what I’ve been reading | a YA Fiction Binge

I’ve been on a bit of a fiction binge lately – young adult fiction to be exact. I try, very hard to read non-fiction in the hopes of working on my mothering, or losing weight, or just being a better person, but inevitably I always gravitate back to the books that make me feel most alive – stories.

YA fiction is new to me. I was happy to leave my high school & college years behind in real life, but there is something enticing and enchanting about that experience. Especially when you have the perspective that comes with it being behind you. Here are a few of the most recent stand outs for me (with Amazon affiliate links – questions? Read my disclosure page).

The Hunger Games Trilogy | Suzanne Collins

I know I am probably the last person ever to read The Hunger Games, but after watching both movies in the span of two days, I borrowed all three books from the library and finished them in a week.

Could. not. put. them. down.

I’m not sure if it was the driving desire to know who Catniss Everdeen actually ends up with at the end of the trilogy, the thought provoking undercurrents that run throughout, or my quirky love of comparing best sellers to their movie imprints but I was actually sad to turn the last page. So sad in fact, when I tried to pick up Divergent, I just couldn’t shift my allegiance from Panem to a futuristic Chicago and had to put it away. Oh well, maybe some other time . . .

Bridge to Haven | Francine Rivers

Francine Rivers is my favorite. Period. She had me from the moment I opened Redeeming Love, and I’ve read nearly everything else she’s written since. When I found out her new book was being released this year, I pre-ordered it for kindle, and loved every. page.

While probably not technically considered YA fiction, the heroine Abra falls right within that age range for the majority of the book. Small town mystery and the fast paced life of old Hollywood collide in a coming of age story where broken dreams and broken lives are redeemed in inexplicably beautiful ways.

I am always crying at the end of a Francine Rivers book – always – but in the best possible way.

The Selection Series Collection | Kiera Cass

If you can believe it, I have my husband to thank for my most recent novel obsession. Think Hunger Games meets The Bachelor meets Camelot when America Singer begrudgingly enters the competition of a lifetime, and in the process discovers herself, her purpose, and her dream come true.

This series is a little more straightforward but it’s fun and whimsical and absolutely delicious. I haven’t stayed up late to read a book since Redeeming Love nearly 8 years ago, but I am tired this week from turning pages, and visiting the land of Illea in my dreams.

The series is comprised of three novels – The Selection, The Elite, and The One – all told from America’s perspective, and two novella’s – The Prince, and The Guard – (to be read between the three novels) retelling a moment of America’s story through the eyes of each suitor. Not only are her books amazing, but from a business/marketing perspective Cass is a pretty brilliant author if you asked me.

What have YOU been reading? Clearly I’m in need of another book . . .