi recommends GIRL AGAINST THE UNIVERSE by Paula Stokes
“GIRL AGAINST THE UNIVERSE is the story of a young girl struggling to live with the loss of her father, brother, and uncle. She’s convinced she is cursed and that if she gets close to people they get hurt or worse. But her habits and reclusive behaviors won’t keep her from ignoring her heart, especially when it’s pulling her toward a guy that wants to help her. This book explores anxiety and the fragile state we are left in when we lose someone we love. But it’s also about empowerment and learning to live again even when it seems impossible.”
IF YOU LIKE TO ROOT FOR THE VILLAIN AND APPRECIATE RICH, MAGICAL WORLDBUILDING
Emily recommends FOREST OF A THOUSAND LANTERNS by Julie C. Dao
“FOREST OF A THOUSAND LANTERNS is an East Asian inspired fantasy that tells the story of Xifeng, a peasant girl who is destined to be Empress. Ambition, courage and dark magic give Xifeng the strength to leave her cruel aunt and seek her fortune at the Emperor’s court. The journey toward her destiny is wickedly enchanting, beautifully told and utterly compelling.”
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