By: Julia Allegro
If you know me, you know I’ve always been a hopeless romantic and I’ve definitely been through my share of love stories and tragedies. I have compiled a varying list of romantic Young Adult novels, movies, and stories with adaptations of both, to help you get into a Valentine's Day mood!
Movies
10 Things I Hate About You
10 Things I Hate About You is a classic 90’s rom-com starring Julia Stiles (Kat Stratford) and Heath Ledger (Patrick Verona). When they cross paths and end up enjoying each other's company against all odds, their story enrolls with excitement, doubt, and a bit of teenage angst as they navigate through the messy world of high school.
The Notebook
The Notebook is a powerful emotional story about an unforgettable love. Set in the pre- and post-World War II time, Noah (Ryan Gosling) and Allie (Rachel McAdams) fall hopelessly in love, but their families do not approve. When Noah is drafted into the war they think that's where their story ends, but they could not be more wrong. Told in an outstanding manner this tale is sure to bring some tears of good and bad.
Dirty Dancing
The iconic 80’s film we all watch time and time again. With an amazing soundtrack, don’t be surprised to find yourself humming along. Frances ‘Baby’ (Jennifer Grey) meets Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) on a family vacation in a mountain resort. Johnny dances for a living at the resort, while Baby’s clumsy on her feet. Extending circumstances require Johnny and Baby to pull off the last dance of the summer together with little time. Can they make it happen while avoiding the distraction of each other?
Titanic
The movie Titanic is an incredible reimagine of the events leading up to the very real sinking of the Titanic in 1912. The movie has aspects of non-fiction and fiction alike, interwoven seamlessly into a mesmerizing love story following Rose (Kate Winslet) and Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio). Their meeting from a mere twist of fate bloomed into an unyielding love before our eyes, but we all know the story of the Titanic, and there's only one way this tale can end.
Novels
Heartless by Marissa Meyer
Everyone knows the classic fairy tale of Alice in Wonderland, and we’ve heard Alice’s story countless times. But have you ever thought beyond it? Perhaps about the antagonist of the story… The Queen of Hearts? Who was she before the relentless character displayed to us? I bet you didn’t know her name was Catherine, one of the most desired girls in Wonderland. Though she caught the interest of the unmarried king, her attention lies in opening her own bakery but her world turned upside down when she met the intriguing, charismatic Jest at a ball. Cath is determined to forge her own path, but can she withstand the magic Wonderland has to offer?
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Whether you are into Greek Mythology or not, this book may easily incase your heart, but not so easily let it go. Achilles is Aristos Achaion “the best of all the Greeks”, son of sea goddess Thetis and king Peleus. Patroclus is an awkward, young, exiled prince. When the two meet in Ancient Greece as children, they form a bond like no other. Word arrives of war, and the men of Greece do not hesitate to fight. Patroculs and Achilles would know each other at the end of the world and into the next, but do they have what it takes to weather the siege storming across Greece? Outstandingly written with a poet's soul and the courage of a warrior's heart, Madeline Miller told a story like no other.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
In an act of desperation, Addie LaRue made a bargain with the darkness between stars. To live forever but to be remembered by no one. Addie is stubborn and clever, she’s found ways to leave her mark around the world, but only for those who look. For three hundred years the bargain held true, until out of whim she ran into someone who said those three words she's waited centuries for.
I remember you.
This book does not only have romantic components, but parts that will evoke deep emotion and wonder. And is certainly unforgettable.
Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon
(This book does have a cinematic adaptation, but personally I have not seen it so I will only be reviewing the novel)
Maddy has not left her house in 17 of her 18 years of life. Due to an extremely rare but famous disease, her immune system cannot protect her. Maddy is basically allergic to the world, so the closest people in her life have always been her mom and nurse, Carla. Until one day Maddy looks out the window to see him. Olly. Him.
Olly, wearing all black in the middle of summer. Olly, who caught her looking and stared right back. Maddy’s not sure what will happen between them but she’s 100% sure that she will fall in love, and certain it will be a disaster.
Nicola Yoon yet again crafts an emotional yet fun world that is freshly artistic and sure to leave a mark on you.
Stories With Cinematic and Written Adaptations
Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice is a classic tale that has binded generations. Set in Regency England, Elizabeth Bennet is strong willed and vivacious. This story follows Elizabeth and her four sisters with a mom determined to marry them all off well. Of course there are events and obstacles along the way, like Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy who “...drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien—and the report which was in general circulation within five minutes after his entrance of his having ten thousand a year.”. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s romantic clash is one that's survived centuries and only continues to thrive with its cinematic adaptation in 2005. Jane Austin called this mastercraft “her darling child” for evident reason as it is definitely worth exploring.
Princess Bride
Yet another classic, though more in its youth compared to Pride and Prejudice, Princess Bride is a notorious fairytale. The fairest girl of them all and her true love. When they end up separated, he fights his way back to her through monsters, giants, poisons, fencing, cliff scaling and nothing short of torture. Being one of the best known romance stories of the 20th century, Princess Bride is sure to seize your attention and heart with it.
Twilight
Bella Swan moved to Forks Washington to spend some time with her dad. She had no intention of meeting the mysteriously alluring Edward Cullen, had no intention of uncovering his monumental secrets, and certainly had no intention of falling unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him. Now she's left in an unyieldingly difficult situation, to risk herself and loved ones for what she thinks is love itself or to turn back from him…if it's not too late. Twilight has caught the attention of millions of readers and has been adapted into further perspectives such as the reimagined Life and Death and long awaited Midnight Sun.
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Belly lives for summer. Summer is when everything interesting, fun and lively happens. Belly has been spending every summer at a beach house with her mom, brother, moms best friend, and her sons. Jeremiah and Conard. Jeremiah and Conard have been crushes, brothers, and everything in between to Belly. One summer though, when Belly see’s them again, everything changes. For better or for worse Belly is growing up and with growth comes change. Take this book with you to the beach, or to lay in the sun, to enjoy Jenny Han’s breezy summer read. Now also streaming on Prime Video, curl up in bed or watch with friends. Either way The Summer I Turned Pretty is sure to nag you attention, if not just for the summer.
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