Summer Reading Recommendations
Check out these YA (PLU grads!) authors
Need some good reads for your summer hammock-lounging, sunshine-soaking (wear sunscreen!), finally-you-can-read-something-fun-and-not-for-class time?
Check out these books from PLU grads and talented YA authors, Marissa Meyer and Courtney Gould.
Meet Marissa Meyer
Marissa is the #1 New York Times-bestselling author behind The Lunar Chronicles, Heartless, The Renegades Trilogy, and Instant Karma. She’s also the author behind the graphic novel series Wires and Nerve. Marissa has a BA in Creative Writing from PLU and an MA in Publishing from Pace University. When she’s not crafting epic tales, she’s hosting The Happy Writer podcast, where she dives into all things books and writing. Dive into her world this summer and get ready to be hooked!
The Lunar Chronicles
Cinder
“Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless Lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . . Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg.”
Renegades
“Secret identities. Extraordinary Powers. She wants vengeance. He wants justice. The Renegades are a syndicate of prodigies — humans with extraordinary abilities — who emerged from the ruins of a crumbled society and established peace and order where chaos reigned. As champions of justice, they remain a symbol of hope and courage to everyone…except the villains they once overthrew. Nova has a reason to hate the Renegades, and she is on a mission for vengeance. As she gets closer to her target, she meets Adrian, a Renegade boy who believes in justice — and in Nova. But Nova’s allegiance is to a villain who has the power to end them both.”
Meet Courtney Gould
Courtney is a 2016 PLU Creative Writing, Publishing, and Marketing graduate and accomplished author of queer horror fiction.
“28 New LGBTQ+ Young Adult Novels That’ll Add Sunshine To Your Summer”
BUZZFEED
“Best LGBTQA+ Books of 2021”
SHEREADS
“25 New LGBTQ+ YA Books to Add to Your 2021 Reading List”
PRIDE.com
“45 Best LGBTQ Books That Will Heat Up the Literary Landscape This Fall”
OPRAH DAILY
She writes books about girls, ghosts and things that go bump in the night for the YA audience. With two thrilling books already out and a new one dropping in Fall 2024, get ready for some serious chills. Keep reading if you dare!
The Dead and the Dark (2021)
“Courtney Gould’s thrilling debut The Dead and the Dark is about the things that lurk in dark corners, the parts of you that can’t remain hidden, and about finding home in places―and people―you didn’t expect.”
Where Echos Die (2023)
“In her sophomore novel, Courtney Gould draws readers into the haunting town of Backravel and explores grief, the weight of not letting go of the past, first love, and the bonds between sisters, mothers and daughters.
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