Every teenage girl remembers reading a Nicholas Sparks novel. They remember the forbidden romance, the big fight scene and finally the reconciliation, all essential parts of a YA Romance. Then came John Green who brought us "The Fault in Our Stars" and our little teenage hearts broke all over again. But, eventually there reaches a point when we grow up and realize these love stories just aren't realistic or relatable and we begin to crave something new, something adult. So, for those who want to transition from YA to adult books, here are some to get you started.
1. "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell
Rainbow Rowell leaves readers on their toes as she tells the story of two unlikely teens falling in love. It's real, sad, happy and the ending will leave you craving more.
2. "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman
It starts as a normal day for a not-so-normal family until their world falls apart. And thats only the first 20 pages, the rest of the book switches between flashbacks of the main character's most prominent memories to her current life and her decision whether to stay or leave it.
3. "The Virgin Suicides" by Jeffrey Eugenides
This book can hit close to home; it details the lives, and deaths, of five sisters raised in a religious household. Eugenides writing makes you feel as if you are in the narrators shoes, talking to the girls, watching them. It allows a sense of empathy for the sisters.
4. "Gone Girl" by Gillian Flynn
"Gone Girl" is the most unconventional love story I've ever read. The mystery leads you to think one suspect is responsible for Amy's murder, but everything you think you know changes when you reach the second part.
5. "Marley and Me" by John Grogan
We all saw the movie and cried our eyes out by the credits, but if you can read the true story behind the movie, you will enjoy the heartfelt, real life moments this book has to offer. It teaches you about life, love and family.
6. "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" by Junot Diaz
A boy growing up in a Dominican household encounters many adventures and people throughout his short, nerdy life.
7. "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson
I'll be honest, it took me a little under a year to finish this book. It can be hard to get into when you start reading because there are multiple stories going on and you're not sure how they connect or when the real story starts to begin, but once the mystery begins it's hard to put down. It has love, mystery, horror and all the essentials of a true page-turner.
So now that you know about the realistic versions of the Sarah Dessen love stories you used to read, make sure to add them to your bookshelf. Then, when you finish reading, watch the movies.
