When the craziness that is "Summer Reading" starts at The Book Oasis I find myself looking for less intense reading selections in the young adult section of the store. Most YA novels are very well-written, many by popular adult authors like Kathy Reichs, James Patterson, Harlen Coben and Terry Pratchett, and they have entertaining story lines; they are just a little less involved than most adult novel plots.
Last summer I couldn't stop talking about Origin, a fantastic science-fiction debut from Jessica Khoury. Origin is the story of Pia, a perfect, genetically-enhanced girl living deep in the rain forest. Her fight for personal freedom and control over her life has just the right amount of moral/ethical dilemma to make this a great read for teens and adults.
This June I read The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. Some have described it as Harry Potter-esque, but it is more than that. Night Circus takes place at the turn of the 20th century and is the story of a magic contest between the protegees of two very old magicians. The magic is second to the characters and the beautiful descriptions of the circus.
For July I am almost finished reading Pretty in Plaid by Jen Lancaster (not a YA title, although most of it covers her life from age 7 to 20 something). Lancaster is the author of several humorous memoirs; Bitter is the New Black, Such a Pretty Fat and Bright Lights, Big Ass. What I enjoy most about her writing is her self-deprecating humor and light style. Best if all she's of my era, so when she was 7, so was I and I can relate to almost every situation (especially the car trips that barely qualify as a vacation). Short chapters make this an easy summer read, sure to have you giggling while you wriggle your toes in the Cape Cod sand.
Some other great YA suggestions:
Every Day by David Levitan
The 5th Wave by Rick Yancy
Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
Matched by Allie Condie (trilogy continues with Crossed and Reached)
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (coming to theaters in August 2013)
Happy reading!
Deb @ The Book Oasis
