Truthfully, this post should probably be called My Very Honest But Possibly Unpopular Opinions about YA Liar Books. So .. what do I think are the Best YA Books About Liars?
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The Lying Game by Sara Shepard – I know. I’m WAY in the minority here, but I think this series about twins who secretly swap places was a FAR superior book (and show – RIP!) to Pretty Little Liars by the same author. The show changed one major twist, but I thought it really worked.
Liar by Justine Larbalestier – this came out in 2009, and the Goodreads rating is low, but I really loved it. It’s about a girl whose boyfriend is killed under mysterious circumstances.
One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus – this should have been called All of Us Were Lying, but the Breakfast Club meets YA liar concept was pure genius.
Dangerous Girls (apparently this was retitled I’ll Never Tell?) by Abigail Haas – so twisty! If you love true crime podcasts and such, definitely try this if you haven’t yet.
I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson – this book just proves a contemporary and literary book can be just as shocking as a thriller.
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein – this is historical fiction and perhaps another unexpected choice, but this story of a girl captured and interrogated by the Gestapo during WWII. Try the audiobook!
We Were Liars by e. lockhart – On my Goodreads feed this was a love it or hate it kind of book. But it really worked for me.
Okay: tell me what you think are the best YA books about liars in comments!
I don’t care what people say, I loved We Were Liars. I remember the point where the twist was revealed, and I cried. It caused me actual pain. I’ll Give You the Sun remains one of my all-time favorites. I really hope Nelson gets inspired and writes some more books, because the two she wrote are phenomenal. McManus is a new favorite of mine. I really enjoyed both her books, and AM SO EXCITED WE ARE GETTING A SEQUEL!!! Dangerous Girls was a hyped book, that I am glad I read. It was quite head trip.
Yay – so glad you agree with so many of my picks!
I bought and read The Lying Game and maybe read the first two? I kind of wish I had finished the series!
I don’t think I read all 6 (?) either – I actually liked the show better. With Alloy books, I always prefer the show. But I love twin switching place plots so much!
I hate misdirection to the point where you can’t believe anything so liar books aren’t usually for me.
I did like We Were Liars but I figured the twist out right away *sobs*
Karen @ For What It’s Worth
I can’t remember but I think I did too. I still really liked that one!