Which YA Book You Should Read Based on Your 2023 Aesthetic

Are you more mermaidcore or futurecore?

Marissa Slack
The Goblet of Fiction
5 min readJan 13, 2023

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Woman wearing pink and blue glasses
Source: Yuri Manei on Pexels

Happy Friyay, everyone!

I wanted to make something fun to celebrate the end of the week. If you love YA fiction and are as indecisive as me, you’re in the right place.

Each year brings new fashion trends and aesthetic fads, and 2023 will be no different. Choose one of these seven aesthetics predicted by fashion experts to take over 2023. I’ll tell you which book you should read based on your choice!

A. Mermaidcore

Aquamarine. Pearl Jewelry. Crotchet. Sequins. Fishnets. Seashell Patterns.

Left/Top: Source: Vanessa Pozos on Pexels | Right/Bottom: Dalila Dalprat on Pexels

B. Futurecore

Silver. Metallics. Chainmail. Cut-out Bodysuits. Feather Trims.

C. 80s Barbiecore

Neon. Windbreakers. Fitness Attire. Sweater Vests. Roller Skates.

D. Regencycore

Corsets. Fancy. Feminine. Glamour.

E. Westerncore

Fringe. Cowboy Hats. Boots. Leopard Prints. Tweed.

F. Rom-Comcore

Slip Dresses. Mini Skirts. Skinny Scarves. Opaque Tights. Cargo Pants.

G. Grunge

Leather. Oversized denim. Bralettes. Grunge is here to stay.

If you chose A, read….

Out of the Blue book cover
Source: heyjasonjune.com

Out of the Blue by Jason June

In mermaid society, merfolk must help a human within one moon cycle to become an Elder. If they fail, they get stuck on land forever.

Crest, the main character, thinks humans are disgusting and wants to get back to Pacifica as fast as possible.

What happens when he agrees to help Sean by fake dating him to get back at Sean’s ex and his perspective on humans begins to change?

Please note that I haven’t read this book yet, but it’s on my to-read list.

If you chose B, read…

Uglies boxed set
Source: Simon & Schuster

Uglies by Scott Westerfield

Uglies is set in the future in a world where everyone is considered ugly until they get extreme cosmetic surgery when they turn 16. Once they undergo surgery, they are granted access to the land of the “pretties.”

The pretties live in a high-tech utopian society where their only responsibility is to have fun.

We soon learn that everything is not what it seems.

This is one of those series that sticks with me years later. I recommend reading the whole series.

If you chose C, read…

Ella Enchanted book cover
Source: Goodreads

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Okay, so this book is closer to middle grade than YA, but it’s still worth a read!

You’ve probably already seen the movie, but the book is just as magical. Follow Ella on her quest for freedom and self-discovery while encountering ogres, elves, and a prince charming.

Once you read this book, you will understand why it won so many awards.

If you chose D, read…

Source: Goodreads

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

If you enjoy period pieces, you will love The Other Boleyn Girl. This is the story of Mary Boleyn, sister to Anne Boleyn (second wife of King Henry VIII). The sisters compete for the attention of the king in the glamourous European Court.

Just don’t expect the book to be historically accurate. It is historical fiction through and through.

If you chose E, read…

Vengeance Road book cover
Source: Goodreads

Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman

Vengeance Road is a classic Western story with a strong female protagonist. You have revenge, cowboys, violence, poker…and just a smidge of romance.

I typically stay away from the Western genre, so this is another book I haven’t read yet. However, it has good reviews and I enjoy Erin Bowman’s other work. If you read this story, let me know if it’s worth picking up!

Flipped book cover
Source: Goodreads

Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen

Flipped begins with Juli falling in love with Bryce…who thinks she’s annoying. By the time Bryce realizes Julie is pretty amazing, her feelings have flipped and she no longer has a crush on him.

Flipped is hilarious and adorable. It’s everything you could want from a romantic comedy.

If you chose G, read…

Girl book cover
Source: Goodreads

Girl by Blake Nelson

Girl tells the story of Andrea Marr, a straight-A student who discovers the underground rock scene during the height of Grunge. Join her as she steps out of her comfort zone, falls in love, and figures out who she is in this coming-of-age story.

This book is raw, witty, and relatable. In high school, I held this book near to my heart.

If you enjoyed this article, please consider signing up for Medium using my referral link. You will get access to a catalog of millions of great stories from thousands of fantastic writers. (And you’ll get virtual hugs from me!)

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Marissa Slack
The Goblet of Fiction

Cat Mom | Book Enthusiast | Published by The American Library of Poetry