The Greatest American "Fiction, Coming of age" Books Since 2010

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Fiction

Coming of age

The "Coming of age" category of books typically refers to stories that explore the transition from adolescence to adulthood. These books often focus on the challenges and experiences that young people face as they navigate the complexities of growing up, including issues such as identity, relationships, sexuality, and personal growth. Coming of age stories can be set in any time period or cultural context, and may feature protagonists of any gender, race, or background. Overall, the genre offers readers a glimpse into the universal struggles and triumphs of youth, and the process of becoming a fully realized adult.

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  1. 51. Me And Earl And The Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews

    The book is a candid and often humorous tale of an awkward high school senior whose mother forces him to befriend a classmate recently diagnosed with leukemia. As he and his co-filmmaker friend Earl embark on the project of making a film for the sick girl, the protagonist confronts the complexities of friendship, mortality, and the struggle to make a meaningful connection. Through the process, he grapples with his own insecurities and learns about the impact of genuine human relationships in the face of tragedy.

    The 8169th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 52. The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates

    This novel follows the life of a young slave, Hiram Walker, who possesses a mysterious power related to memory and water, which he discovers after almost drowning. His journey from the plantations of Virginia to the Underground Railroad and the abolitionist movement in the North is filled with loss, love, and a desperate desire for freedom. The narrative explores themes of slavery, racial injustice, and the power of memory and storytelling, all underpinned by the protagonist's supernatural abilities.

    The 8186th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 53. The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles

    In this captivating novel, readers are taken on a journey along the Lincoln Highway in the 1950s, following 18-year-old Emmett Watson who, after being released from a juvenile work farm, plans to start a new life in California with his younger brother, Billy. However, their plans take an unexpected turn when they discover two friends from the work farm have hidden in their car, leading them on an unforeseen adventure across America. The story weaves together the past and present of its characters, exploring themes of destiny, redemption, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Through a series of twists and encounters with a cast of memorable characters, the brothers' road trip transforms into an exploration of freedom, brotherhood, and the complexity of human nature.

    The 8198th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 54. Preparation for the Next Life by Atticus Lish

    This novel tells the story of a U.S. Army veteran suffering from PTSD and a Chinese Muslim immigrant, both struggling to survive in the harsh realities of New York City. Their lives intersect and they form a relationship, trying to make sense of their past traumas, navigate the complexities of their present, and find hope for a better future. The book provides an intense, gritty portrayal of life on the fringes of society, highlighting issues of immigration, class, and the human cost of war.

    The 8341st Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 55. The Invisible Life Of Addie La Rue by V. E. Schwab

    The book follows the story of a young woman in 18th-century France who, desperate to escape an arranged marriage and yearning for freedom, makes a Faustian bargain with a mysterious god-like figure to live forever without being remembered by anyone she meets. Her immortality becomes a curse as she moves through the centuries, leaving no mark on the world until, 300 years later, she stumbles upon a young man in a bookstore who, to her shock, remembers her name. This encounter unfolds into a tale of love, memory, and the intrinsic value of leaving one's mark on the world.

    The 8342nd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 56. The Yellow Birds by Kevin Powers

    "The Yellow Birds" by Kevin Powers is a novel that tells the story of two young soldiers, Bartle and Murphy, who are sent to fight in the Iraq War. The novel explores the physical and emotional toll of war on the soldiers, their families, and their communities. It also delves into the themes of guilt, loss, and the struggle to find meaning in the aftermath of traumatic experiences. The novel is a powerful portrayal of the human cost of war and the lasting impact it can have on those who serve.

    The 8358th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 57. This Is How You Lose Her by Junot Diaz

    This book is a compelling collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of love, infidelity, and the struggles of the human heart through the lens of the immigrant experience. Centered around the life of Yunior, a young Dominican-American man, the narrative weaves through his various romantic relationships, capturing the raw emotions and consequences of his actions. Through vivid prose and poignant storytelling, the collection explores themes of masculinity, cultural identity, and the quest for belonging, offering a nuanced portrayal of the challenges and triumphs of love in its many forms.

    The 8428th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 58. A Torch Against The Night by Sabaa Tahir

    In this gripping fantasy sequel, two fugitives fight to survive and overthrow a tyrannical regime. The former scholar-turned-fugitive and her warrior ally, with the help of a spy and other unexpected friends, embark on a dangerous journey to free the former's brother from a notorious prison. As they navigate through political intrigue and dark magic, they must also confront their own inner demons and the growing feelings between them. With the empire's most brutal forces on their trail, the pair must use all their wits and courage to outsmart their enemies and fan the flames of rebellion, while a prophecy looms over them, threatening to shake the very foundations of their world.

    The 8433rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 59. Leaving the Atocha Station by Ben Lerner

    The novel follows a young American poet on a prestigious fellowship in Madrid, Spain, where he grapples with his work, relationships, and sense of self. He struggles with his own perceptions of authenticity, both in his poetry and his personal life, while navigating the cultural and language barriers of a foreign country. The protagonist's experiences are marked by a constant tension between reality and artifice, as he questions the value and impact of his own art in the face of world events.

    The 8467th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 60. On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

    The book is a poignant letter from a son to a mother who cannot read, delving into their family's history that began before he was born with roots stretching back to Vietnam. It explores the enduring and complex bond between them, marked by the mother's sacrifice and the silence imposed by their past traumas. The narrative weaves through themes of identity, race, and sexuality, confronting the legacies of violence and resilience that shape their lives and the immigrant experience in America. Through lyrical prose, the novel captures the beauty and pain of relationships in the face of unspeakable loss, ultimately revealing the transformative power of storytelling.

    The 8518th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 61. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

    The novel centers around a teenage girl who has spent her entire life confined to her home due to a rare disease that makes her allergic to virtually everything. Her world is small and meticulously controlled until a new family moves in next door, and she begins a complicated romance with the teenage boy who becomes her window to the outside world. As their relationship deepens, she becomes willing to risk everything to experience life and love, leading to revelations that will change her understanding of the illness that has defined her existence. The story is a poignant exploration of the desire for connection and the lengths we go to for the people we care about.

    The 8527th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 62. Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older

    In the urban fantasy novel, a young Afro-Latina girl from Brooklyn discovers her family's involvement in a supernatural legacy known as Shadowshaping, where they can infuse ancestral spirits into paintings, music, and stories. However, her world is thrown into chaos when she realizes that a malevolent force is hunting the shadowshapers, aiming to destroy her family's cultural heritage and power. As she delves deeper into this mystical world, she must embrace her identity and heritage to harness her newfound abilities, navigate the complexities of her community and friends, and fight to protect the legacy passed down to her by her ancestors.

    The 8527th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 63. The Wrath & The Dawn by Renée Ahdieh

    In this reimagined tale inspired by "One Thousand and One Nights," a young woman volunteers to marry a caliph known for taking a new bride each day only to execute her at dawn. She does this to avenge her best friend, one of his previous victims. However, as she weaves stories night after night to postpone her execution, she begins to see a different side to the ruler and uncovers secrets that could alter the course of the kingdom. Amidst a backdrop of magic, betrayal, and political intrigue, the woman finds herself torn between her mission for revenge and the unexpected feelings she develops for the man she intended to hate.

    The 8527th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 64. Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

    The book centers around a plus-sized teenager who, despite societal expectations, has always been confident in her own skin. Her self-assuredness is challenged when she develops a crush on a private school boy and her former beauty queen mother's pageant season rolls around. In an act of defiance and to prove a point about being comfortable in one's own body, she decides to enter the local beauty pageant, sparking a small revolution in her Texas town. Along the way, she confronts her own insecurities, makes new friends who challenge the status quo, and embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.

    The 8527th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 65. Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

    The book centers around a high school junior named Simon who is not openly gay and prefers to save his drama for the school musical. However, when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight. Now, Simon is being blackmailed, and he must step out of his comfort zone before he's outed against his will or worse, the privacy of Blue, the pen name of the boy he's been emailing, will be compromised. As he navigates through friendship, blackmail, and the prospect of love, Simon must find a way to be true to himself while also trying to decode the identity of the anonymous classmate he has fallen for online.

    The 8527th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 66. Lost Memory Of Skin by Russell Banks

    The novel explores the life of a young sex offender known only as "The Kid," who, after being released from prison, struggles to adapt to a marginal existence on the fringes of society. Living under a causeway in a makeshift encampment with other convicted sex offenders, The Kid's life takes a turn when he meets "The Professor," a brilliant but obese sociologist who has his own mysterious past. The Professor takes an interest in studying The Kid and his fellow outcasts, leading to a complex relationship that forces The Kid to confront his past actions and his uncertain future. The story delves deeply into themes of redemption, the dehumanizing effects of technology, and the thin lines between society's outcasts and its guardians.

    The 8593rd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 67. Scythe by Neal Shusterman

    In a future where humanity has conquered death and the world is governed by an advanced AI, the population must be controlled by Scythes—individuals entrusted with the power to take life. Two teenagers are chosen as apprentice Scythes and must learn the art of killing, but as they delve into their grim responsibilities, they uncover the corruption within the Scythedom. As they grapple with the morality of their roles and the political machinations of their superiors, they must decide what kind of Scythes they will become and how they will shape the future of their utopian society.

    The 8664th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 68. The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon

    The book is a young adult romance that explores themes of fate, love, and the interconnectedness of lives. It follows Natasha, a Jamaican-American girl who is trying to prevent her family's deportation from the United States, and Daniel, a Korean-American boy who is struggling with his parents' expectations for him to become a doctor. Over the course of a single day in New York City, their paths cross in a serendipitous encounter, leading them to spend the day together. As they share their dreams, fears, and stories, they develop a deep connection that challenges their beliefs about destiny and the power of their choices amidst the ticking clock of Natasha's impending deportation.

    The 8664th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 69. When The Moon Was Ours by Anna-Marie McLemore

    This novel weaves a tale of love and magic as it follows two characters: a girl with roses growing from her wrist and a boy who paints moons and hides his own secrets. Their deep bond is threatened when their small town becomes engulfed in rumors and the girl's mysterious past begins to surface. As they struggle to protect each other's secrets and navigate their feelings, they must confront questions of identity, family, and the courage it takes to be their true selves. The story is a lyrical exploration of love, friendship, and the acceptance of one's uniqueness, set against a backdrop of magical realism.

    The 8664th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 70. We Are The Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson

    The novel centers around a teenage boy who is grappling with the grief of his boyfriend's suicide and the turmoil of high school life, while also dealing with the extraordinary burden of being periodically abducted by aliens. These extraterrestrials have given him the monumental task of deciding whether to save humanity by pressing a button. As he navigates his relationships with his family, potential new love interests, and bullies, he must weigh the suffering and beauty of the world to determine if it's worth saving, all while questioning the implications of his choice and the value of existence itself.

    The 8664th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 71. Taipei by Tao Lin

    This novel follows a young writer living in New York City who is struggling with drug addiction and emotional disconnection. He embarks on a series of failed relationships and travels to Taipei, Taiwan to visit his parents. Throughout the book, he tries to find meaning and purpose in his life, exploring themes of identity, memory, and the digital age. Despite his struggles, the protagonist's journey is filled with humor and insight, providing a unique perspective on modern life.

    The 8723rd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 72. Ghost by Jason Reynolds

    The book tells the story of a young boy named Castle Cranshaw, who is trying to escape his troubled past. He discovers his talent for sprinting when he joins a local track team. The coach becomes a mentor to him, and his teammates become his friends. As he trains for the Junior Olympics, he learns about discipline, teamwork, and dealing with his past. The book tackles themes of trauma, redemption, and the power of sports.

    The 8963rd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 73. Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson

    The book centers on a teenage girl with a traumatic past, who was convicted of a heinous crime at a very young age—the murder of a baby. Now living in a group home and dealing with the complex dynamics within, she struggles with the weight of her past and the challenges of her present. As she contends with a society quick to label her as irredeemable, she seeks to uncover the truth and fight for a future that seems increasingly out of reach. Her journey is one of resilience and the quest for redemption, as she navigates a system that is often more interested in judgment than justice.

    The 9012th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 74. American Street by Ibi Zoboi

    The novel follows the story of a young Haitian girl who immigrates to Detroit, Michigan, with the hope of a new life and the American Dream, only to be confronted with the harsh realities of immigration and the struggles of adapting to life in America. Upon arrival, she is forced to live with her American cousins and navigate a world of culture clash, while dealing with the absence of her mother, who is detained by immigration authorities. The protagonist grapples with the challenges of fitting in, understanding her identity, and facing the gritty truths of her new neighborhood, all while holding onto her dreams and the spirit of her Haitian heritage.

    The 9012th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 75. Dear Martin by Nic Stone

    The book follows the story of a bright African American teen who, after experiencing a traumatic encounter with racial profiling and police brutality, seeks guidance through a series of journal entries addressed to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As he navigates the complexities of contemporary race relations, he attempts to understand what it means to live as a black man in today's America, striving to hold onto Dr. King's teachings amidst the pressures and prejudices of modern society. His journey is one of self-discovery, social critique, and the search for identity within a world still grappling with the deep-seated issues of racial inequality.

    The 9012th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download