Wattpad exec dishes on top 10 must read books — including a few on-platform exclusives
From After to The Kissing Booth, Wattpad has housed some of the most compelling Gen Z stories. A member of their dedicated team gave a bit of insight about the best books
Gen Z readers are always snooping out some of the best reads, including several fantasy favorites, and they're often doing so on Wattpad.
The online story-sharing platform largely grew in prevalence due to its heavy hosting of fanfiction. However, that's not the only thing that makes Wattpad so special. The stories, oftentimes novel-length or longer, are accessible for free to a wide audience. Behind the scenes, a devoted staff at the website works to help foster writers and give them a place to tell their story.
Alessandra Ferreri, Head of Content at Wattpad, is one of those individuals passionate about books, nerds, and what makes a good story tick. She's read it all in her days of scouring the site for the best of the best. Now, she's dished to the Mirror US at San Diego Comic Con about her top "must-reads," including a few Wattpad stories.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon became more than just a book series quickly. The fantasy novels focus on a British nurse, Claire Randall, who ends up time-traveling and ensnaring herself in a deep romance. Alessandra said, "This series was my first venture into fantasy-romance. Despite possibly being too young for its themes, I devoured it in my teens. It's also one of the rare instances where the adaptation perfectly captured the essence of the characters and the books as a whole." Now, the book series has become a fan-favorite television show, too.
Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison
One of the most "girlhood"-esque stories, Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging by Louise Rennison made Alessandra's list. "The 'Georgia Nicolson' series was a formative influence during my preteen years for its endearing blend of awkwardness, laugh-out-loud humor, and an undeniable flair for the dramatic," she said. The book is the story of a young teenage girl who goes through the coming-of-age motions very quickly, especially when it comes to all things kissing and boys.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier centers around an unnamed main character, and the character that shares the title with the book is an individual who will haunt the narrative. It's all about a young woman who marries a widower, but his lost love, Rebecca, continues to be ever-present. Alessandra said, "A timeless classic, obviously. It wasn’t until I re-read it years after university that I eventually realized several of my now-favorite narrative techniques came from this book: an unnamed narrator, masterful use of setting as a character, and that mic-drop of an ambiguous ending.
Everything I Need I Get from You by Kaitlyn Tiffany
"This is a loving homage to the sheer power and joy of fangirls, particularly those within the One Direction fandom. If you were part of it, you'll understand. Even if you weren't, it's a look back at an iconic internet era that significantly impacted my own professional path, and undoubtedly, many others like me," Alessandra dished. This particular book, Everything I Need I Get from You by Kaitlyn Tiffany, is non-fiction and takes a deep look into the world of the modern fangirl, especially when it comes to how the internet connects women globally.
The Pisces by Melissa Broder
"When a woman finds herself at her emotional rock bottom, a captivating merman emerges from the depths. Melissa Broder's writing has an unparalleled ability to embrace and explore the complexities of human messiness, and I will read anything she creates," Alessandra said. The Pisces by Melissa Broder is a fiction romance story where the main character finds herself in the midst of a rough breakup, but a wonderful merman is about to change her direction.
And Also Sharks by Jessica Westhead
And Also Sharks by Jessica Westhead is another abnormality in Alessandra's list, as it deviates from the novel-length recommendations. "A short story initially sparked my love for writing, and short story collections have held a special place in my heart ever since. This collection in particular elevates its cast of ordinary, everyday misfits to main character status, exploring some questionably mundane scenarios with a quirky, humanist depth," she explained about her addition.
Truly Elemental by Robyn Marie (@prose-punk on Wattpad)
"Speaking of short stories, there’s a Wattpad collection I always return to. These rich, evocative retro fairy tales explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of a paranormal world hidden within our history. They’re like the stories your grandmother would tell—ones you don’t quite believe, but desperately want to!" said Alessandra about her first Wattpad recommendation. Truly Elemental by Robyn Marie centers around faeries—and rock and roll. The stories are a modern twist on a classic concept.
Victorian Boy by Audrey Hornes Heart (@audreyhornesheart on Wattpad)
Victorian Boy by Audrey Hornes Heart is an LGBT love story where one individual is just beginning to learn about relationships, while the other knows far too well. "Blending the lavish charm of Bridgerton with the sensual awakening of Call Me By Your Name, this Wattpad gem weaves a curious murder mystery, romantic yearning, and stringent societal expectations that challenge the characters to confront their true selves," Alessandra explained.
Night Shift by Annie Crown (@anniecrownbooks on Wattpad)
A totally BookTok-type book, Night Shift by Annie Crown, is a college romance novel that's full of spice. In fact, it gets a bit meta when the main character herself is a big romance novel fan... but a popular basketball player derails her lowkey lifestyle. "A totally bingeable love letter to all the romantic bookworms out there. If you’re looking for a light read that will make you smile and swoon, this one is for you. It’s sexy, sweet escapism at its very best," Alessandra said.
The Fantastiks by Tom Jones
Adding yet another twist to her recommendations, Alessandra raved about The Fantastiks by Tom Jones, which is a musical about two trickster fathers who just want their kids to fall in love. The Wattpad exec said, "This off-Broadway musical from the 1960s is technically not a book, but I do have the script on my bookshelf. A sweet, silly, and surprisingly enduring subversion of young love tropes, Luisa and Matt are the anti-Romeo and Juliet, and I love their whimsical delusion."