The Greatest "Fiction, Romance, Teen & Young Adult" Books Since 1970

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Genres

Fiction

Romance

The Romance category of books typically involves stories that revolve around romantic relationships between two or more characters. These stories often explore themes of love, passion, and intimacy, and may include elements of drama, suspense, or humor. Romance novels can range from sweet and innocent to steamy and erotic, and may be set in a variety of time periods and locations. Overall, the Romance genre offers readers a chance to escape into a world of love and romance, where anything is possible.

Teen & Young Adult

The "Teen & Young Adult" category in literature encompasses a broad range of fiction and non-fiction books specifically tailored for readers aged roughly between 12 and 18 years old. These books often feature protagonists and experiences that resonate with the challenges, emotions, and transitions characteristic of adolescence and young adulthood. Themes such as identity, romance, friendship, family dynamics, and self-discovery are commonly explored, with settings ranging from realistic to fantastical. The genre aims to provide a relatable and engaging reading experience, offering both escapism and insight into the complexities of growing up. While primarily targeting teenagers and young adults, these books often possess a crossover appeal, attracting adult readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories and the fresh perspectives of youthful narratives.

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  1. 26. You Should See Me In A Crown by Leah Johnson

    The book follows the story of Liz Lighty, a high school senior who feels out of place in her small, prom-obsessed Midwestern town. With dreams of attending a prestigious college and becoming a doctor, Liz's plans are derailed when her financial aid falls through. In a desperate bid to secure a scholarship, she enters the race for prom queen, a competition steeped in tradition and popularity contests that she has always despised. As Liz navigates the cutthroat world of high school politics, she also embarks on a journey of self-discovery, finding new friendships, embracing her identity, and experiencing her first love, all while challenging the norms of her community and learning to shine as her authentic self.

    The 9416th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

    In a futuristic world inspired by Chinese history, a young woman seeks vengeance for her sister's death in a patriarchal military system where male pilots of giant Chrysalises, mecha robots used to battle alien mechs, are revered, but female co-pilots must sacrifice their lives to boost the males' psychic energy. She unexpectedly survives the fatal link with her sister's murderer, emerging as a powerful Iron Widow, a rare female pilot who can control a Chrysalis on her own. As she rises through the ranks, she must navigate a treacherous court intrigue, form alliances, and confront the oppressive system, all while unraveling the dark secrets behind the ongoing war with the aliens.

    The 10478th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. The 10,000 Doors Of January by Alix E Harrow

    In this enchanting novel, a young girl named January Scaller discovers a mysterious book that reveals a world of secret doorways leading to other realms, each unique and wondrous. As she delves deeper into its pages, she learns about her own family's connections to these other worlds and their role in guarding these portals. Set against the backdrop of the early 1900s, the story weaves a tale of adventure, self-discovery, and the power of words and stories to open doors to new possibilities. January must navigate a complex web of historical societies, hidden powers, and her own identity as she seeks to unlock the truth of her past and shape her destiny.

    The 10660th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Lord of Misrule: The Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine

    In "Lord of Misrule: The Morganville Vampires", the protagonist and her friends must deal with the chaos that ensues after the town of Morganville becomes a battleground for rival vampire factions. As they navigate the dangerous landscape, they must also deal with personal dilemmas and relationships. The book combines elements of horror, romance, and supernatural fantasy to create a thrilling narrative.

    The 10695th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Eleanor And Park by Rainbow Rowell

    This novel is a touching story set in the 1980s, revolving around two high school misfits in Omaha, Nebraska, who find an unexpected connection through their shared seats on the school bus. Eleanor, a quirky and bullied girl with a troubled home life, and Park, a half-Korean boy who struggles with his identity, slowly bond over comic books and mixtapes. As their friendship blossoms into a tender and complex first love, they must navigate the challenges of adolescence, family dynamics, and societal expectations. The story is a poignant exploration of young love, identity, and the power of acceptance.

    The 10925th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download