There are so many books in the world, but not all of them stand the test of time. When a book stays in readers’ minds for years past its release, you know that story is something special. Here at Riveted by Simon Teen, we love when a good book lasts through the ages. While these books were released years ago, they still capture readers’ hearts everywhere and have a thriving fan base. Check out which fan-favorite books we think everyone should read!
Fan-Favorite Books Everyone Should Read
1. Jenny recommends To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
If you haven’t read the series behind everyone’s favorite Netflix rom-com trilogy yet… what exactly are you waiting for? To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is an absolutely irresistible series which starts when Lara Jean’s secret love letters are sent out to all the crushes she’s ever had. On this journey, you’ll get a fake dating scheme for the ages, fall in love with the golden boy of your dreams (maybe two), and have your heart filled with the melancholy bliss of coming-of-age. We promise even if you’ve seen the movies, it’s worth the read.
2. Saleena recommends The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare
While Clockwork Angel first came out in 2010, this series is honestly timeless. The love triangle in the Infernal Devices is one for the ages, making this book series a must-read for anyone interested in historical fantasies. An all-time fan favorite Shadowhunters series, the Infernal Devices even inspired the latest series by Cassandra Clare, the Last Hours. Start the series with book 1, Clockwork Angel.
3. Emily recommends Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour by Morgan Matson
Morgan Matson has been on my auto-read list since I read and fell in love with her first novel, Amy & Roger’s Epic Detour. This book is an epic road trip romance and cross-country adventure with Amy and family friend Roger driving from California to Connecticut together. They stop at some of my favorite places across the country, all while Amy works through the grief of losing her mother and starting fresh in a new place.
4. Emily also recommends Scythe by Neal Shusterman
It’s no secret I’m obsessed with the Arc of a Scythe trilogy. I recommend it to literally everyone I meet. In a future utopian world, two teens must learn the art of killing, because in a world that has conquered death, only scythes can end life. Neither teen wants to be a scythe, but they’re pitted against each other in this page turning trilogy. I love how this series makes you question everything you know about society and humanity and life and death. It’s a must-read!!
5. Melissa recommends The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
The Mara Dyer trilogy is one of those impressive series where each book is a knockout. When Mara wakes up from an accident where she is the only survivor, she has no memory of what happened. Before she can try to find some normalcy again, she starts seeing unexplainable things—including her old boyfriend who supposedly died in the accident. Is she losing her mind? Is it PTSD? Or is there something strange and paranormal going on? This series is wonderfully creepy and propulsively readable, and the romance brings it to another level! Noah Shaw is the ultimate book boyfriend, and his chemistry with Mara will have you swooning and rereading scenes over and over again. You will never be able to predict how it all unfolds.
6. Brian recommends The Dark is Rising Sequence by Susan Cooper
Susan Cooper’s absolute classic but often overlooked fantasy saga is a must read for today’s YA lovers. It is an epic modern fantasy with ties to Arthurian, Celtic, and Norse mythology. Following several different heroes on a battle between light and dark through time and space, this series has had a firm hand in shaping contemporary fantasy. In fact, legendary writer in her own right Maggie Stiefvater cites Cooper’s series as one of the primary influences on her writing, especially in crafting The Raven Cycle. These books are exciting, binge-worthy, and a must add to your TBR pile.
7. Brian also recommends Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe has stirred, enchanted, and lifted up readers for nearly a decade now, establishing itself as a new teen classic. This fall, Benjamin Alire Sáenz resumes the story of these two boys as their minds and hearts venture into the world together. It’s less of a sequel and more like the second half of a larger tale, one that explores and confronts masculinity, growing up, and fighting for yourself as well as those you love. This highly anticipated novel will warm you from the inside out.
8. Francie recommends Alanna by Tamora Pierce
This incredible series is a quartet of old-school fantasy starring a wildly powerful female lead. The world-building in these books is incredible; it’s a unique and intricate world and the perfect setting for Alanna’s many adventures, including medieval battles, lessons in magic, a love triangle like no other, and so much more. If you haven’t read these yet, you need to binge-read them ASAP!
9. Francie also recommends Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
Uglies was the talk of the town when it first came out—I still remember it making its way through the hands of all my classmates one year before finally returning to the school library. We were obsessed—and for good reason. These books explore human insecurity and coming-of-age in a really unique way, and they really make you question what you truly love about yourself. Plus, it’ll be coming to screens soon—you’ll want to read it before you see it!
10. Chantal recommends Night World by L. J. Smith
The early 2000’s saw many trends in YA literature, but none as popular as vampires! If you were a fan of Twilight or Vampire Diaries, I highly recommend checking out L.J. Smith’s Night World series. See the Night World isn’t a place. It’s a secret society of vampires, werewolves, witches, and other creatures of darkness that live among humans. They’re beautiful, deadly, irresistible – and their most sacred rule? Humans must never know about what goes bump in the night. Read this 9-book series to find out more! Trust me, this is the perfect read to sink your teeth into.
11. Gabrielle recommends The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenna Han
Before To All the Boy’s I’ve Loved Before took our hearts, there was the Summer series. I enjoyed this coming-of-age story about Belly’s love triangle, heart break, and growing pains over one unforgettable summer. You’ll want to grab these books before they hit the screens soon!
12. Alissa recommends Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds
You can truly never go wrong when picking up a Jason Reynolds title. Jason writes about relevant and important topics, specifically about race and starring typically under-represented characters—all with a beautifully profound and poetic voice. If you haven’t picked up Long Way Down, do yourself a favor and set aside a few hours to devour it in one sitting!
13. Tashie recommends Unwind by Neal Shusterman
The Unwind Dystology by Neal Shusterman had me on the edge of my seat, desperately turning the pages to know what happens next. Would Curtis, Rita, and Lev survive? Would they live to see another day? Or would they suffer “unwinding” and have their organs and body parts repurposed instead? This series had so many twists and turns that I’m still reeling to this day. Neal Shusterman is a master of craft and always has me short of breath when I’m reading his books!