Recommendations for… people who don’t like YA romances

Even though I participate in giving Monthly Recommendations, I thought I would start my own where every couple weeks I give recommendations for a specific topic. This month I’m doing books for people who don’t like YA books.

I know there’s a lot of controversy over YA books. Of course, there are some really shitty ones. But that’s true of EVERY genre. There are shitty classics, shitty fantasy, and shitty sci-fi. It’s not exclusive to YA. But they only seem to get pointed out in YA, or all bad ones are assumed to be YA. So here are some YA romances for those questioning YA romances.

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Everyday by David Levithan
Why: it explores love, gender, and sexuality; it’s wonderfully written; there’s a plot besides the romance

Looking for Alaska by John Green
Why: it’s well-written; the classic “boy gets girl” ending doesn’t happen; it explores love and life and “the great perhaps”

Legend by Marie Lu
Why: there’s a strong female lead; it’s well-written; it examines questioning what you know and standing up for what’s morally right; there’s no insta-love

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
Why: it explores what you would do if you knew you were dying; there’s great female friendship; it explores right and wrong, and good and bad

The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis
Why: it explores rape culture; there’s great female representation; there’s great representation of religion

Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman
Why: explores mental health and social anxiety; the main character is a WOC; the art aspect is cool; there are important messages about life

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Have you read any of these? What are your recommendations for people who want to try YA romance?

Thanks for reading! xx