Top Ten “Gateway” Books/Authors In My Reading Journey

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish where we feature top ten books or book related stuff according to each week’s topic.

Some of you might be wondering what “gateway” books/authors mean. According to The Broke and Bookish, it is defined as “books that got you into reading, an author that got you into reading a genre you never thought you’d read, a book that brought you BACK into read”.

Since I have awful memory, this list might not be completely accurate. I also don’t have any genres I would say I don’t think I’d ever read so it was decided that this list will comprise of the YA books that got me into reading or loving a genre (that’s still categorized under YA since that’s what I mostly read). I hope that didn’t sound too confusing.

Top 10 “Gateway” Books/Authors In My Reading Journey:

1. Young Adult

The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot
Yes, this was the very first YA book I’ve ever read. At the age of 10/11 (I know, not quite a young adult yet), I was visiting my Mom in Shaghai (back when she lived there) and she thought I had nothing productive to do at home when she was busy. We were walking on the streets one fine winter day when we came across a street vender selling books. English books. From a street vender. He had a set of the first 7 books in The Princess Diaries series and I guessed it was pretty cheap because my Mom immediately bought it when I said the covers looked interesting. I know it was an odd way to obtain my first ever YA book but well, it didn’t hinder my love for the genre. Fast forward 6 years from that wintery day and here I am blogging and obsessing over YA books!

2. Contemporary

Dare You To by Katie McGarry
This was definitely not the first contemporary novel I’ve read but prior to it, I’ve never really liked the genre. However, it all changed after reading Dare You To, I discovered I do love contemporary novels after all! Just that I have pretty high expectations for them.

3. Dystopia

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
The first dystopian book I’ve ever read from back in 2011 and I can’t say I wasn’t impressed. The technology in this series is wonderful and yes, I’ve completed the whole series. I would recommend it too!

4. Historical

The Luxe by Anna Godbersen
4 years after reading this book and I’m still in love with the cover. Before this, I’ve read some middle grade historical novels but since I’m focusing on YA “gateway” books, I shall include this too. I’m unsure if I would still love the series as much if I re-read it right now but… it’ll remain special in my heart because 13-year-old me utterly adored it.

5. Urban Fantasy

Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
I started off really liking this series because its take on vampirism is crazy cool. But as the story progressed, it got draggier and draggier so I ultimately stopped reading it. :( But still, it was my first urban fantasy book.

6. Fantasy

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows
I don’t recall reading any fantasy novels before this one so… And yes, it did get me hooked onto the genre. Very hooked.

7. Sci-Fi

Across the Universe by Beth Revis
I can’t say I loved this book but I did love the whole series (meaning the subsequent 2 books were very redeeming).

8. Steampunk

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Go see my review and you’ll know why I love this one (and the rest of the trilogy). Best intro to steampunk ever!

9. Time-Travel

Hourglass by Myra McEntire
This book is amazing. Definitely time travel done right. And a good intro to the genre too.

10. Faeries

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
My introductory guide to the dangerous world of the Fae and I can’t say I don’t love it. If only the spin-off series was as good as the original!

That’s it for me! What are your “gateway” books? Comment of leave a link down below to let me know!

Adelena