Recommending Contemporary

So, we all know that contemporary is the most common genre that authors tend to write in. My theory? It’s because the author can just bypass all of the world building that a fantasy book would require. Some authors are amazing at doing this; they weave the world building into the their plot and some of them do it beautifully. Others . . . not so much. But, with contemporary, that challenge is completely eliminated because the reader already knows how this world works, generally, at least. With all of the great contemporary novels out there many people are lost when it comes to where to start reading contemporary. So here are some of my favorite books and authors from this genre.

John Green

Obviously, he was going to make this list. I have read most of his books and enjoyed all of them on some level. Yes, some more than others, but overall, this guy knows how to write. Any of his books will provide a different insight on the world so I recommend checking them all out if you can. His books are meant to relate the everyday teenager but they also give the reader something to think about when they finish the book. And yes, often they will leave you heartbroken, but hey! It’s worth it.

Stephanie Perkins

So, if you want something much more light hearted, I would tell you to check this girl out first. Perkins’ books are just full of happiness, perfect for summer. They are so addicting, you could easily read these in one sitting. They are all considered romance books, so if that’s not your thing, you probably won’t like these but if you do, and for some reason you haven’t read them already, check them out, they are so good. You will not find a single character in one her books and think “Hey, he’s an idiot and this book would be so much shorter if they just shut their mouth.”

Sarah Dessen

Her books are similar to Stephanie Perkins’ books in that they are also all contemporary love stories but these also have a deeper meaning to them. It could be about family or friendships or accepting yourself but they offer more than just a light summer romance. These books are not for everyone but if you want something light hearted and set in the summer, I recommend her books for sure.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
This book is pretty popular among many people but just in case you haven't read it, I think you should. This book revolves around a young girl who commits suicide and it is basically her explaining her reasoning behind her decision. This book is a bit darker than the ones mentioned above but I thought it would be good to add more of a variety to this list. It doesn't go into detail about the actual death but her thoughts offer an interesting perspective.

If I Say by Gayle Forman
Again, this book is a bit deeper but I think this one offers great insight to life. It's about a girl who gets into a fatal car crash and has to make the decision to stay alive with her boyfriend or to die with her family. I'd say most of it is told through flashbacks but it is interesting to see how she copes with the decision. It was also made into a movie last year, I believe and I haven't seen it but I want to. There is also a sequel that I haven't read yet.

Those aren't all of the contemporary books that I think you guys should read but those are a few. I might make a part two to this list but I guess I'll wait and see what you guys think of it. So let me know if you have any contemporary recommendations for me and I'll try to check them out soon. See you next week.