10+ Best Fiction Books for 19-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you a 19-year-old or know someone who is, looking to dive into a new adventure without ever leaving the comfort of home? Exploring fiction books for 19-year-olds can be the perfect escape. From tales that mirror your own life challenges to stories that whisk you away to fantastical realms, there’s a book out there just waiting to be your next favorite. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of fiction books for 19-year-olds, each ready to captivate and inspire.
Table of Contents
Fun Fiction Books for 19-Year-Olds
- The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
- Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance
- Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Hazel Grace Lancaster, a sixteen-year-old cancer patient who reluctantly attends a cancer support group. There, she meets and falls in love with Augustus Waters, a fellow cancer survivor with a charismatic personality.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a heartfelt and poignant story that deals with life, love, and loss in a way that resonates with young adults navigating their own complex emotions and relationships.
- Perfect for: Young adults looking for a meaningful story that combines romance with deeper life themes.
- Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
- Genre(s): Young Adult, Contemporary
- Synopsis: The story follows Cath Avery, a freshman in college, who struggles to adapt to her new life while trying to maintain her passion for writing fan fiction.
- Why we recommend this book: It captures the challenges and excitement of starting college, making it relatable to 19-year-olds. It's also a celebration of fandom and finding one's voice through writing.
- Perfect for: Fans of fan fiction, young writers, and anyone experiencing the transition to adulthood.
- Looking for Alaska by John Green
- Genre(s): Young Adult, Coming-of-Age
- Synopsis: The book follows Miles Halter as he enrolls in a boarding school to seek what the poet François Rabelais called the "Great Perhaps." There he meets Alaska Young, a clever, funny, and self-destructive student who pulls Miles into her world.
- Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning, all of which are highly relevant to 19-year-olds dealing with similar existential questions.
- Perfect for: Teens and young adults interested in deep, thought-provoking narratives about growing up.
- Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
- Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance
- Synopsis: Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this novel follows two star-crossed misfits—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a touching and nostalgic story that captures the intensity of young love and the struggles of teenage life.
- Perfect for: Anyone who enjoys realistic young adult romance and stories about overcoming social and familial challenges.
- We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
- Genre(s): Young Adult, Mystery
- Synopsis: A beautiful and distinguished family. A private island. A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy. A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
- Why we recommend this book: The suspense and the twist ending make it a compelling read that's hard to put down. It also explores themes of family dynamics and the impact of secrets.
- Perfect for: Readers who love thrillers and psychological dramas, as well as anyone interested in complex family relationships.
Educational Fiction Books for 19-Year-Olds
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Coming-of-Age
- Synopsis: Set in the Deep South during the 1930s, this novel follows young Scout Finch and her brother, Jem, as they witness their father, Atticus Finch, a lawyer, defend a black man unjustly accused of a terrible crime.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Ethical reasoning, empathy, historical context of racial issues in America
- Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful exploration of morality and justice that provides a profound lesson on empathy and the dangers of prejudice.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in American history, social justice, and moral dilemmas.
- 1984 by George Orwell
- Genre(s): Dystopian, Political Fiction
- Synopsis: This novel presents a chilling depiction of a totalitarian regime in the future where the government controls everything, including thoughts, through constant surveillance and propaganda.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding of political systems, awareness of surveillance and privacy issues
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a cautionary tale about the abuse of power and the loss of personal freedoms, themes that are ever-relevant in today's digital age.
- Perfect for: Those interested in politics, history, and the impact of technology on society.
- The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
- Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Drama
- Synopsis: This story traces the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father's servant in Afghanistan, which is torn apart by an act of betrayal. The narrative provides a moving account of the life of the protagonist amidst the changing political landscape of Afghanistan.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, historical knowledge of Afghanistan, themes of redemption and forgiveness
- Why we recommend this book: It's an emotional journey that offers insights into complex relationships and the human cost of political turmoil.
- Perfect for: Readers looking for a story of friendship and redemption, as well as those interested in the socio-political history of Afghanistan.
- Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
- Genre(s): Dystopian, Science Fiction
- Synopsis: This novel is set in a futuristic world where human beings are mass-produced and conditioned for their roles in a strictly hierarchical society. The story explores the consequences of state control versus personal freedom.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, societal role understanding, ethical reasoning in science and technology
- Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to think about the balance between community, identity, and stability versus individual freedom, creativity, and personal rights.
- Perfect for: Science fiction fans and anyone interested in discussions about the future of society and the role of technology.
- Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
- Genre(s): Science Fiction, Historical Fiction
- Synopsis: This novel follows Billy Pilgrim, a man unstuck in time, as he experiences World War II bombing of Dresden, his post-war life, and his abduction by aliens. It combines elements of science fiction with the grim reality of war.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical awareness, philosophical thinking about war and existence, narrative structure analysis
- Why we recommend this book: It's a unique blend of historical narrative and science fiction that provides profound insights into the destructiveness of war and the nature of human existence.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy novels that combine real history with speculative elements, and those who appreciate a non-linear narrative.
Challenging Fiction Books for 19-Year-Olds
- Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
- Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Satire
- Synopsis: Set in an alternate reality, the novel revolves around the lives of residents at a tennis academy and a nearby drug rehabilitation center, exploring themes of addiction, entertainment, and the complexities of the human condition.
- Why this book is challenging: Its narrative is complex with extensive footnotes, varied narrative styles, and a non-linear timeline that demands significant attention and analytical skills.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a deep dive into modern societal issues with rich, multifaceted characters and a sprawling, intricate plot that challenges and rewards persistent readers.
- Perfect for: Readers looking for a dense, thought-provoking novel that tackles broad themes like entertainment's role in society and the nature of addiction.
- Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon
- Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
- Synopsis: Set during World War II, the novel follows an extensive cast of characters, including a paranoid American lieutenant who uncovers a mysterious device that the Nazis are interested in, which leads to various surreal and complex escapades.
- Why this book is challenging: Known for its complex plot and dense narrative style, the book includes a wide range of advanced vocabulary and references to obscure scientific and philosophical concepts.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a challenging read that's rich in both historical and theoretical ideas, providing an unparalleled depth of literary and intellectual engagement.
- Perfect for: Those interested in a complex narrative that combines deep historical context with speculative science and psychological insight.
- Ulysses by James Joyce
- Genre(s): Modernist Literature
- Synopsis: The novel takes place over a single day in Dublin and follows the journeys of Leopold Bloom and Stephen Dedalus through the city, paralleling Homer's Odyssey.
- Why this book is challenging: Its stream-of-consciousness technique, complex language, and deep allusions to classical literature make it a notoriously difficult read.
- Why we recommend this book: It's considered one of the most important works of modernist literature, offering profound insights into the details of everyday life and the inner workings of human consciousness.
- Perfect for: Readers who are interested in deep literary history and the exploration of new narrative forms.
- Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
- Genre(s): Western, Historical Fiction
- Synopsis: The novel narrates the brutal adventures of a teenage runaway known only as "the Kid," who becomes involved with a violent gang of Indian-hunters in the American Southwest in the mid-19th century.
- Why this book is challenging: It features a dense and poetic prose style, with minimal punctuation and a bleak view of human nature that can be disturbing.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful examination of violence and the myth of the American West that challenges the reader's views on morality and human nature.
- Perfect for: Readers interested in American history and literature that offers a stark, unromanticized view of the past.
- The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
- Genre(s): Philosophical Novel, Mystery
- Synopsis: This novel tells the story of the Karamazov brothers—Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha—and their struggles with their father, each other, and their own beliefs, culminating in a parricide that captures the essence of existential and ethical dilemmas.
- Why this book is challenging: The narrative delves deeply into philosophical debates about free will, morality, faith, and doubt, intertwined with a complex plot and multifaceted characters.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a profound philosophical and psychological inquiry that addresses timeless questions about human nature and the existence of God.
- Perfect for: Readers who enjoy deep philosophical questions and complex character studies.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Hey there! If you're 19 and looking to dive deeper into the world of fiction books, developing good reading habits is key. Not only will these habits help you enjoy your reading more, but they can also enhance your understanding and retention of what you read. Here are a few exercises tailored just for you to cultivate these habits:
- Set Specific Reading Goals
- What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many books you want to finish in a month.
- How it helps: Keeps you motivated and on track with your reading ambitions.
- Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.
- Create a Dedicated Reading Space
- What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
- How it helps: Reduces distractions and enhances your focus while reading.
- Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.
- Join a Book Club
- What it is: Participate in a group that reads and discusses books regularly.
- How it helps: Exposes you to different perspectives and enhances comprehension.
- Tips: Choose a club that reads a variety of genres to broaden your horizons.
- Use a Reading App
- What it is: Utilize an app that can track your reading habits and suggest books based on your interests.
- How it helps: Keeps your reading list organized and makes book recommendations.
- Tips: Explore apps like Goodreads or Libby for a start.
- Read Aloud
- What it is: Practice reading books out loud.
- How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps you remember what you read.
- Tips: Try reading aloud for at least a few minutes each day.
- Reflect on What You Read
- What it is: Take time to think about the book after you finish reading it.
- How it helps: Enhances understanding and appreciation of the text.
- Tips: Write a brief summary or discuss the book with a friend.
- Alternate Between Genres
- What it is: Switch between different types of fiction to keep your reading experience fresh.
- How it helps: Prevents boredom and enhances your literary palate.
- Tips: Plan to read something outside your comfort zone every few books.
These exercises are designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle while boosting your reading efficiency and enjoyment. Give them a try, and you might just find yourself falling even more in love with the world of fiction. Happy reading!