You don't have to be a book fiend to know that the YA literary world is where all the Next Big Things in entertainment seem to happen—and if you've got a pop-cultural pal on your holiday gift list, there's no better gift than one of the smokin' hot titles in our Literary Gift Guide! Because, you guys, a book is a present that you can open again and again. (I think Mahatma Gandhi said that... or maybe it was on a needlepoint sampler I had in my room when I was five. EITHER WAY. Books! Winning!)
The neat little trick to our gift guide? Each book is different—and each fills the void left by an ultra-popular title that left readers yearning for another page to turn. So whether your giftee is a closet anarchist, a steampunk rocker or a lovestruck sap, there's something here for everyone.
For the dystopianista: "Legend," by Marie Lu
For those who loved and devoured the "Hunger Games" books, consider this sock-rocking dystopian tome by our personal pal, Marie Lu. (What do you mean, "Huh?" We just told you about this one!) A gender-differentiated, American reimagining of the central conflict from "Les Miserables," this story has everything from classic literary references to a futuristic American landscape. And, most importantly, there are going to be TWO MORE BOOKS.
For the aspiring Victorian: "The Girl in the Steel Corset," by Kady Cross
If you dug Cassandra Clare's "Clockwork Angel," then your next stop should be this steampunk series set in 19th century England—featuring a fascinating heroine who knocks out her would-be assaulter, joins an underground crimefighting squad and does it all while wearing some seriously complicated underwear.
For feelings and fun: "Lola and the Boy Next Door," by Stephanie Perkins
If your giftee likes cute literary musings on love, she probably already knows about Sarah Dessen—but you can have the pleasure of introducing her to Stephanie Perkins, and that is even better. A follow-up to her smart and sexy first novel, "Anna and the French Kiss," this book made us want to move to San Francisco and kiss the first inventive gentleman hottie available.
Read our review
For the fangbang aficionado: "Bloodlines," the new series by Richelle Mead
You may call them unoriginal, but some people know what they like...and what they like is vampire boyfriends. And since Richelle Mead's tried-and-true "Vampire Academy" have already birthed a whole movement of fans, her new spinoff series is an obvious pick for the literary lover of all things bloodsucking.
Read our review round-up
For the supernatural romantic: "Daughter of Smoke and Bone," by Laini Taylor
The illicit undead romance of "Twilight" might have launched a bajillion book sales, but for our money, Laini Taylor's soon-to-be trilogy about what happens when an angel and a devil fall in love might actually be better. And with its complex characters, stunning premise and gorgeous European setting, those who find this book under their tree might well wake up in 2012 saying, "Edward Cullen? Edward Cullen WHO?"
Read our review
Related:
Holiday Gift Guide: Hollywood Hotties
Holiday Gift Guide: 'The Hunger Games'
Would you like to see one of these books under your tree (or will you be buying one for a friend?) Tell us in the comments and on Twitter!
** Hollywood Crush Twitter