I find it so comforting on this blog to live within my own little niche of young adult book reviews. I don't think there's anything wrong with that either. I think it's great for a blog to define their genre, their niche and what they like to review. However, I've decided that it's time to mix things up a little bit. Starting this weekend, I'll be featuring one review each weekend for a new adult book - a genre that I previously swore up and down that I just couldn't bring myself to read and review.
I stand by some of my original assessments from the aforementioned post. I do think that a lot of New Adult novels have yet to truly come into their own and give us more than just an overabundance of sex but little character growth. That said, however, I know that's not the case for a lot of the genre, so I'm interested to see what it has to offer.
Never you fear, kiddos...this is still a young adult book blog. I will still only accept young adult books for review (per my review policy). It simply means that for the next month, at least, I'll be reading and reviewing my own copies of select NA novels. I feel like this will give me the liberty to be open and honest about my ventures into the NA genre, which I kind of like, too.
So, what books am I going to explore in the coming month? Per recommendations, these are the NA books I'll be starting with...and I sure hope they're as good as you've all said!
Easy by Tammara Webber, Holier Than Thou by Laura Buzo, Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, Suddenly Royal by Nichole Chase
I'm actually quite interested to see what I discover about the genre. I could learn to love it. Hell, it could totally reaffirm my original assessment of the genre and nothing could change. Either way though, I'm excited to venture into something new. In a month, I could love the genre, or I could simply be ambivalent. Either way, here's to trying new things!
YAY!!!! Those are some fabulous NA books to start with Melissa, I can't wait to hear what you think. Easy was my very first NA and will always be the story to which I compare all others, I just adored it. Suddenly Royal just made me happy. SO CUTE. And after reading way too many NA books that were all dark and broken people trying to find their way back to the light, it was nice to just read an NA that was light and fun.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty darn excited about it! I just wanted to read something a little more fun and outside my comfort zone :)
DeleteHow funny! I read Fangirl not too long ago and loved it to pieces and was realizing I had never seen a review of it here. Was going to suggest it because I think you'd really enjoy it. Hope you do! I need to read Easy as well. (Not gonna lie, I'm a little reluctant to dive into NA, too!)
ReplyDeleteI'm terribly scared of it, but I think that's kind of why I need to do it ;)
DeleteI can't wait to see how venturing out of your comfort zone will work out for you, Melissa. I think there are some great NA reads, you just have to be a little discerning with your choices. A lot are over-sexed, cookie cutter stories. I think you have a good selection up there. I personally loved Easy, I've heard wonderful things about Fangirl, mixed reactions on Holier Than Thou (love Aussie writers) , and I'm not sure about Suddenly Royal. Hope at least one of these works out for you. :)
ReplyDeleteHolier Than Thou and Fangirl are the BEST New Adult books I've read, though Easy is quite good too. I hope you enjoy New Adult, Melissa, and have a positive experience with the genre! :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Holier Than Thou! Looking forward to your reviews :)
ReplyDeleteRight...NA. I so do not get the genre, I find it silly to even have it
ReplyDeleteI haven't read that much NA, but I did read Easy and enjoyed it. I have also heard Fangirl is great. I can't wait to read your reviews!
ReplyDeleteI've been weary of the New Adult genre too but I just recently started reading Fangirl and I loved it. The character is more than one dimensional and it explores real problems of new adults. Can't wait to read your thoughts on the genre, good luck! :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I'm looking forward to hearing what you find. I know NA is growing but there are still too many "bad boy/good girl find each other and have lots of smexy times" for me. Go and explore and tell me more! Heh. Rhyme time!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to this! The way you described New Adult books is exactly how I feel about them. I read Easy and loved it (based on my Goodreads rating; I don't actually remember much about it), but I've been hesitant to try much else in the genre. But maybe after I see some of what you read and if you like it, I'll give it another shot.
ReplyDeleteYay, good on you for going out of your comfort zone because that's how you discover new interests! I'm reading Fangirl at the moment, it's lovely. I've read a few NA books, but not many. My favourite is Colleen Hoover <3
ReplyDeleteJeann @ Happy Indulgence
These days, I try to read a bit of everything because I'm no longer sure about what my favourite genre is, I am leaning towards contemporary, but murder mysteries are pretty fun as well.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post, Melissa! <33
What's the difference between Young Adult and New Adult? Is one just teenagers and the other more like 20s?
ReplyDeleteBut Fangirl is a MUST read! I loved it more than Eleanor and Park.
Holier Than Thou and Fangirl were actually my two favourite New Adult books ever, so I'm glad to see that you will be reading these books very soon. I really hope that you end up liking them just as much as I did. Good luck with your NA books Melissa!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're going to try these NA books, Melissa. I agree that it's hard to find ones where there isn't an overabundance of sex, but those books you've chosen have no or minimal sex scenes. I hope you enjoy them, Melissa!
ReplyDeleteThose are so really great picks. I loved Easy and Fangirl!
ReplyDeleteOoh Laura Buzo has another book out?! I absolutely loved Good Oil. I can't wait to see what you think of this one.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I think the best way to start with manga is to read in a genre that you enjoy. I have a couple of suggestions in this post: http://booksinthespotlight.blogspot.com/2013/09/manga-q-manga-suggestions.html
I loved EASY and FANGIRL was great too! I've been meaning to check out more NA titles, but it's hard to find ones that really stand out from the rest.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! Hope you enjoy the ones you're starting with :)