The Books You Don't Hear About | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Books You Don't Hear About

There are more and better books than the media would have you believe.

27
The Books You Don't Hear About
Emma Saska

"An article full of recommendations of 'unknown' YA books popped up in April 2015. Most of the books listed, all submitted by users of the website, were classics, best sellers, major award winners, and adapted in film. The next day, this tag [#quietYA] was created on Twitter to celebrate and recommend the actual unknown books." (Quiet YA Reads)

#quietYA has become a big deal in my book blogging community. The connotations of the hashtag imply that books shared under it will be quieter, more literary, but this isn't always the case. Many fantasy and sci-fi novels are overshadowed by the likes of "The Mortal Instruments", "Divergent", and "Red Queen". I think plenty of the award-winning, New York Times Bestselling novels are crap and over-hyped. That's a whole different article, though. This post's purpose is to recommend some of my favorite under-the-radar YA books. The requirements for these books include: must actually be young adult titles; were never on the NYT Bestselling List; do not have movies/TV adaptations (out or in the works); and have not won any major awards (minor library awards and what-not are generally okay, as far as I can tell).


1. Don't Touch by Rachel M. Wilson

If you love books about mental illness, plays, and friendships, then this is a good book for you. It's introspective and lovely and good for "Hamlet" nerds.


2. Roomies by Sara Zarr and Tara Altebrando


Maybe you're a college freshman - or you will be next year. This dual point-of-view story is about two girls who are paired as roommates and the summer before they actually arrive at their university.


3. Girl Against the Universe by Paula Stokes

Another mental illness book, GATU is a bit more cheerful than "Don't Touch". I adored the family dynamics in this one, as well as Maguire and Jordy.


4. When We Collided by Emery Lord

Personally, I love all of Emery Lord's books, but this is her most recent release and it, too, has a strong mental illness plot line. Those are big in YA lately, and I appreciate the openness of authors to share these stories. I also enjoyed Vivi's spirit and Jonah's strength.


5. Court of Fives by Kate Elliott

If you like different worlds but aren't really into the fae elements that permeate most fantasy novels these days, you should try this novel with a "low fantasy" setting. (Plus plenty of strong female characters.)


6. Tumbling by Caela Carter

Did you love the Final Five on the Olympics this summer? "Tumbling" is a fictional story about the Olympics trials, and it's so much fun.


7. Wanderlost by Jen Malone

If you're like me, you have serious wanderlust and Jen Malone's latest can stave this off just a little with its descriptions of Europe and a fun protagonist like Aubree.


8. Pivot Point by Kasie West

I love superheroes, and I actively seek out YA books with them, plus I have a thing for alternate universes. If both superheroes and alternate universes are your jam, read Kasie West's "Pivot Point" duology.


9. Rebel Mechanics by Shanna Swendson

Historical fiction mixed with steampunk, magic, and a "what if" universe is a recipe for success.


10. The Girl from Everywhere by Heidi Heilig

I have championed this book since long before it released earlier this year. Listen, it has time travel and a pirate ship, and Heidi's words are beautiful. I honestly don't know how this one slipped under the radar.


11. The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Pitched as "Criminal Minds" in YA form, Jennifer's "Naturals" series will keep you guessing and cause you to become a nail-biter. It's delightful and twisty, and the final installment comes out in just a few weeks.


If you're interested in more #quietYA titles, check out these links below:

Julie Daly's #quietYA lists on YA Interrobang

#quietYA posts on my blog

Quiet YA Reads Tumblr

Quiet YA Twitter

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

1315
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

793
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

199952
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

20720
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments