Coming-of-age books
Little Women
What is Little Women about?
Four sisters - Jo, Beth, Meg, and Amy - live during the Civil War in New England. "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott tells their stories, sheds light on the challenges they face, and depicts their unique personalities. It's a classical novel that doesn't go out of fashion even today.
The Goldfinch
What is The Goldfinch about?
Theo Decker's life changes forever after he survives a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum in New York City when he is thirteen. In the chaos, he impulsively takes The Goldfinch, a painting that becomes both a treasure and a heavy burden. His mother dies, his father abandons him, and he moves between different guardians. Traumatized, Theo starts working in the antique trade, a world that both fascinates and frustrates him.
My Brilliant Friend
What is My Brilliant Friend about?
Elena Ferrante, an Italian novelist, tells the story of two friends, Elena and Lila, and their great journey through life. The girls grow up in the 1950s and 1960s in a poor neighborhood in Naples. This coming-of-age novel is deeply sentimental, heartwarming, and real.
The Catcher in the Rye
What is The Catcher in the Rye about?
All lonely and rebellious young people can identify with the spirit of "The Catcher in the Rye." Holden Caulfield tells the story of his seventeen years as a high school dropout who travels through New York City while he destroys everything that seems dishonest or meaningless. Everyone views him as either an annoying, privileged kid or a lonely, honest character.
Normal People
What is Normal People about?
Connell and Marianne come from the same small Irish town, but their worlds couldn’t be more different. Connell is popular and quiet. Meanwhile, Marianne is an outsider. What do they have in common, though? Who knows, but they walk together through high school, university, and beyond. Their love story is messy but so achingly real.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
What is The Perks of Being a Wallflower about?
Stephen Chbosky shows his young character Charlie through the letters the boy is writing to a "Dear Friend." Charlie's story deals with coming of age, encountering love and friendships, and learning more about oneself. This books has already become a cult classics in young adult fiction, so if this genre is something you want to explore —this is a great choice!
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
What is Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe about?
"Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe" is a popular coming-of-age novel. Ari and Dante, two Mexican-American teenagers in 1980s El Paso, seem to have nothing in common but later start building a meaningful relationship. Together, the boys deal with the complexity of growing up and human relationships, searching for the answers.
To Kill a Mockingbird
What is To Kill a Mockingbird about?
“People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for” is just one of many insightful ideas in the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. Besides, it also touches on themes like racial injustice and the loss of innocence through the eyes of Scout Finch, a young girl. If you want to read a beloved classic of American literature, "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a great choice.
The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time
What is The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time about?
Christopher is a really smart kid, but he sees the world a little differently than most people. He has autism, which makes it hard for him to understand social cues and deal with unexpected things. When his neighbor's dog gets murdered, Christopher decides to become a detective and solve the mystery. Along the way, he faces his fears, learns to cope with his autism, and discovers some surprising things about himself and the world around him.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
What is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn about?
"A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" is a coming-of-age novel set in Williamsburg at the beginning of the 20th century. It's a story of Francie Nolan, a young girl, and her family's life journey. Life in New York is not easy, but Francie nevertheless perceveres with her aspirations to finish school and become a writer
The Fault in Our Stars
What is The Fault in Our Stars about?
Hazel Grace Lancaster’s life is defined by her cancer diagnosis, but everything changes when she meets Augustus Waters at a support group. Gus is charismatic, funny, and just as obsessed with big ideas as Hazel. Their story isn’t just a story about illness — it’s a story about borderless love, loss, and what it means to leave a mark on the world.
Call Me by Your Name
What is Call Me by Your Name about?
"Call Me by Your Name" by Andre Aciman depicts a passionate Italian romance. Just one summer on the Italian Riviera connects two people unprepared for love. This novel is a modern classic teaching us the complexities of love and desire.
The Kite Runner
What is The Kite Runner about?
In "The Kite Runner", Amir, a privileged boy in Kabul, betrays his loyal kite runner, Hassan, in a moment of cowardice. Haunted by this act of betrayal, Amir flees Afghanistan after the Soviet invasion. Years later, given a chance to redeem himself, he returns to a war-torn country to confront his past and seek redemption.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
What is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings about?
A prominent poet and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou tells her coming-of-age story in this first volume of her autobiography. This poignant memoir dives into the issues of racism and misogyny, depicting the harsh social context of the time. You’ll see her path of growing into a strong African American woman that she was, and her inner power will undoubtedly inspire you.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
What is Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow about?
"Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" uniquely combines coming-of-age story with videogames, complicated friendships, and even a bit of Shakespeare. Childhood friends Sam and Sadie reunite after years of being practically strangers, and bond over the shared desire to create videogames. If you like the stories about people dedicating their lives to doing what they love and appreciate deep characters, read this book!
That Was Then, This Is Now
What is That Was Then, This Is Now about?
Bryon and Mark have been best friends forever. They know everything about each other, and they'd do anything for each other. But as they get older, things start to change. Mark gets into trouble with the law, and Bryon starts to question their friendship and the choices he's making in his own life. "That Was Then, This Is Now" is a coming-of-age story about friendship, loyalty, and how even the best of friends can sometimes drift apart.
Eleanor and Park
What is Eleanor and Park about?
Two misfits. One bus ride. A love story that’s anything but typical. Eleanor and Park captures the awkward, beautiful mess of first love in a way that feels painfully real. Set in the ’80s, it’s a nostalgic trip through mixtapes, comics, and the feeling that maybe, just maybe, someone finally sees you for who you are.
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous
What is On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous about?
"On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous" depicts untold stories of love, trauma, and identity. Is it true that if you are once an immigrant, you are always the immigrant? How do our race and class influence our lives? This book discusses controversial topics but is still filled with hope.
The Secret History
What is The Secret History about?
"The Secret History" by Donna Tartt is a dark and captivating novel about a group of elite college students studying classics at a prestigious university in Vermont. They become tight-knit after realizing all of them are fascinated by ancient Greek culture. On top of that, they receove support from their charismatic professor. As their obsession with the past intensifies, they try our forbidden rituals, indulge in dangerous desires, and ultimately commit a terrible act that will haunt them forever.
Never Let Me Go
What is Never Let Me Go about?
Kathy and her friends Ruth and Tommy are students of a seemingly nice boarding school called Hailsham that hides a dark mystery. You’ll explore their world through Kathy’s perspective, diving deep into her experiences and choices. Partly a coming-of-age story and science fiction, it poignantly explores the themes of conformity and free will.
Anne of Green Gables
What is Anne of Green Gables about?
"Anne of Green Gables" is an iconic story of Anne Shirley, a girl who enchants almost everybody she meets. You won't be an exception, too. Anne grows up, dreams, hopes for the best and loves. Once an orphan, this girl finds a real family.
The Secret Life of Bees
What is The Secret Life of Bees about?
Orphaned and abused, Lily Owens escapes her difficult life in South Carolina with her loyal friend Rosaleen. Their journey leads them to the world of the Boatwright sisters, beekeepers who live by a unique code of sisterhood and secrets. As Lily opens up the mysteries of her past, she discovers the power of female connection and the healing magic of bees.
Rumble Fish
What is Rumble Fish about?
In Tulsa, Oklahoma, teenage Rusty-James badly wants to be like his legendary older brother, the Motorcycle Boy. He's drawn to a life of rebellion and danger, but soon realizes the path he's chosen is leading him down a destructive road. "Rumble Fish", published in 1975, still remains relevant for the modern readers of different generations.
Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
What is Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian about?
Junior, a bright and talented young man growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation, faces a life riddled with poverty, alcoholism, and the devastating effects of racism. Tired of the constant struggles and feeling trapped by his circumstances, Junior makes the difficult decision to leave the reservation and attend an all-white public school. This experience tests his abilities and inner strength.
The Giver
What is The Giver about?
"The Giver" by Lois Lowry starts as a story without pain and conflict. But is good possible without evil? And how long could such a perfect society exist until somebody wants to break free? Follow the 12-year-old protagonist, Jonas, and find out.
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