Top 10 Young Adult & Contemporary Books of 2017 (So Far!)
We’re now officially over halfway through 2017 so it seems about right to have a look back on the year so far. 2017 has been an immense year in the world of Young Adult and Contemporary books as shown by the sheer amount of releases that have taken place over the past 7 months. Many book lovers around the world have been falling in love with new characters, new stories and new worlds, and it has been a fight for the top spot.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
This book has taken the world by storm. Written in the perspective of a black American girl, this follows her story as she witnesses her unarmed best friend shot and killed by the police. Resonating within hundreds of people across the world, and with messages reminding readers of similar current affairs throughout the world, it has become a big hit. With a heart wrenching story, and a truth behind it enough to bring a tear to your eye, Angie Thomas’ debut novel is definitely worthy of a spot in this list.
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
The first in a new series by the bestselling Laini Taylor, this book seems to be one of the most beautiful ones that has been released this year. With a cover beautifully designed to draw the reader in, the pages are filled with a wonderfully magical story fit for all magic lovers. This book has become a fast favourite among the book community, and the hype doesn’t seem to be fading any time soon.
Always and Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han
The third and final book in this compelling contemporary series was released earlier this year, and readers have fallen in love all over again. The story once again follows our main character Lara Jean, and reviews have stated that it is a wonderful ending to a wonderful series. With Han’s writing seemingly loved by many, it’s no surprise that this book makes it to the Top 10.
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
Another finale takes a spot here, with the brilliant finale to the A Court of Thorns and Roses series was one of the most anticipated releases in the world of YA this year. Therefore when it was finally released back in May, readers everywhere jumped at the chance to read it. It leaves you feeling every emotion from sadness to complete joy, and is definitely a book that will stay with you forever, long after you close it’s pages.
History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera
Bestselling author of More Happy Than Not, Silvera tells the story of two young boys who have to learn to come to grips with their grief after the boy they both loved passes away. In potentially one of the most heartbreaking and thoughtful novels of the year, this book is sure to make sure there’s no dry eye in the house. With moving writing, emotional characters and a story that will leave you reaching for the tissues this is definitely one of the best of the year so far.
When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
Sandhya Menon’s debut contemporary novel has been on nearly every book lovers To Be Read list since it was announced, so naturally when the book was released it became a huge hit within the community. With it’s diverse characters and fun loving romance that develops as the story continues, the love for this book is seemingly growing each day. One of the most talked about books on Twitter and other social media, this book is definitely one of the best of this year so far
Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare
The second book in the award winning The Dark Artifices series, continues the much loved Shadowhunter Chronicles by Cassandra Clare in the best way. With heart pounding action, wonderfully developed characters and a cliffhanger to make you want to scream for the next book, it’s no wonder this series is so well loved. Continuing where Lady Midnight finishes off, this book once again follows Julian and Emma in the fight for their survival, their love, and their world – but can they make it?
Kings Cage by Victoria Aveyard
This highly anticipated third book in the Red Queen trilogy has been one to watch out for since the entire series began. Not only has it topped the New York Times bestselling list on the week of release, but it has been the subject of reading groups across the book loving community. The thrilling continuation follows the characters we love and hate into the darkest parts of themselves, and just reinforces why Aveyard is such a talented author.
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
As one of the first books to be released this year, this book had a lot of expectations to live up to, to which it did not disappoint. With a carnival theme, and a stunning cover, it’s no wonder readers were automatically entrapped in the beauty of this book. Following the story of a young girl who has never left her island and dreams of seeing the mysterious carnival that appears once every year, only to be invited but then her sister goes missing, and that’s when the real games begin. With a story reminiscent of the bestselling The Night Circus, it seems no one is safe from the beautiful spell this book casts.
The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli
After the success of Simon vs The Homo Sapien Agenda back in 2015, Becky Albertalli has returned with another bestselling hit. This time following a teenage girl struggling with onsecurities and the issues that all of her crushes have so far been unrequited, this coming of age story is one for all ages. With a heart warming character, Albertalli’s writing style once again blows every expectation away and provides narrative that will leave you happy and content.
This year has been an amazing year so far for the Young Adult & Contemporary genres, and it looks like the next half is even better. There are a lot of amazing books that also missed out on the top spots due to the extreme amount of amazing releases this year, but nevertheless they are much loved too. Don’t forget to look out for a post later this week on Top 10 Non – Fiction Books of this year so far, and please leave a comment if you’ve read any of these books and what you thought!
