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The Best Books of 2014 (So Far)

Alaa Al-Barkawi

July 25, 2014

Danielle’s Top 5:

The Vacationers by Emma Straub

While everyone deems this a “beach read” because of the title, cover, and the fact that the story takes place during a family’s vacation, don’t dismiss it so easily. This book has a lot of substance and a lot of heart. The Vacationers follows the Post family and their friends as they embark on a two-week trip to Mallorca. Read along as they struggle with love, heartbreak, responsibility, and identity. You’ll laugh a lot, too, and you’ll finish reading feeling refreshed.

Close Your Eyes, Hold Hands by Chris Bohjalian

Emily Shepard is the teenage heroine of Bohjalian’s newest novel, a homeless teen running away from her past. When the nuclear plant in her town has a meltdown, many people are killed and those who’ve survived flee, losing their homes and their possessions. Who’s to blame? Emily’s father. This is a really thought-provoking, painful, unique read.

Tease by Amanda Maciel

(Reviewed here!) Tease is a tale of high school bullying gone too far – told from the point of view of the bully. Maciel’s debut novel is an incredible study of bullying in the digital age, and the fragile egos of today’s social media-obsessed youth.

We Are the Goldens by Dana Reinhardt

(Reviewed here!) This coming-of-age novel explores the relationship between two high school-aged sisters, and examines the weight of secrets and responsibility. The protagonist is really well-written.

Brazen by Katherine Longshore

(Reviewed here!) Gossip Girl meets the Tudor court? Sign me up! Longshore’s newest book is narrated by Mary Howard, a young newlywed and a lady in Queen Anne’s court. There’s a lot of scandal, romance, and intrigue to be had.

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Tags 2014 Adult best books contemporary Fantasy Featured MG science fiction top lists YA

Alaa Al-Barkawi

Alaa is an aspiring YA and MG fiction writer. She lives in Salt Lake City, Utah where she studies English, sociology, and film at Westminster College. Additionally, she eats too much chocolate and wears a head scarf. You can follow her on Twitter @Barks4Books or give her a shoutout at alaa@theyoungfolks.com.