The Teen’s Ultimate Reading List: Our Top Book Picks

LuxeFemmeAura
6 min readOct 26, 2023

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Teenage years come with their own set of challenges, and these books capture the raw, emotional, and sometimes heart-wrenching moments that shape us. They’ll make you laugh, cry, and ultimately, understand that you’re not alone in this crazy journey of growing up.

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Love and Other Words

Love and Other Words” by Christina Lauren delves into the intricate story of Macy and Elliot, childhood sweethearts torn apart for a decade. Macy is settling into a practical life, engaged to a stable man, but when she unexpectedly encounters Elliot, her first love, old emotions resurface. The narrative alternates between past and present, revealing the evolution of their deep connection from young friends to something more. Secrets, regrets, and the power of love converge in a compelling exploration of second chances and rekindled passion.

Shatter Me

In “Shatter Me” by Tahereh Mafi, Juliette Ferrars possesses a lethal power — one touch can kill. She’s seen as a weapon by The Reestablishment, a cruel regime. When reunited with someone who cared for her, Juliette discovers inner strength she never knew existed. This gripping first installment in the Shatter Me series is a compelling journey of self-discovery and rebellion in a dystopian world.

It Ends with Us

In “It Ends with Us” by the #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, Lily’s life appears picture-perfect with a successful business and a charismatic neurosurgeon, Ryle. But Ryle’s aversion to relationships hides a troubling secret. When Lily’s first love, Atlas, reenters her life, she faces a heart-wrenching choice between her past and her present. This evocative and honest novel delves into the complexities of love, resilience, and the difficult decisions we must make.

The Hating Game: A Novel

In “The Hating Game” by Sally Thorne, Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman share a seething mutual hatred that manifests through endless passive-aggressive battles. As executive assistants to co-CEOs, they’re up for the same promotion, and their rivalry reaches a boiling point. However, beneath the layers of resentment, they begin to question their true feelings for each other. Thorne’s hilarious and sexy workplace comedy explores the fine line between love and hate in a battle of wits and emotions that will keep readers fascinated.

Every Last Word

In “Every Last Word,” Samantha appears like a popular girl but hides her struggles with OCD. She finds comfort and friendship with a group of misfits in Poet’s Corner. This story delves into her journey to self-discovery, offering insights into friendship, love, mental health, and the desire to fit in, making it a relatable and emotional read.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

In “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han, Lara Jean keeps her secret love letters hidden until they’re mysteriously sent out to her past crushes. Her once-private feelings become a whirlwind of real-life encounters and unexpected romance. This heartwarming boxed set comprises three enchanting novels that take readers on a journey through the ups and downs of Lara Jean’s love life, making it a delightful and relatable read for fans of young adult romance.

With the Fire on High

In “With the Fire on High” by Elizabeth Acevedo, Emoni Santiago, a teen mom, faces tough choices daily to support her daughter and abuela. But in the kitchen, her true passion shines. Emoni’s magical touch turns her cooking into something extraordinary, igniting a dream of becoming a chef. This captivating novel explores resilience, talent, and the pursuit of one’s dreams, offering a taste of the fire that drives Emoni’s culinary journey.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

In “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson, a puzzling mystery unfolds in Fairview. When a high school girl’s death and her boyfriend’s suicide continue to haunt the town, Pip, a fellow student, decides to reexamine the case. As she digs deeper, she discovers hidden secrets that challenge what people thought they knew. The story becomes a suspenseful and captivating thriller, with Pip’s own safety at risk as she tries to uncover the truth.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel

In “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid, you’ll step into the glamorous world of old Hollywood through the life of movie star Evelyn Hugo. The story follows Evelyn’s journey from a nobody to a famous actress, her many love stories, and the surprising secrets she reveals. Evelyn picks an unknown reporter, Monique Grant, to write her life story, and this choice transforms both their lives. The book explores ambition, friendship, and forbidden love and shows the price people sometimes pay to face their own truths. It’s a captivating read for those who enjoy Hollywood drama.

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