Start 2019 Off Right With These 6 Books

Hello and welcome to my first post of 2019! Can you believe I’m going into my sixth year of blogging?! HOW EXCITING IS THAT! And to celebrate the New Year, I’m going to be sharing six YA novels you should read to start 2019 off right. I can already tell this year is going to be EPIC!

Again, But Better

Again, But Better is a book about a girl in college who decides to move countries to mix things up and find adventure, but instead, she’s faced with the scary reality of leaving her bubble. Introvert problems, am I right?! But soon she comes to find that with courage and determination, she can eliminate the self-doubt that’s been inching its way into her life—and that’s the kind of positivity I want to channel this year. It sounds like such an uplifting book about challenging yourself and putting yourself out there, and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy! Plus that cover—SWOON.

Release date: May 7th

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They Both Die at the End

They Both Die at the End is about embracing the realisation that life is fleeting and we have to we have to be honest with ourselves and those around us if we want to make the most of our time on this planet, and I just can’t begin to express how much I love this novel. I’m never not moved to tears by an Adam Silvera novel, but this one simultaneously broke my heart and built me up. It’s a book that urges you to go out and be the truest version of yourself, and that’s something everyone should try to live by. Go on, let this spectacular book reduce you to tears. You’ll thank it for that.

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Watch Us Rise

I’ve read a few books with a similar premise to Watch Us Rise—books like Moxie and Amelia Westlake that battle sexism and racism in school by way of an anonymous forum or sorts—but I can never get enough of them. We’re always in need of more books about feminism and empowering marginalised voices, and these are the kind of vibes I want for 2019. More intersectionality in YA! More empowerment and unstoppable women! I’m so excited to dive into this stunning novel. I’m sure I’ll utterly adore it!

Release date: February 12th

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The Hate U Give

If you haven’t read this incredible novel yet, I honestly don’t know what you’re waiting for. Possibly a sign? WELL,THIS IS YOUR SIGN. The Hate U Give is such a powerful, heart-wrenching read about racism and the Black Lives Matter movement and police brutality, and I just can’t recommend it enough. Like Starr in The Hate U Give, we should all channel the most unstoppable, courageous version of ourselves this year. The world can be a dark, hateful place at times, but I honestly believe if we all tried to be a little more like Starr, we could change that.

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The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats & Piracy

Adventure, pursuit of your dreams, and witty banter—what more could you want from 2019? Well, that’s everything that The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats & Piracy contains! If you loved The Gentleman’s Guide, then the sequel following Monty’s sister, Felicity, is a 2018 release you need to get your hands on if you haven’t already. It’s such a fun read with feminist rants throughout that will have you screaming YAS QUEEN at the pages, and the mentions of travelling will get you in the mood for an adventure this year. I just loved this one!

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Girls with Sharp Sticks

I’m so here for all the books about feminism being released this year, and Girls with Sharp Sticks is another one on my TBR. It’s about a place called The Girls of Innovations Academy that teaches girls to be ‘obedient young ladies’, but then the students start to uncover the dark secrets of what’s actually going on there. The synopsis gives me major The Handmaid’s Tale vibes, and it sounds like such a thrilling read that perfectly blends feminism with mystery. I’m a massive fan of Suzanne Young’s writing, so Girls with Sharp Sticks sounds right up my alley. 

Release date: March 19th

What books would you recommend to kick 2019 off to a good start? Have you read any of the ones I’ve mentioned? Which of these are on your TBR? I’d love to know!