We’ve long been believers in the power of a good book. When life’s vending machine is handing out nothing but lemons, it’s books that we turn to for comfort, seeking solace in imagined lands and letting favoured fictional characters guide us back on track.

And we’re not the only ones to rely on books when we hit a bump in the road. As of April this year, the NHS has been prescribing books to teenagers suffering from mental health conditions, in the hope that the written word can help them deal with issues as wide-ranging as depression, anxiety, OCD and bullying. There are 35 YA titles on offer, including Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower for dealing with issues such as anxiety and sexuality, as well as Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident, which shines a light on Asperger syndrome.

And it’s not only teenagers who find reassurance in YA books: they can be just as cheering for adults as well. Here, bestselling author Louise O’Neill hand picks 10 of her favourite YA books to help you cope with the difficult times in life. From dealing with rejection to getting over heartbreak, there’s a book as comforting as warm toast for everyone.

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The best teen reads to guide you through all adult moments in life