Feature: Your Outie Reads YA

Who else has a Waffle Party planned for tonight? Yes, it is equally the best and worst day of the year – the S2 Severance finale. While we will be eagerly awaiting whenever the next season comes (and it BETTER), we know there is a time period where many of our fav shows will go back onto the severed floor. If you’re like us, you’ve been watching (or will be watching – holy cow there are SO many favs returning in April. Had to include them to pre-empt the sadness) Severance, Yellowjackets, Shrinking, White Lotus…And more.

Whether you’re into dystopian thrillers, mind-bending sci-fi, or character-driven dramas, here are some book recommendations that perfectly match the vibe of the TV series we’re currently obsessed with. Grab your cozy blanket, disconnect from your “innies,” and dive into these reads!

For Fans of Severance

If you loved the eerie, mind-twisting world of Severance, you’ll enjoy these thought-provoking books that explore identity, memory, and the human experience:

• Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful by Arwen Elys Dayton
  This futuristic novel delves into the ethics of genetic engineering, exploring what it means to be human in a world where we can constantly improve ourselves.
• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  A classic in dystopian literature, The Giver explores a society where emotions are suppressed, and memories are controlled. The theme of conformity vs. individuality will feel very familiar to Severance fans.
• The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera
  Set in the same universe as They Both Die at the End, this prequel brings us into a world where death is predicted by a mysterious service – and another look at how we handle fate and memory.
• All Better Now by Neal Shusterman
  A gripping exploration of grief, loss, and the search for meaning. This novel dives deep into the psychological impact of trauma and how we navigate the complex landscape of healing.

For Fans of Yellowjackets

If you’ve been gripped by the chaos and survival instincts in Yellowjackets, these books will keep you on the edge of your seat:

• Wilder Girls by Rory Power
  A chilling survival story set in a girls’ boarding school where a toxic environmental disaster leaves the survivors fighting for their lives. It’s equal parts eerie and intense.
• The Female of the Species by Mindy McGinnis
  A gripping tale of revenge, violence, and morality—this book explores the darker side of human nature in a way that feels very Yellowjackets-esque.
• The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
  A dystopian novel where girls are sent away to a forest to “release” their supposed dangerous powers. It’s a haunting reflection on power dynamics and survival, just like the intense relationships in Yellowjackets.
• The Violence by Delilah S. Dawson
  A dark and twisted novel follows a woman caught in a world where violence is suddenly contagious. It’s perfect for fans of Yellowjackets’ survival horror and exploration of human nature under extreme pressure.

For Fans of Andor

Andor’s deep dive into the gritty side of the Star Wars universe makes these books ideal for fans looking for intricate politics, rebellion, and personal stakes:

• The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire by Thomas J. L. McDonald
  An epic and thought-provoking exploration of power, politics, and rebellion within a galaxy-spanning empire.
• The Mask of Fear by Alexander Freed
  A thrilling Star Wars novel that brings readers deep into the workings of the Empire with intrigue, espionage, and the tension of an underworld fight for survival. Perfect for Andor fans!

For Fans of White Lotus

If you can’t get enough of the luxurious yet darkly comedic vibe of White Lotus, these thrillers will pull you in:

• The Reunion by Kit Frick
  A gripping psychological thriller about a reunion gone wrong, secrets and lies unravel among a group of former friends, capturing the same tension and intrigue as White Lotus.
• A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall
  A chilling mystery set in a small town where a cold case reopens, and everyone’s motives come into question. If you love the drama and suspense of White Lotus, this one’s for you.
• You Can Trust Me by Wendy Heard
  A page-turning psychological thriller that dives into the complexities of trust and betrayal, just like the manipulative relationships in White Lotus.

For Fans of You

You fans know all about obsession, mystery, and complicated relationships. These books will keep your heart racing:

• The Obsession by Jesse Q. Sutanto
  A page-turning thriller about an obsessive relationship that takes a dangerous turn, just like the intense twists in You.
• Bloom by Delilah S. Dawson
  This gripping novel explores themes of desire, obsession, and the unsettling power dynamics that can take root in relationships – perfect for fans of You.

For Fans of Shrinking

Shrinking combines humor, therapy, and emotional depth. These books will take you on a similarly emotional journey:

• The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan
  A beautifully written story about grief, family, and self-discovery. It’s emotionally powerful and perfect for fans of Shrinking’s exploration of mental health.
• In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner
  A heartfelt story of a boy coming to terms with life’s complexities, mental health, and finding meaning in unexpected places. It’s a wonderful read for fans of Shrinking’s emotional richness.

For Fans of The Last of Us

The survival-driven narrative and emotional stakes of The Last of Us can be found in these post-apocalyptic reads:

• This is Not a Test by Courtney Summers
  A gripping, emotional survival story in the midst of a zombie apocalypse, This is Not a Test will hit home for The Last of Us fans looking for tense, character-driven drama.
• The Electric Kingdom by David Arnold
  A dystopian world where a virus has wiped out much of humanity, this book examines the emotional aftermath and the journey of a group of survivors, much like The Last of Us.
• All That’s Left in the World by Erik J. Brown
  A post-apocalyptic love story between two survivors. It’s tender, emotional, and full of the same themes of survival and human connection as The Last of Us.

There you have it, book recs for all the TV we are currently obsessed with. What show are you obsessed with right now? Let us know if you’ve read any of these books or have your own suggestions for TV-to-book recommendations!

.