10+ Best Interesting Books for 17-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for interesting books for 17-year-olds that promise to captivate and engage? Whether you’re looking to dive into worlds of intrigue, adventure, or self-discovery, finding the right book can be a game changer. In this blog, we've curated a variety of lists featuring must-read titles that are perfect for any 17-year-old reader. Keep reading to discover your next great read!

Fun Interesting Books for 17-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 meets and falls in love with Gus Waters, a similarly afflicted teen from her cancer support group.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartfelt and poignant story that tackles big themes like love, loss, and mortality in ways that are both insightful and relatable to teenage readers.
  • Perfect for: Teens looking for a deep, emotional story that reflects some of the complex feelings and experiences of adolescence.

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Dystopian, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In a dystopian future, teenager Katniss Everdeen volunteers to fight in a televised battle to the death in place of her younger sister.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling page-turner with strong themes of survival, totalitarianism, and resistance that resonate well with young adults, encouraging them to think about society, governance, and personal ethics.
  • Perfect for: Action lovers and those interested in political themes, as well as readers who enjoy strong female protagonists.

• Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance
  • Synopsis: Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of 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 captures the exhilaration of first love and the challenges of teenage life, making it incredibly relatable and engaging for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Anyone who enjoys realistic stories about love, friendship, and the trials of high school life.

• Looking for Alaska by John Green
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: The novel follows Miles Halter as he enrolls in a boarding school to seek what the dying poet François Rabelais called the "Great Perhaps." There he meets Alaska Young, and his life gets a whole new twist.
  • Why we recommend this book: It deals with themes of self-discovery and the impact of profound loss, wrapped in a story with memorable, quirky characters.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in deep, thought-provoking themes and those who appreciate a mix of humor and drama.

• Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Young Adult, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A heist story about six outcasts—a convict, a sharpshooter, a runaway, a spy, a Heartrender, and a thief—who attempt an impossible heist that could make or break their fortunes in a hostile, magical world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an action-packed adventure that also explores complex themes such as identity, belonging, and moral ambiguity.
  • Perfect for: Fantasy enthusiasts and readers who love intricate plots and ensemble casts with rich character development.

Educational Interesting Books for 17-Year-Olds

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, History, Science
  • Synopsis: This book explores the history of humankind from the emergence of Homo sapiens in the Stone Age up to the twenty-first century, focusing on why our species succeeded in the survival and dominance game.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, historical knowledge, understanding of human evolution
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a compelling overview of human history, combined with insightful analysis of how historical events shape our lives today.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds interested in the big questions about humans and our place in the world.

• Educated by Tara Westover
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Biography
  • Synopsis: This memoir recounts the struggle of a girl born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho who, kept out of school, educates herself enough to escape her violent upbringing and earn a PhD from Cambridge University.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of self-education, resilience, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a testament to the power of education and the strength it takes to find one’s own path in life against all odds.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate powerful personal stories and those interested in the transformative power of education.

• Astrophysics for Young People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson, with Gregory Mone
  • Genre(s): Science, Astrophysics
  • Synopsis: Neil deGrasse Tyson brings the universe down to Earth succinctly and clearly, with sparkling wit, in digestible chapters consumable anytime and anywhere in your busy day.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Scientific literacy, understanding of the universe, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging, encouraging young readers to marvel at the universe.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a budding interest in science and the cosmos.

• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Fiction, Social Issues
  • Synopsis: The story follows a 16-year-old girl named Starr Carter who becomes the only witness to the fatal shooting of her best friend at the hands of a police officer.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, social awareness, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles important themes like racism and police violence with nuance and depth, offering a window into experiences that drive today's social movements.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in understanding more about social justice and current events.

• Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Psychology, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book champions the introvert's cause, explaining how quiet people can thrive in a world that seems to favor the bold and the outspoken.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-awareness, understanding of personality types, advocacy skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a deep dive into the strengths of introverts and offers valuable advice on how they can leverage these traits in their personal and professional lives.
  • Perfect for: Introverted teens looking to feel empowered and anyone interested in personality psychology.

Challenging Interesting Books for 17-Year-Olds

• Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
  • Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Satire
  • Synopsis: Set in an alternate reality, this novel intertwines the lives of residents at a tennis academy and a nearby substance-abuse recovery center, exploring themes of addiction, entertainment, and the complexities of the human condition.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its narrative structure is non-linear, featuring extensive footnotes, varied narrative voices, and a complex vocabulary that demands attentive reading.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound exploration of modern American life, offering insights into personal and societal struggles with a depth that can be intellectually stimulating for advanced readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy tackling dense, thought-provoking literature and those interested in themes of media and modern culture.

• Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Postmodern
  • Synopsis: Set during the final months of World War II in Europe, the novel follows an extensive cast of characters involved with the design, production, and dispatch of V-2 rockets by the German military.
  • Why this book is challenging: Known for its complex plot, myriad characters, and a wide range of advanced themes including physics, mathematics, and technology.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to think critically about the impact of technology and war on society, woven through a narrative that is both chaotic and captivating.
  • Perfect for: Students of history, technology enthusiasts, and those who appreciate a challenging read that requires engagement and reflection.

• Ulysses by James Joyce
  • Genre(s): Modernist Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel details the peripatetic appointments and encounters of Leopold Bloom in Dublin over the course of an ordinary day, 16 June 1904.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its stream-of-consciousness technique, rich characterizations, and deep allusions to a myriad of historical, literary, and religious themes make it a demanding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's considered one of the most important works of modernist literature and provides a deep, albeit challenging, look into human experiences and thoughts.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in deep literary history and those who enjoy exploring human consciousness and complex narrative structures.

• The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Philosophical Novel, Crime Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel revolves around the bitter love-hate relationships between the father and four sons in the Karamazov family in 19th century Russia.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into deep philosophical discussions on God, free will, and morality, intertwined with a complex narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights into ethical debates and human psychology, making it a timeless piece that encourages deep thinking and philosophical questioning.
  • Perfect for: Philosophically inclined readers and those who appreciate intricate psychological and ethical explorations within a familial drama.

• War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Philosophical Novel
  • Synopsis: This epic novel tells the story of Russian society during the Napoleonic Era and is renowned for its complex characters and detailed depiction of Russian life.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its breadth of scope, featuring dozens of characters and numerous subplots, as well as its blend of narrative and philosophical discourses on history and war.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a monumental work that not only provides a detailed historical account but also explores themes of fate, free will, and the human condition.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and those interested in a comprehensive exploration of life and society during a tumultuous period in history.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're 17 and diving into some interesting books, why not enhance your reading experience with some simple exercises? These activities are designed to not only make your reading sessions more engaging but also to help you develop some stellar reading habits. Let's check them out!

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Helps in creating a consistent reading pattern and achieving reading targets.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals and gradually increase them.

• Join or Start a Book Club
  • What it is: Gather a group of friends or join an existing club where members read and discuss books.
  • How it helps: Encourages critical thinking and exposes you to diverse perspectives.
  • Tips: Choose books that spark interest across the group to keep discussions lively.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Spend some time reading the book out loud, either solo or to someone else.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and helps in better retention of information.
  • Tips: Try mimicking the emotions of the characters while reading to enhance understanding.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Minimizes distractions and enhances concentration.
  • Tips: Make sure your reading space is comfortable and well-lit.

• Use Technology Wisely
  • What it is: Utilize apps and gadgets that can aid your reading, like e-readers or reading apps.
  • How it helps: Makes reading more accessible and convenient, especially on the go.
  • Tips: Set time limits on apps to avoid excessive screen time and maintain a balance.

• Reflect on Your Reading
  • What it is: Take time after reading to reflect on the story, themes, and characters.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding and enhances memory retention.
  • Tips: Write down your reflections or discuss them with friends or family.

• Alternate Between Genres
  • What it is: Switch between different genres with each new book.
  • How it helps: Keeps reading exciting and broadens your exposure to different writing styles.
  • Tips: Make a list of genres you haven’t explored yet and tackle them one by one.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine can really transform the way you interact with books. Not only will you enjoy your reading more, but you'll also find yourself getting more out of every book. So, why not give them a try and see how much more engaging your reading sessions can be? Happy reading!