Good Books To Read 2019 Ya
Remember 2019? It feels like a decade ago, doesn't it? We were all probably still figuring out TikTok dances and hoarding toilet paper in our minds, just in case. But amidst the whirlwind of what was happening, there were some seriously good books that dropped. And I'm not talking about those dusty classics your English teacher insisted you read. I'm talking about the ones that made you forget to eat, the ones you shoved under your pillow to read by flashlight, the ones that made you genuinely sad when you turned the last page. You know the ones. The good stuff.
Now, let's be honest. "Good" is subjective. My idea of a fantastic YA book might be your idea of a weird dream you had after too much pizza. But I'm going to throw some names out there, and if you haven't read them, well, prepare to add to that ever-growing TBR pile. And if you have read them, nod your head knowingly and maybe even do a little happy dance. We're all friends here.
First up, we absolutely have to talk about The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. Honestly, if you haven't read this, you're missing out on a masterpiece. Xiomara Batista is a force of nature. She's a teenager, a poet, and she's not afraid to speak her mind, even if it gets her into trouble. This book is full of passion, rhythm, and a voice that will echo in your head long after you're done. It’s got that raw, real feel that makes you want to grab a notebook and start spilling your own thoughts. It's poetic, it's powerful, and it's just chef's kiss.
Then there’s Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi. This one was a huge deal, and for good reason. Magic is gone from the land of Orïsha, and it’s up to a young woman named Zélie to bring it back. We’re talking about epic quests, thrilling battles, and a world so richly imagined you’ll feel like you’re right there with Zélie, dodging enemies and wielding ancient power. It’s got adventure, it’s got romance (the slow-burn kind, which is the best kind), and it’s got some seriously thought-provoking themes. If you like your fantasy with a side of social commentary and a whole lot of heart, this is your jam.
Now, I know what some of you might be thinking. "But what about the funny ones? I need a laugh!" Well, fear not, my friends. We have Tweet Cute by Phoebe North. Yes, it’s a rom-com. Yes, it involves a social media war between rival grilled cheese businesses. And yes, it is absolutely adorable. It’s got witty banter, relatable characters, and that classic enemies-to-lovers trope that we all secretly (or not so secretly) adore. It's the perfect pick-me-up book, the kind you can devour in one sitting and feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Plus, who doesn't love a good grilled cheese? It’s practically a requirement.
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And for those who like their stories a little darker, a little more twisty, let’s not forget Five Feet Apart by Rachael Lippincott. Okay, yes, this one probably made you cry. It’s okay, we’ve all been there. It’s about two teenagers with cystic fibrosis who fall in love but have to stay five feet apart. It’s heartbreaking, it’s beautiful, and it’s a story about finding connection in the most unexpected places. It’ll make you appreciate the little things and maybe rethink your personal space bubble. Just have tissues handy. Lots of tissues.
We also can't ignore the fantastical elements in The Cruel Prince by Holly Black. This is the first in the Folk of the Air series, and it's full of fae, political intrigue, and a human girl named Jude trying to survive in a world of dangerous immortals. It's got that intoxicating blend of fairy tale darkness and high-stakes drama. Jude is a fierce protagonist, and the relationships she navigates are complex and utterly compelling. If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to live amongst mischievous, sometimes terrifying, magical beings, this is your ticket.
And a little something different, Scythe by Neal Shusterman. This is the start of a series that truly makes you think. In a future where death has been conquered, scythes are the only ones who can end a life to control the population. Two teenagers are chosen to apprentice as scythes, and their journey is anything but predictable. It’s a brilliant exploration of morality, power, and what it means to be human. It’s smart, it’s unsettling, and it will stay with you for a long time. It’s the kind of book that sparks conversations and makes you question everything you thought you knew.
So there you have it. A little taste of 2019 YA. These are just a few of the gems that shone brightly that year. They’re the books that have that special something, the ones that stick with you long after the last word. And if your 2019 reading list didn’t include any of these, well, no judgment. But maybe, just maybe, you might consider adding a few to your current reading list. You won’t regret it. Happy reading, everyone!