books you need one brain cell to read (trashy recommendations!)

You know that feeling where you’re just SO TIRED and don’t have the energy to read a proper fantasy book with actual world-building, or something that requires MENTAL ENERGY? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s some trashy YA novels that are either pretty stupid or really stupid, but are either lighthearted or enjoyable if you don’t look too close. 

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Daughter Of The Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller // I read this last year, when I had a headache + was feeling very ill, and it was exactly what I needed. There are 4000 things bad about this book, and it’s cringey, BUT YOU KNOW WHAT… it was so easy to read, and stupid, and the romance was angsty. Look, it’s good trash for when you need good trash. 

An Enchantment Of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson // This is genuinely just a fairy tale romance disguised as a fantasy!!! Don’t expect an actual immersive fantasy that’s gripping or fascinating because it’s not. It’s a cute little romance story that has a semi interesting plot. 

Mooncakes // To be fair, this is the only graphic novel I’ve read but it’s SOFT!! It just gives you those warm fuzzy feels ya know? The graphics in this were adorable and so pretty!! overall: cute, light-hearted and funny.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber // I have a gazillion problems with this book and I so get why people would hate it. I could pick up on the insta-love, the lack of world-building, the annoying character deaths, the messy plot twists, I won’t because Caraval swept me into another land. I was turning the pages without realising and I could not put it down (I was reading throughout my Biology lesson because who cares about bacteria cells, honestly?) Caraval was so magical. I didn’t even realise how quickly I had read the book, and how entangled I was in the world.If you look at this objectively it’s just very bad,,, but if you just read it as a magi cal book to escape IT’S SUCH A WHIRLWIND OF A RIDE. 

Shadow And Bone by Leigh Bardugo // look i’m gonna put it to you straight. Six Of Crows is a masterpiece…and this is straight up trash (just like I am for the Darkling AHAH) This book is so easy to read (once you get into it) and the plot is pretty fast-paced and addicting!! Alina is annoying, so is Mal but I mean The Darkling’s right there…ahahah just kidding…unless??

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To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Hann // I remember I binged this entire series SO QUICKLY. Look romantic fluffy contemporaries aren’t exactly my favourites. But despite the annoying bits, and many obvious flaws of this series, I ended up caring about these characters SO MUCH. The romance is adorable. There’s baking and a cute family!! Like yeah, there’s a love triangle BUT FAKE DATING TROPE? YES. Anyways, if you can look past all the bad bits of this series, it’s fucking cute!!! 

My So Called Bollywood Life by Nisha Sharma // look! I’m trying to recommend some DIVERSE contemporaries (because does it look like i’m gonna read Kasie West books,,, no.) anyways this book is really over the top and melodramatic but IF YOU’RE FEELING TIRED AND SHITTY and don’t pay attention to it it’s a FUN read okay? Also, support writers of colour!! (and non-issue books by POC make me happy okayyy)

Highly Illogical Behaviour – This is about an anxious gay kid! It’s about friendships and it’s SHORT you’ll be able to fly through it in twenty seconds okay. Its cute and wholesome and made me cry. So obviously everything you want in a book.

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The Diamond Brothers by Anthony Horowitz // this is a middle grade series BUT IT’S SO FUNNY. Genuinely exactly my type of humour,,, it’s so CORNY. And the mysteries are so fun and you need 0 brain cells. It’s STUPID but in such a fun way and genuinely one of my favourite series. THE ENTIRE THING IS SO ADDICTIVE!!! 

Cinder by Marissa Meyer // SUPER PREDICTABLE SCI-FI CINDERELLA RETELLING. this is literally nothing special BUT IT’S FUN and unique and COOL. Anyways I still need to read the last book, but it’s so easy to read and all the characters are so lovable!!

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi // THE FIRST BOOK IN THIS SERIES SUCKS!!!! IT’S SO BAD!!! And then book two is also pretty bad but then IGNITE ME happens and you’re like omg i LOVE these characters. I remember this making me laugh so loud and remember my heart swelling at the warnette content. IT’S SO EASY TO READ and there’s nothing much to focus on apart from the characters being dorky and angsty and stupid and having traumatic pasts!!

A Sky Painted Gold by Laura Wood // this is a historical romance…which is not my usual type of books if you know what i’m saying,,,,, BUT it was soooo fun. (me about every book) it’s just loads of parties and has such a relax, pink hazey vibe and the most slow burn romance (which I didn’t like at all if i’m honest) but it’s such a refreshing story where nothing really happens but entertaining anyways!!!

Did you enjoy this recommendation post? What books would you add the list? Have you read any of these? Tell me in the comments below!

ilsa