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Best books by Ally Condie
22nd Sep 2025
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Ally Condie has captured the hearts of readers with her evocative storytelling, weaving tales that linger long after the final page. From sweeping dystopian landscapes to poignant contemporary narratives, her books explore themes of love, loss, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. Whether you're drawn to her thrilling young adult adventures or her more introspective novels, Condie's ability to craft compelling characters and intricate plots makes for an unforgettable reading experience. This list celebrates the very best of her literary achievements, showcasing the books that have resonated most deeply with her dedicated fanbase. Now it's your turn to weigh in! Dive into the world of Ally Condie and tell us which of her incredible books stand out for you. From the gripping tension of *Matched* to the emotional depth of *Summer of 1933*, your voice matters in shaping this definitive ranking. Browse through the selections, revisit your favorites, and cast your votes to help us crown the ultimate best book by Ally Condie. Let's discover together which stories have truly left their mark!
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#10.
Summerlost
10/16
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In Ally Condie's poignant middle grade novel, *Summerlost*, readers meet Cedar, a young girl navigating the raw grief following the devastating accident that claimed her father and younger brother, Ben. As her family seeks a new beginning by returning to the quiet town of Iron Creek for the summer, Cedar’s life takes an unexpected turn. Drawn by an intriguing boy in costume, Leo, she finds herself immersed in the vibrant world of the renowned Summerlost theatre festival. Amidst new friendships and a job at the concessions stand, Cedar becomes entangled in two compelling mysteries: the tragic, too-short life of a Hollywood actress believed to haunt the festival halls, and the strange, anonymous gifts that mysteriously appear for her. This narrative is deeply "infused with emotion and rich with understanding," exploring themes of "strength of family and personal resilience in the face of tragedy."
For readers compiling a list of Ally Condie’s best works, *Summerlost* is an essential inclusion. As her "touching middle grade debut" following the immensely popular *Matched* series, it powerfully demonstrates Condie's remarkable versatility and range as an author. Shifting from the dystopian romance of her young adult novels to a contemporary mystery rich with emotional depth, *Summerlost* showcases Condie's ability to craft intricate plots and profoundly resonate with a younger audience. Its critical acclaim, notably being a National Book Award Finalist, further solidifies its standing as a standout title that transcends age categories, proving Condie’s mastery in exploring universal themes of grief, healing, and discovery with grace and poignancy.
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Reached
*Reached*, the powerful conclusion to Ally Condie's Matched trilogy, plunges readers back into a world on the brink of profound change. After their desperate search for The Rising and each other, Cassia and Ky have found a new purpose, yet their reunion is tragically short-lived. Cassia is tasked with a perilous undercover assignment within Central city, while Ky, a newly minted airship pilot, operates beyond the borders with Indie. The threads of their individual journeys, along with Xander's surprising role as a medic harboring a significant secret, begin to intertwine as the fragile balance of power threatens to shift once more. *Reached* undeniably belongs on a list of Ally Condie's best works because it delivers a powerful, emotionally resonant, and ultimately satisfying conclusion to her critically acclaimed Matched trilogy. Condie masterfully orchestrates the convergence of her characters' individual quests, providing a thoughtful resolution to the intricate love story and the larger rebellion against the Society. The novel delves deeply into themes of choice, sacrifice, leadership, and the nuanced realities of revolution, all rendered with Condie's signature lyrical prose and keen understanding of adolescent angst and resilience. It’s a testament to her ability to stick the landing, offering both closure and lasting impact.
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Yearbook
It was the first day of school at Lakeview High, and everyone was afraid of something. Michaela Choi was afraid that Ethan Back was never going to ask her out on a date. Andrea Beck was afraid that someone would find her weak spot, the chink in her armor, and she was afraid of knowing what it was herself. Principal Downing was afraid she was going to die. Julie Reid was afraid that no one would notice her, and she was also afraid that someone would. And there was a deeper, unnamed fear inside her that she couldn't escape — a fear that she was nothing and no one. *Yearbook* is a captivating story about relationships and heartaches and fears and ideas and doubts and testimonies and everything that a teenage mind and a backpack can contain, but most important, it's a novel about how everyone has something to offer and something to learn. While Ally Condie is widely celebrated for her dystopian *Matched* series, *Yearbook* stands out as a compelling example of her early prowess in crafting deeply empathetic and introspective young adult narratives. This novel showcases Condie's signature ability to delve into the complex emotional landscape of adolescence, presenting a mosaic of relatable fears and desires that resonate far beyond the page. Its multi-perspective approach allows Condie to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning – hallmarks of her most beloved works – through the raw, authentic lens of high school life. For its poignant honesty and insightful exploration of universal teenage anxieties, *Yearbook* remains a pivotal and deserving title on any list of Ally Condie's best books, demonstrating the breadth and depth of her storytelling talent even in her earlier works.
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First Day
In the much-anticipated sequel to *Yearbook*, *First Day* plunges readers back into the lives of the Beckett family two and a half years later, as they navigate the complexities of college, careers, relationships, and faith. Andrea Beckett is now a junior at Cornell University, grappling with the pressures of finals, major life decisions regarding jobs, and the evolving dynamics of her relationship with Dave Sherman, who has recently returned home from his mission. Adding to her packed schedule, Andrea takes on the challenge of teaching early-morning seminary to a diverse group of eight high schoolers, each facing their own trials and decisions. Meanwhile, her brother Ethan experiences the profound challenges of a mission in Brazil, confronting language barriers, cultural differences, and unexpected personal struggles that make being Elder Beckett harder than he anticipated. *First Day* is a quintessential Ally Condie novel, earning its place among her best by showcasing her profound ability to explore the intricacies of young adult life with depth and empathy. While perhaps less fantastical than her *Matched* series, this contemporary narrative nonetheless grapples with hallmark Condie themes: the weight of choices, the search for identity, the complexities of love and family, and the quiet resilience of faith. Her characters, particularly Andrea and Ethan, are rendered with a raw honesty that invites readers to connect deeply with their struggles and triumphs. Condie masterfully weaves together multiple compelling storylines, demonstrating her skill in crafting narratives that are both emotionally resonant and thought-provoking, making *First Day* a poignant exploration of finding one's path in a world full of possibilities and challenges.
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Crossed
In *Crossed*, Ally Condie plunges readers deeper into a world where The Society chooses everything – from the books you read and the music you listen to, to the person you love. But for Cassia, the rules have irrevocably changed. With Ky taken by the Society for his transgressions, she is driven by a singular, desperate mission: she will sacrifice everything to find him. Her journey leads her to the wild frontiers beyond the Society's carefully controlled borders, a desolate yet hopeful landscape where she discovers Ky may have escaped. However, on the edge of society, nothing is as it seems. Cassia finds herself entangled in a growing rebellion, a movement rising against the very system that dictates their lives. A tangled web of lies and double-crosses threatens to destroy everything Cassia holds dear, forcing her to confront uncomfortable truths about her world and the people within it. As the pivotal second book in the *Matched* trilogy, *Crossed* expertly expands the dystopian universe, moving beyond the confines of the Society to explore the raw, untamed Outlands and the burgeoning forces of resistance. Condie deepens the emotional complexities of Cassia, Ky, and Xander, pushing them to their limits and challenging their perceptions of freedom, loyalty, and love, cementing its place as a compelling and essential entry on any list of Ally Condie’s best works for its ambitious world-building and character development.
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Matched
**Matched** In Ally Condie's *Matched*, readers are introduced to Cassia Reyes, a young woman living in a meticulously controlled dystopian Society where every aspect of life, from what to read to whom to marry, is predetermined. Cassia has always trusted the Society's infallibility, especially when her ideal mate, Xander Carrow, appears on screen during her Matching ceremony. However, her perfect future is immediately thrown into disarray when, for a fleeting instant, the face of another boy, Ky Markham, flashes across the screen before fading to black—a "glitch" the Society quickly dismisses. Despite the Society's reassurances to focus on her destined life with Xander, Cassia finds herself increasingly drawn to Ky. As their forbidden connection deepens, Cassia begins to question the very foundations of the Society's control and the seemingly flawless system she once believed in. This burgeoning love forces her to confront an impossible decision: remain with Xander and the comfortable, pre-approved life she's always known, or risk everything by choosing Ky and embarking on a path of uncertainty, self-discovery, and defiance against the powerful Society. **Why it belongs on the list Best books by Ally Condie:** Ally Condie's *Matched* unequivocally belongs on any "Best books by Ally Condie" list because it is not only her most iconic and commercially successful work but also a defining entry in the young adult dystopian boom of the early 2010s. The novel masterfully blends a compelling love triangle with profound questions about free will, societal control, and the definition of individuality, themes that resonate deeply with its target audience. Condie's lyrical prose and ability to craft a deeply introspective protagonist in Cassia set *Matched* apart, making it more than just a typical dystopian romance. It launched a bestselling trilogy that solidified Condie's place as a significant voice in YA literature, and for many readers, it remains the quintessential Ally Condie experience, showcasing her strengths in world-building, character development, and emotional depth.
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Reunion
As the concluding volume in Ally Condie's poignant Yearbook trilogy, *Reunion* delves deeper into the complex lives of its returning characters. The story primarily follows Addie Sherman, a high school junior grappling with feelings of disconnect from her seemingly outgoing family. Her quiet world is upended when she's called upon to assist her brother Dave and his wife, Avery, during a difficult pregnancy, forcing Addie to confront her own resentments while balancing other demands in her life. Alongside Addie, her best friend Sam Choi faces his own dilemma, wrestling with the weighty decision of whether or not to go on a mission, and the daunting task of breaking this news to his parents. Meanwhile, the narrative also revisits Cate Giovanni, now a freshman in college, eagerly embracing the opportunity to reinvent herself and shed her high school identity. Yet, even as she makes new connections, the shadow of someone she left behind lingers. True to its title, *Reunion* is ultimately a novel about the journeys home – not just geographically, but internally – that become possible after characters discover more about themselves. This intricate narrative tapestry of self-discovery, familial bonds, and the quiet courage of young people navigating pivotal life choices makes *Reunion* a quintessential Ally Condie novel and a strong contender for a "best books" list. Condie excels at crafting emotionally resonant stories where characters embark on internal journeys to define their own paths, often against external pressures or personal doubts, a theme beautifully captured in Addie's quiet strength and Sam's moral quandary, making *Reunion* a compelling and deeply felt conclusion to the trilogy.
00Freshman for President
In Ally Condie's "Freshman for President," readers are introduced to fifteen-year-old Milo Wright, an unlikely candidate for President of the United States. While his bid seems impossible, Milo and his sharp-witted campaign manager, classmate Eden James, hatch a strategic plan to mobilize the youth vote. As the media takes notice and his unconventional campaign gains momentum, readers are taken on a hilarious, heartwarming, and surprisingly thought-provoking journey about the power of youth and the true meaning of leadership, proving that sometimes, the most unbelievable possibilities are the most inspiring. While many readers know Ally Condie for her evocative dystopian narratives like the Matched trilogy, "Freshman for President" showcases her incredible versatility and ability to craft compelling stories across genres. This novel embodies Condie's signature blend of heartfelt character development, thought-provoking social commentary, and an engaging narrative voice that appeals to both young adult and adult readers. It powerfully explores themes of agency, the impact of individual voices, and the sometimes-unseen power of a demographic often underestimated – all hallmarks of Condie's best work. Its humor and optimism, combined with a sharp look at media and politics, make it a standout title that resonates with the same emotional depth and intelligent curiosity found in her more famous works, solidifying its place among her most beloved and significant contributions to literature.
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Being Sixteen
In Ally Condie's poignant contemporary novel, *Being Sixteen*, readers are immersed in the tumultuous year Juliet turns sixteen. As she navigates the typical rites of passage—her first date, the sting of getting kicked off the basketball team—her world takes a serious turn when her younger sister, Carly, develops an eating disorder. This unexpected challenge forces Juliet to dig deep, relying on the unwavering support of her family and the quiet strength of her faith to confront a crisis that threatens to tear her household apart. While Ally Condie is widely celebrated for her blockbuster *Matched* series, *Being Sixteen* stands as a compelling testament to her versatility and her early mastery of contemporary young adult fiction. It showcases her signature ability to craft deeply empathetic characters facing formidable challenges, grounding the narrative in a realistic family dynamic. The novel exemplifies Condie's recurring exploration of resilience, the power of human connection, and the quiet strength found in navigating personal crises. For fans who appreciate her nuanced emotional landscapes and protagonists who find inner fortitude amidst adversity, *Being Sixteen* is a quintessential example of why Condie remains a beloved and impactful voice in YA literature.
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Atlantia
Can you hear Atlantia breathing? Ally Condie's evocative standalone novel plunges readers into a mesmerizing, yet oppressive, underwater city where Rio has always dreamt of the sand and sky Above. Her carefully laid plans for a life beyond Atlantia are shattered when her twin sister, Bay, makes a sudden, inexplicable choice, stranding Rio Below. Alone and stripped of everything but her powerful, long-hidden siren voice, Rio must navigate a treacherous world to uncover the truth behind her mother's death and the complex system that governs the divide between land and sea, realizing that the fate of her city, and her own destiny, depend on her ability to listen to the whispers of the past and speak long-hidden truths. *Atlantia* firmly belongs on any "Best books by Ally Condie" list because it masterfully showcases her signature blend of lyrical prose, intricate world-building, and profound exploration of individual identity against a restrictive society. While distinct from her *Matched* series, it shares the core strength of a compelling protagonist finding her voice and challenging the established order. Condie's ability to craft a deeply atmospheric setting – in this case, a subterranean metropolis – while simultaneously delving into universal themes of sisterhood, sacrifice, and the search for truth makes *Atlantia* a standout. It's a testament to her versatility and her talent for weaving emotionally resonant stories with richly imagined fantastical elements.
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Summerlost
In Ally Condie's poignant middle grade novel, *Summerlost*, readers meet Cedar, a young girl navigating the raw grief following the devastating accident that claimed her father and younger brother, Ben. As her family seeks a new beginning by returning to the quiet town of Iron Creek for the summer, Cedar’s life takes an unexpected turn. Drawn by an intriguing boy in costume, Leo, she finds herself immersed in the vibrant world of the renowned Summerlost theatre festival. Amidst new friendships and a job at the concessions stand, Cedar becomes entangled in two compelling mysteries: the tragic, too-short life of a Hollywood actress believed to haunt the festival halls, and the strange, anonymous gifts that mysteriously appear for her. This narrative is deeply "infused with emotion and rich with understanding," exploring themes of "strength of family and personal resilience in the face of tragedy." For readers compiling a list of Ally Condie’s best works, *Summerlost* is an essential inclusion. As her "touching middle grade debut" following the immensely popular *Matched* series, it powerfully demonstrates Condie's remarkable versatility and range as an author. Shifting from the dystopian romance of her young adult novels to a contemporary mystery rich with emotional depth, *Summerlost* showcases Condie's ability to craft intricate plots and profoundly resonate with a younger audience. Its critical acclaim, notably being a National Book Award Finalist, further solidifies its standing as a standout title that transcends age categories, proving Condie’s mastery in exploring universal themes of grief, healing, and discovery with grace and poignancy.
00The Last Voyage of Poe Blythe
Ally Condie's *The Last Voyage of Poe Blythe* earns its place on any "best of" list by showcasing the author's remarkable range and a darker, more mature exploration of dystopian themes. Set in a haunting post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a mysterious blight, the novel follows the titular Poe Blythe, a 'Navigator' chosen for a perilous sea journey. Unlike the structured society of her *Matched* series, Condie here plunges readers into a desperate fight for survival, where young women are sent on voyages from which many never return. The atmospheric world-building, marked by creeping fear and uncertain hope, immediately draws readers into Poe's isolated island community and the vast, unknown ocean. What truly elevates *The Last Voyage of Poe Blythe* is Condie’s exquisite prose and her unflinching portrayal of grief, resilience, and the difficult choices made in the face of collapse. Poe is a deeply complex protagonist, haunted by loss and driven by a desperate mission, whose internal journey is as compelling as her external one. The narrative weaves elements of survival, mystery, and a quiet sense of hope, demonstrating Condie's ability to craft intricate plots without sacrificing emotional resonance. It stands as a testament to her versatility, offering a grittier, more suspenseful, and ultimately powerful experience that solidifies her status as a master of captivating young adult fiction.
00The Only Girl in Town
Ally Condie's *The Only Girl in Town* stands out in her bibliography as a compelling testament to her evolving artistry and thematic range, making it an essential inclusion on any list of her best works. Departing from the YA romance that defined her *Matched* series, this standalone novel plunges readers into a hauntingly isolated, post-apocalyptic world where the last survivor, August, grapples with profound loneliness and a terrifying mystery. It’s a masterclass in atmospheric tension and psychological depth, demonstrating Condie's ability to craft intricate speculative fiction for an adult audience while retaining her signature lyrical prose. What elevates *The Only Girl in Town* to one of Condie's best is its courageous exploration of identity, memory, and the very essence of humanity. Through August's solitary journey, readers are invited to contemplate the profound impact of connection—or its absence—on the individual spirit, and the desperate measures taken to preserve selfhood. The novel's slow-burn mystery, combined with its philosophical underpinnings and Condie's evocative storytelling, creates a truly unforgettable reading experience that lingers long after the final page. It not only showcases her versatility but also cements her reputation as a writer unafraid to tackle complex, emotionally resonant narratives that push the boundaries of speculative fiction.
00The Unwedding
Ally Condie’s *The Unwedding* undoubtedly earns its place on a "Best Books" list by showcasing her signature blend of high-concept speculative fiction and poignant character-driven narrative. Set in a meticulously controlled future where marriages are pre-determined by an authoritarian regime, the novel thrusts protagonist Aria into a dangerous quest for truth when she questions her own seemingly perfect match. This compelling story expertly weaves elements of forbidden romance, intricate world-building, and profound social commentary, echoing the thoughtful exploration of choice and destiny that defined her acclaimed *Matched* series, but with a fresh and urgent focus on consent and agency. What elevates *The Unwedding* to Ally Condie’s best is its compelling emotional depth and the powerful questions it poses about individual freedom versus societal control. Condie masterfully crafts a tense atmosphere where every discovery peels back a layer of carefully constructed lies, making Aria's journey not just a search for love, but for her own identity and the truth about her world. The novel stands out for its resonant themes of self-determination, the courage required to defy expectations, and the enduring power of genuine connection in a manufactured reality, solidifying its status as one of Condie's most impactful and essential contributions to the dystopian genre.
00The Darkdeep
Step into the shadowy world of *The Darkdeep*, a thrilling middle-grade adventure co-written by Ally Condie and Brendan Reichs. This captivating novel plunges readers into the eerie mysteries surrounding an isolated island in Washington's Pacific Northwest, where five friends discover a terrifying secret: a sentient, shape-shifting entity known as the Darkdeep. As strange occurrences escalate and the island begins to twist reality, the children must confront not only the monstrous threat but also their own fears and prejudices, fighting to protect their town from being consumed. Blending elements of classic adventure, psychological suspense, and chilling fantasy, *The Darkdeep* offers a propulsive, page-turning experience. While *The Darkdeep* is a collaborative effort with Brendan Reichs, its inclusion on a "Best books by Ally Condie" list is entirely fitting due to Condie's discernible influence and the book's exceptional quality. Condie's signature ability to craft deep, relatable characters and explore complex emotional landscapes is evident throughout, even amidst the thrilling, dark plot. It showcases her impressive versatility, moving beyond the dystopian romance of her *Matched* series to tackle a more suspenseful, speculative fiction realm without losing her narrative strength. The book is a masterclass in building suspense and crafting a compelling ensemble cast, demonstrating Condie's skill in world-building and pacing that transcends specific genres. For fans eager to see another facet of her storytelling prowess, or for those new to her work seeking a genuinely gripping and imaginative adventure, *The Darkdeep* stands as a testament to her broad literary talent.
00The Beast
*The Beast*, co-authored with Brendan Reichs, is the electrifying second installment in the thrilling *Project Nemesis* young adult horror series. This gripping novel plunges readers back into the mysterious and dangerous town of Nemesis, where a group of teenagers must confront a monstrous entity that haunts their lives and unearth the sinister secrets behind its origins. *The Beast* masterfully blends high-octane action and suspense with a deep dive into psychological terror, showcasing a powerful collaborative synergy between Condie's knack for intricate emotional landscapes and Reichs's talent for crafting relentless, edge-of-your-seat narratives. Despite being a collaborative effort and a significant departure from her more famous dystopian romances, *The Beast* absolutely earns its place on a list of Ally Condie's best books. It highlights her impressive versatility as an author, demonstrating her ability to excel in a vastly different genre while still imbuing the story with the character depth and emotional resonance that are hallmarks of her individual work. Her contribution to *The Beast* proves she can navigate the complexities of horror and mystery, crafting compelling relationships and high-stakes tension alongside Reichs, making this series a unique and highly praised addition to her expansive and distinguished bibliography.
00The Torchbearers
**The Torchbearers**, a compelling collaboration **with Brendan Reichs**, showcases Ally Condie's versatile storytelling prowess in a gripping speculative adventure. Set in a not-too-distant future ravaged by ecological collapse and societal fragmentation, the story follows a determined group of teens tasked with a vital mission: to carry the remaining spark of human knowledge and hope across a dangerous, transformed landscape. It's a poignant exploration of resilience, legacy, and the responsibility of the next generation to safeguard the future, blending high-stakes survival with deeply emotional character arcs. Though distinct from her *Matched* series, *The Torchbearers* earns its place among Ally Condie's best works by demonstrating her remarkable range and her continued dedication to crafting stories with profound emotional resonance. It retains her signature ability to build intricate worlds and develop complex, relatable characters, while tackling more immediate and timely themes like climate crisis and intergenerational responsibility. The collaborative effort injects a fresh energy, allowing for a broader scope and a dynamic narrative that challenges readers to consider what it truly means to preserve hope in the face of overwhelming odds. It's a powerful and thought-provoking entry that solidifies Condie's status as a leading voice in young adult fiction.
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