My Royal Contemporary Auto-Buys
The Six Queens and a King of YA Contemporary
It should not come as a surprise that contemporary books are my thing. I devour the books and drool over the covers on Goodreads and Instagram (and sometimes at the library and in bookshops, please don’t tell). Although I like the flirty fun, the edgy angst and the drama, it’s the interactive relationships the characters have with family and friends that I love. People are fascinating. While I can watch them for hours in public places trying to imagine their lives, contemporary books provide a short-cut and I can get my dose of ‘peopleness’ anywhere, anytime in a book… and without the creepy gawking.
I present to you my royal contemporary auto-buy list
There are seven YA contemporary authors that have proven themselves (at least to me) that they rock. I have read greedily gobbled all their books and any hint of a future book in the works is met with feverously stalking their social media accounts. They rule as the six queens and a king of my auto-buy list.
So in alphabetical order, the crowns go to the following Greats:
The King
Adi Alsaid
Now before you go off on a rant by gender inequalities let me just say that I have yet to find another male contemporary author who rocks enough to reign. BUT. I would love to add to my list, to look more friendly to the male gender but also because I freaking love YA contemporary. So please hit me with send me lists of candidates who should be on this royal auto-buy list.
Adi Alsaid writes beautiful, realistic, dramatic, character-driven books that I drown in. Pick up one and sink in until you are deeply immersed in his writing and feel your soul rejuvenate. See my review of Let’s Get Lost.
Breaking news: Adi Alsaid announces his new book North of Happy! commences stalking
The Queens
Sarah Dessen
Sarah Dessen is (fortunately for me) a prolific author whose books will easily fill a bookshelf. Very popular in the school library, they are full of dynamic family relationships and rich, intense, feel-good depth.
My review of Saint Anything.
Morgan Matson
Morgan Matson is known for her big, sink-into-until-you-drown books filled with vibrant, rich characters that will stick with you for life.
My review of Since You’ve Been Gone, The Unexpected Everything and Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour.
Katie McGarry
Katie McGarry rocks so much she agreed to an interview with me way back when I started blogging and ambitiously contacted her. Not only was she friendly and obliging, but she also sent a parcel of bookmarks and printed ribbons all the way to South Africa for our school library.
She specialises in tough, edgy, messed-up characters and her books are gritty, raw and real. Contemporary with a bite. And her characters, which usually find themselves appearing in her other books, are the kind that will loyally stick with you for life. The kind you’d probably be a little nervous (like me) to approach them in the real world, but wish you could.
See my review of Pushing the Limits.
Jandy Nelson
Jandy Nelson does the quirky so well. Her books are full of life in the offbeat, wildly, crazy rollercoaster, arty way that feeds my soul. I don’t have the words to describe her writing other that it is insanely brilliant.
See my review of I’ll Give You the Sun.
Rainbow Rowell
Although I love Rainbow Rowell’s storylines, it’s her characters that steal the show. These are characters you’ll meet and never forget. Characters that you’ll wish were your best friends.
See my review of Fangirl and Eleanor & Park.
Kasie West
Kasie West is the queen of the fun, flirty, feel-good books that I can’t get enough of. Although she doesn’t shy away from serious issues her books are the ones to pick up when you are off to the beach, or wish you were. Because they are going to make you feel as though you are on holiday.
See my review of P.S. I Like You.
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