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Books That Raised My Generation
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items A little nostalgia for Millennials like me. These are the books I grew up reading and obsessing over in the 2000s and early 2010s. Hope they bring you the same nostalgia they bring me!
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This has always been my favorite Harry Potter book, and probably the one I come back to the most. I especially love the movie version and have rewatched it more times than the other Harry Potter films. There’s something about the darker atmosphere, D...
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
I was so into Percy Jackson growing up. I loved the whole Greek mythology angle, and the books were just really easy to get hooked on. Definitely one of those series that instantly brings me back to my younger years.
Percy Jackson Books
This was such a big part of my YA phase. I remember getting completely invested in the whole Hunger Games world and immediately wanting to read the next book. Still one of my favorite dystopian series.
The Hunger Games (Hunger Games, Book One) (1)
Okay, this one is pure 2000s nostalgia. Twilight was basically unavoidable during that era, and yes, I was absolutely part of the Team Edward vs. Team Jacob conversations.
Twilight (The Twilight Saga, #1) by Stephenie Meyer
This is probably the John Green book I associate most with that whole 2010s YA era. I remember how emotional everyone got over this one, and it still has that nostalgic feeling whenever I see it.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
I think I actually prefer this one when I'm in the mood for something more introspective. It has that very specific John Green vibe that was everywhere when I was younger.
Looking for Alaska by John Green
This feels like such a quintessential coming-of-age book. I love how nostalgic it feels, especially if you read it when you were younger and were also trying to figure yourself out.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
I remember getting really into the whole faction system and wanting to know what was going to happen next. This was definitely one of those books I picked up because I loved The Hunger Games.
Divergent: Roth, Veronica: Books
Another one from my dystopian YA phase. I loved the mystery of the maze and that feeling of constantly trying to figure out what was actually going on.
The Maze Runner (Book 1)
Definitely one of the heavier books I remember reading around that time. It's not necessarily something I'd pick up for a light read, but it's one I still remember very clearly.
The Lovely Bones: Sebold, Alice - Books
This one really stuck with me. It's definitely more emotional than some of the other books on this list, but I remember finishing it and still thinking about it afterward.
The Book Thief: Zusak, Markus
I love the idea of a love story that isn't told in a straightforward way. This was also one of those books that seemed to be everywhere when I was younger, so it has that extra nostalgia for me.
The Time Traveler's Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
This was for my full-on fantasy phase. Dragons, magic, adventure — basically everything I wanted in a book when I was younger. I remember being completely into the world.
Eragon: Book I by Christopher Paolini
I loved the whole weird, magical world of this one. It's one of those books that I think I appreciate differently now than I did when I first read it.
The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials) - Books
The idea of books literally coming to life was SO cool to me. This one is probably one of the books on this list that gives me the strongest childhood nostalgia.
Inkheart
This was such a friendship book for me. I loved that all the girls had completely different lives but were still connected through the pants and their friendship. Very 2000s.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants - Books
This was peak supernatural YA for me. Angels, demons, complicated relationships, dramatic reveals — basically everything I wanted from a series at the time.
The Mortal Instruments Complete Collection
If Twilight wasn't enough vampire content for you, there was Vampire Academy. I actually loved that this one had more action and a different vibe from the typical vampire romance stories.
Vampire Academy - Mead, Richelle: Books
This one feels like such a throwback to the moody supernatural romance books I used to love. It's a little quieter than some of the others, but that's part of what I liked about it.
Shiver: Stiefvater, Maggie: Books
I picked this up because it was by Stephenie Meyer, but it ended up feeling really different from Twilight. If you're into sci-fi and haven't tried it, it's definitely worth giving a chance.
The Host: A Novel: Stephenie Meyer
I remember being really interested in the whole idea of everyone getting surgery to become “pretty.” It was one of those books that made me think about the whole beauty-and-conformity thing without feeling like I was reading a lecture.
Uglies
This is one of those books I feel like almost everyone encountered in school. I remember thinking it was interesting when I first read it, and it's one that definitely hits differently when you're older.
The Giver: Lois Lowry: Books
One of my faves! Another John Green classic from that era. I liked the mystery and road-trip aspect of this one, and it has that very recognizable 2010s YA feeling.
Paper Towns
This was one of those books that made me appreciate the awkwardness of teenage romance. It's sweet but not overly perfect, which is probably why I remember it.
Eleanor & Park - Rainbow Rowell: Books
This was childhood reading at its finest. I loved how weird and dark it was, especially compared with the usual kids' books. The whole series just has such a nostalgic feel for me.
Series Of Unfortunate Events: Books
This one feels especially nostalgic to me because it's such a classic John Green book from that era. I love the quirky characters, the road trip, and the slightly nerdy humor.
An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
A later John Green book, but I still had to include it. It has that familiar John Green writing style while feeling a little more grown-up than his earlier books.
Turtles All the Way Down: Green, John
This one really takes me back to that emotional YA phase. I remember getting so invested in the characters and their story. Definitely one of those books that stayed with me.
All the Bright Places
Such a nostalgic summer read for me. I love the whole beach-house, first-love, growing-up vibe. It feels very 2010s YA in the best way.
The Summer I Turned Pretty
I loved how cute and easy this one was to get into. Lara Jean's whole secret-love-letter situation was such a fun concept, and this definitely gives me that cozy YA nostalgia.
To All the Boys I've Loved Before: Han
This one was definitely on the more emotional side of my YA phase. I remember being so invested in Mia's story and thinking about the book even after I finished it.
If I Stay: Forman, Gayle
I remember everyone talking about this one, and for good reason. It's one of those books that completely pulls you in and then leaves you emotionally wrecked. Definitely a memorable read from that era.
Me Before You, After You, and Still Me 3-Book Set