Classic Crossover

If you liked these popular modern books for young adults, try some of these classics. Or, vice versa. Expand your reading horizons!

For fans of The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini (Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr, Inheritance), I would recommend anything by J. R. R. Tolkein. Of the high fantasy series I have read, Christopher Paolini has the most in common with the “father” of the genre.

The Twilight Series (Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn) by Stephenie Meyer reminded me the most strongly of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. The character Jane Eyre is remarkably similar to Bella Swan, if you dropped her on the darkly whimsical and rain-soaked moors of Victorian England. However, there aren’t any vampires in Jane Eyre, so I also recommend Dracula by Bram Stoker for an air of fantasy. And even more bleak weather.

If Unwind by Neal Shusterman is your thing (the next book in the series, UnWholly is due out August 28, by the way), check out Frankenstein by Mary Shelley and 1984 by George Orwell. Between the two novels, you will find a creepy sci-fi stitched together body, and an even creepier dystopian society.

Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games series (The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, Mocking Jay) built on a long tradition of dystopian novels. I once again recommend Orwell’s 1984, this time in conjunction with Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Happy Reading! Well, happy reading if you like disturbing stories.

A big thanks to Kelly for today's classical crossover recommendations!

The Cellar by A.J. Whitten

The Cellar by A.J. Whitten

Though this book has been out since the spring of '11,
it JUST caught my eye as I was glancing
through our newer younger adult titles.  I'm not sure what
compelled me to physically pick it up, other than the reference
sentence leading into the title:
"Romeo and Juliet meet the living dead in..."

Really Romeo and Juliet meet the living dead? 
Zombies?
Hmmm...Though I'm a fan of watching Zombie TV, I generally don't read zombie books, but I'll give any book a few chapters.

Initially, the voice of the book--Meredith--seemed rough in flow.  But as I took myself 'there' as a teen, the voice made perfect sense.  It sounded as if a teen was actually telling the story--not an adult in teens clothing.  And then I was off....

I surprised myself by getting caught up in the main characters, Adrien--the 'Romeo-Zombie', Heather--his unknowing,angsty Juliet, and the families who don't want to see them together.  The author did a great job adding in enough gruesome detail in the filler paragraphs and chapters, that lead the readers wanting more zombie action.

My heart was racing as the book had a shocker ending I never saw coming!  Whether you're adult or teen who's looking for a quick zombie read, this book will keep you entertained.  You may even find yourself wondering what your neighbor is keeping in their own cellar.