Looking for a quick, satisfying read? This month, the HoneyKids Book Club says you need to check these YA books out!
When you’re a mum, reading time is precious – especially when you’ve got #stalkerbubs who won’t even let you pee. Our solution? Books exciting enough to tear through when you’ve got the time. And when it comes to page-turners, we love YA books. Sure, they’re targeted towards readers in the teenage range, but it doesn’t mean we can’t be privy to all that juicy fun and emotional angst. Without further ado, here are our current YA faves:
Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
What happens then the US president’s son falls in love with the royal prince of England? We’re not one to spill the literal tea but, yup, amazing magic. Although both guys started out as bitter rivals, a fight forces them to make amends for the public to see and an unlikely chemistry ensues once they realise that their feud was all for nought. You’ll probably want to finish this book in one sitting just like we did!
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
This chilling novel details the story of 16-year-old Jacob who has moved to a remote island off the coast of Wales after a horrible family tragedy. He discovers Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, where he learns more about the children who were quarantined there. Included in the book: super-creepy pictures that add to the mystery that surrounds the peculiar children!
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
Everyone remembers (and sometimes wants to forget) their first love. This book is a warm, cosy reminder of our teenage years when we felt ALL THE THINGS. Like every teenager, 16-year-old Lara Jean has her fair share of crushes but she’s never acted on them, only just written them letters she never has the guts to send out. One day, she discovers that the letters have been mailed out – eek! Our tip? Catch the movie on Netflix when you’re done and get your cougar claws out for the super-cute Noah Centineo as Peter Kavinsky.
Educated by Tara Westover
For something a bit heavier, try this memoir on for size about a teen who gave her troubled upbringing a big kick in the goolies and made something of herself. Tara Westover and her six siblings were raised in rural Idaho, in a Mormon survivalist family that didn’t believe in medicine and the education system. The result? She never stepped inside a classroom till the age of 17, had to teach herself algebra and trigonometry, then did well enough to enter university and eventually become a Cambridge PhD. She experienced several injuries that went untreated and was the subject of her brother Shawn’s abuse. It’s a quick but disturbing non-fiction read, and a testament to the human spirit and what we can achieve.
One of Us is Lying by Karen M.McManus
Who doesn’t love a good murder mystery? We do! Fans of John Hughes’ cult classic film The Breastfast Club will love One of Us is Lying – the brain, the beauty, the criminal and the athlete are all suspects in the murder of Simon, the outcast and the creator of their school’s gossip app. One day, all happen to be in detention at the same time for something none of them did and, before it’s over, Simon is dead. Which brings us to the question: who killed Simon? Psst… if you loved this book, you’ll be happy to know that the sequel will be out in January! Yassss!
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
College, secret societies, ghosts – if any of the above interest you, you’ll love Ninth House. Be warned, it’s not the shortest of reads at 500 pages, but we can tell you that it’s worth every single word. College dropout Alex aka Galaxy barely survives a crazy multiple murder and is offered another chance at school. As always, there’s a catch – she needs to keep an eye on Yale’s secret (and very creepy) societies.
