The Best Coming-of-Age Books for Adults
If given time alone in a bookstore, I will always gravitate towards a coming-of-age story. These character-driven books speak to my soul. That’s why I wanted to round up all the best coming-of-age books in one place!
I think there is something so magical and character-making about the time when each of us transforms from a child to an adult. For some, it happens overnight, brought on by a tragedy or specific event. For others, it’s a long, arduous process of trial and error – where mistakes are made and abilities are tested.
But one element is at the root of each of these coming-of-age novels – growth. So below, you’ll find historical fiction, memories, contemporary fiction, and more coming-of-age books for adults. Let us know which ones you like best!
The Best Coming-of-age Books for Adults
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
New Coming-of-age Novels
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano – Jump to section
Set in the ’60-70’s
Hum if You Don’t Know the Words by Bianca Marai – Jump to section
Historical Fiction
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr – Jump to section
Contemporary Fiction
What the Fireflies Knew by Kai Harris – Jump to section
Celebrity Book Club Pick
This is How it Always is by Laurie Frankel – Jump to section
Memoir
Educated by Tara Westover – Jump to section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
New Coming-of-Age Books
Hello Beautiful
Author: Ann Napolitano
Year: 2023
Genre: Literary Fiction
More info: March 2023 Oprah Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I adored this family saga about the four Padavano sisters and the man that enters their family orbit. William Waters grew up in a house with indifferent parents, so he fell head over heels for Julia and then her family.
But William’s inner demons cause a rift between the sisters that shakes the family to its core and dramatically changes the dynamics between all the Padavanos. Told over decades, this story examines the ties that bind us to our family through the ebbs and flows of life.
Trigger Warnings
Suicide attempt, Mental illness
Why Kirsten loves it
As one of four children, this coming-of-age story really spoke to me. Napolitano does an incredible job of accurately depicting the individual sibling relationships with one another and the role each person plays within the larger family dynamic. It’s a tall order and a near-impossible challenge to nail the complexities of a big family, but Napolitano does it with aplomb.
Find this book in: Books About Sisters / Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Best Books of 2023 / Family Sagas / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read
Malas
Author: Marcela Fuentes
Year: 2024
Genre: Literary Fiction
More info: June 2024 Good Morning America Book Club Pick
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Laid out as a dual-timeline story, this novel tells the tale of Pilar and Lulu, weaving their story together marvelously. In 1951 Pilar is told by a stranger that her husband is already married, changing the course of her marriage forever. In the present day, Lulu is getting ready for her quinceañera but with her grandmother recently deceased and her father a mess, she doesn’t know who to turn to for help.
Soon, Lulu strikes up an unlikely friendship with Pilar. As Lulu struggles to find her way into adulthood and navigate her strict dad’s rules, Pilar willingly shares her wisdom and helps guide her into womanhood.
Trigger Warnings
Child death, Alcoholism
Why Kirsten likes it
I was eager to pick up this story because I’m often drawn to character-driven stories. I enjoyed learning about the culture and norms around a quinceañera, a 15th birthday party popular in the Latino community to mark the coming-of-age milestone. I was also swept into the intergenerational trauma that makes books like this sing. If you enjoy a family saga, this is a great pick!
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Family Sagas
Maame
Author: Jessica George
Year: 2023
Genre: Literary Fiction
More info: February 2023 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This story about Maddie, known as Maame to her family, was immersive and beautifully complex. Dealing with friendships, racism, familial obligations, and then grief, this story swept me away. Maddie lives in London as the primary caretaker of her father who has Parkinson’s. Her mother spends most of her time in Ghana.
Trigger Warnings
Death of parent, Grief, Mental illness
Why Kirsten loves it
I felt fiercely protective of Maddie while reading this book. There were times I wanted to swoop in to relieve some of the burdens of this wonderful character with a heart of gold. But it was more rewarding to see Maddie finding her inner strength and learning to prioritize herself and her dreams. I can’t recommend this coming-of-age book about grief enough – especially as a book for book clubs.
Find this book in: Best Books of 2023 / Best Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Novels about Africa / Beach Reads 2023 / Fiction Books about Grief / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read
Plot
I picked up this book based on the cover and the thoughts of the hula dance competition, but instead of the fun read I was expecting, I got a coming-of-age story about a light-skinned Hawaiian trying to prove she belongs by learning to Hula.
But this Hula isn’t just a dance, it keeps the legends and legacies of the Hawaiian culture alive. Sprinkled throughout this story, while Hi’i is fighting to prove her worth, we see glimpses of her mother and grandmother’s lives and vignettes that explain Hawaii’s history, colonization, and the struggle of native Hawaiians today.
Why Kirsten loves it
There is so much to uncover in this book, so many layers to absorb. I was entertained while reading it, but more importantly, I learned so much. I’ll be raving about this for years to come!
Find this book in: Thought-provoking Books / Beach Reads 2023 / Best Books 2023 / Best Female BIPOC Author / Family Saga / Best Beach Reads of All Time / Coming-of-age Books for Adults
Coming-of-age novels set in the 1960s & 1970s
Hum If You Don’t Know the Words
Author: Bianca Marais
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical fiction
More info: Characters from this book appear in If You Want to Make God Laugh
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This coming-of-age story examines the relationship between a black woman named Beauty and a white girl named Robyn in apartheid South Africa in 1976. This novel is a brutally honest and emotionally compelling story, unlike anything I have ever read.
This book begins just before the 1976 Soweto uprising in which thousands of black students marched in protest of the apartheid government. Though the protest was peaceful, police open-fired killing a hundred children.
This historical fiction led to the most amazing discussions with our book club. The characters jump off the page. I was completely absorbed from the first sentence on the first page until the last page of the book. It is a powerful and poignant book.
Trigger Warnings
War, parental death
Why Jackie loves it
I had never read anything about the Soweto uprising. Even though this is a book filled with deep and emotional plotlines, there were times in the book that I laughed out loud. This is the first book from Marais and is a brilliant debut novel.
Why Kirsten loves it
This was a powerful novel that impacted me emotionally on so many levels. At the same time, the book never felt too heavy and I felt compelled to keep reading. I loved the characters and their development from the beginning to the end of the book.
Find this book in: Ultimate List of Historical Fiction Books / Jackie’s All-Time Favorite Books / Novels About Africa
Plot
The story alternates between Huey as a teenager grappling with his new life in the city at a prep school, and his childhood in the south during a summer in the 1960s during the Civil Rights Movement when he learned just how complicated it was to be a bi-racial child.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
I was so drawn into Huey’s story that I lost track of time. When it was over, I craved more of Hansen’s storytelling.
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Black History Book List
Plot
Ernt Allbright has come home from the Vietnam War traumatized and as his mental state deteriorates, his wife, Cora, and daughter, Leni, must learn to navigate the Alaskan wilderness on their own. It has elements of survivalists, anarchy, and mistrust for the world, but is tempered with young love, community, and hope.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic abuse, Alcoholism
Why Kirsten loves it
This isolation book is so haunting. I could not get it out of my head. Kristin Hannah is an amazing writer with wonderful characters. Her stories feel realistic almost to a fault. They are heartbreaking and heartwarming and utterly unforgettable. I did not think that I would like a book about Alaska but, I could not put it down.
Why Jackie loves it
Another Kristin Hannah story, another NYT best seller – and for good reason! I liked this coming-of-age story set in the Alaskan wilderness. The setting is truly its own character, bringing an element of desperation to that story that wouldn’t exist in another locale.
Find this book in: Books set in the 1970s / Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Isolation Books / Winter Books / Family Drama / Best Books of 2018 / Books Like Where the Crawdads Sing / Books Set in the 80s
Nickel Boys
Author: Colson Whitehead
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Pulitzer Prize Winner
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Elwood Curtis is a black boy who lives in Florida in the 1960s. When Elwood is unfairly sentenced to a crime, he is sentenced to live at the Nickel Boy Academy, a horror show is disguised as a school. Sadly, it is based on a real school that existed for 111 years.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Child abuse
Why Jackie loves it
The 213 pages of this book will haunt me for a long time. Mr. Whitehead brings characters to life and holy crap can this man write. There is a reason he has won the Pulitzer Prize two times. I have had this book since the day it was released and needed to find the courage to read it. I’m so glad I did.
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Black History Book List
Historical Fiction Coming-of-Age Novels
All the Light We Cannot See
Author: Anthony Doerr
Year: 2014
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Pulitzer Prize winner
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This beautiful book takes place in occupied France during the Second World War. It is the coming-of-age story of a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths cross as they try to survive the war. Marie-Laure is trying to save a valuable jewel from the Nazis, while orphan Werner’s skills at the radio find him drafted into the army. When their stories converge it becomes a story that you will not soon forget.
Trigger Warnings
War
Why Kirsten loves it
This Pulitzer Prize winner is well-written but also an immensely readable book. I was swept into the story and on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books / Books Set in France / WWII Books
The Lincoln Highway
Author: Amor Towles
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: October 2021 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The coming-of-age story is all about Emmett and his 8-year-old brother, Billy, and their quest to get to California to start a new life following the death of their father. Along for the ride are the scheming Duchess and his sidekick.
Why Kirsten loves it
Once again, Amor Towles writes an incredible, character-driven story that had me marveling at his writing ability. Their journey intertwines in this fast-moving character study of the 4 boys. It was a touch too long, but still a wonderful story from a gifted writer.
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Adults
Plot
I’d seen this book on many anticipated reads lists and was eager to listen when given the opportunity. This poignant tale is told, and narrated, by multiple characters and jumps between the present and the past as it weaves together the story of a family.
At Melody’s coming-of-age ceremony at 16, we discover her parents’ history. Immediately, the story engrossed me and the ending brought me to tears. I felt like I was a part of Melody’s story as I listened to the book.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
I highly recommend the audiobook because of the various narrators for each part. All the different voices bring such depth to the performance. Jacqueline Woodson is even one of the narrators!
Find this book in: Coming of Age Books for Adults / Books With Colors in the Title / Books Set in the 80s
The Dutch House
Author: Ann Patchett
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: October 2019 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Ann Patchett has done it again with this tale of sibling devotion that is a testament to the love that holds a family together. Danny and Maeve are victims of an abandoned mother and father who all but ignores them. Danny narrates the story of their lives as it ties into The Dutch House – a storied mansion their father purchased in Elkins Park. The home that is both a blessing and a curse, symbolizes how the mistakes parents make can impact children for a lifetime.
Why Kirsten loves it
I couldn’t put this story down. I did a mix of reading and listening, but ultimately I got swept into Tom Hank’s incredible narration. I was so fully drawn into the story that the world seemed to fall away.
Find this book in: Best Audiobooks / Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Family Sagas / Fall Books / Best Books of 2019
Contemporary Coming-of-Age Novels
Plot
Wow. This powerful coming-of-age story occurs during the summer when KB turns 11 and moves in with her grandfather for a few months. While her mother is off seeking treatment, KB is still grappling with the recent loss of her father to opioid addiction.
As she tries to acclimate to her new surroundings, she meets cousins, learns to connect with Grandpa, deals with racism for the first time, and watches her sister grow further from her as she becomes a teen.
Trigger Warnings
Sexual assault, Death of parent, Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
KB was a powerful narrator and Harris’s talent is evident in the way she wrote KB’s voice. I look forward to reading more from Kai Harris in the future.
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Adults
Beartown
Author: Fredrik Backman
Year: 2016
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: Beartown #1
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is a heavy story that also has a lot of heart. It’s about a small-town hockey team and the fallout when the star player is accused of raping the General Manager’s daughter.
As the town takes sides and loyalties are tested, a gripping narrative of the complexities within a community emerges. This character-driven story is the first in a three-book series.
Trigger Warnings
Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
This was my first exposure to Fredrik Backman. I was instantly enthralled by his writing abilities. He took a coming-of-age story and wove in life lessons while simultaneously creating characters I will never forget.
Why Jackie loves it
Frederik Backman is a master storyteller. He doesn’t just tell a story but, he submerges his reader deep in the lives of his characters. This town will follow me for a long time. It’s my favorite of all the Fredrik Backman books.
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Adults/ Winter Books / Books like Where the Crawdads Sing / Books like A Man Called Ove
The Most Fun We Ever Had
Author: Claire Lombardo
Year: 2019
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: April 2024 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Lombardo’s debut is a tremendous contemporary fiction book about the complicated dynamics and hidden secrets of the Sorenson parents and their 4 daughters.
The story alternates between the present day and the past. In the current storyline, Jonah reunites with the daughter who gave him up 15 years prior. The flashbacks touch on moments in the Sorenson family history that are returning to haunt them.
Why Kirsten loves it
I’m a sucker for character-driven novels. Each of Lombardo’s characters is deliciously flawed and complex. She writes in a way that brings characters to life. I could have sworn I’d met them before.
Why Jackie loves it
I love that at the heart of the story, the book is about the many forms of love and how to live well. I cannot believe that Claire Lombardo is not a 50 or 60-year-old woman with children of her own.
Find this book in: Books Becoming Movies / Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Books About Sisters / Best Contemporary Fiction Novels
Plot
This is a beautifully written and poignant book about family, love, and how much we can forgive those that we love. This book is the story of two families who live next door to one another and find their lives intertwined.
Trigger Warnings
Alcoholism, Gun violence, Mental illness
Why Jackie loves it
This is such a realistic family drama book that deals with topics like mental illness and alcoholism. At times, I found it hard to read because I could feel the characters’ pain.
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Family Dramas / Books About Addiction
Celebrity Book Club Coming-of-Age Books
This is How It Always Is
Author: Laurie Frankel
Year: 2018
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: October 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Rosie and Penn have five boys. The youngest, Claude wants to be a girl when he grows up. The family begins to navigate life with secrets because there is never a good time to explain that your youngest daughter was born a male.
These loving and supportive parents try to navigate a world where not everybody is open-minded, all while trying to do right by each of their children.
Trigger Warnings
Transphobia, Homophobia
Why Kirsten loves it
This is one of the best book club books on this list and a powerful look at what motherhood is all about.
Why Jackie loves it
Wow! There are so many things that I love about this contemporary fiction book. The story is poignant and all too realistic. It captures the innocence of youth and the struggles of an entire family.
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Books about Mothers / Family Drama Books / Best Contemporary Fiction / Best LGBTQ Books
Sam
Author: Allegra Goodman
Year: 2023
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: January 2023 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is the coming-of-age story of Sam, from 7 years old until about 19 as she navigates life where she doesn’t quite fit in with her peers. She lives with her mom and younger brother, while her dad flits in and out of her life depending on if his addiction is under control.
As she grows up, Sam falls into rock climbing, scaling buildings and walls, sometimes competing on teams, and always trying to find her place in the world.
Why Kirsten loves it
As a mom, it was so interesting to see the world through Sam’s eyes. I sympathized with her struggles but also wanted to get in there and mom her myself! I did find the closure I wanted for her at the end of the book and I was proud of her as if she was someone I actually knew!
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Adults
Dominicana
Author: Angie Cruz
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: October 2019 GMA Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
15-year-old Ana dreams of moving to America, envisioning a life of glamour, wealth, and freedom. She accepts the hand of a husband twice her age to fulfill her dreams but is in for quite an awakening when she makes it to the Bronx. Miserable in her life, Ana is forced to choose between duty to her family and her dreams.
Why Kirsten loves it
I was blown away by Cruz’s latest coming-of-age novel which explores her Dominican roots. Her immigrant story was filled with strength and courage throughout a year-and-a-half, as meek Ana is molded into a strong woman. #gifted by Libro.FM
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Female BIPOC Authors
The Family
Author: Naomi Krupitsky
Year: 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: November 2021 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Set in the 30s and 40s in Red Hook, NY, this family drama story is about two girls born into the Italian Mafia. Sophia and Antonia are the best of friends, neighbors, and daughters of local mob members. The story spans their childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood as they navigate their relationships with each other and “The Family.”
Why Kirsten loves it
It was captivating and wonderful to learn about the lives of the women in a crime family. It’s a must-read mob novel because it’s so unique.
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Friendship Books / Family Drama Books
Coming-of-Age Memoirs
Plot
This coming-of-age book had me thinking about it for DAYS. I mean truly, DAYS. This story shows the impact a lack of education can have on generations. Tara tells her life story about growing up with her survivalist family, having little contact with the outside world.
Tara’s journey was inspiring, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking all in one. This nonfiction book about cults had great insight into more extremist religions and survivalists.
Trigger Warnings
Child abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
I don’t usually read memoirs but I heard great things about this book. I loved it so much- it made my list of favorites for the year. It is an amazing story that reads like a novel rather than nonfiction.
Find this book in: Books about Cults / Books about Poverty / Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Best Nonfiction Books / Best Books of 2018 / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read
Plot
This is an amazing recount of Jeanette Walls’s upbringing and childhood. She is a successful journalist and writer living in New York City. Her parents also live in New York; however, they choose to be homeless. Jeanette Wells’s upbringing was unconventional and her parents did not offer her a structured childhood.
Trigger Warnings
Alcoholism, Child abuse
Why Jackie loves it
This is a fascinating memoir that reads like fiction. It gives a unique perspective to mental illness from a close family member. Wells is able to do this without blame and with love and respect respect for both her parents.
Find this book in: Thought-provoking Books / Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Books about Poverty / Books like Where the Crawdads Sing / Best Nonfiction Books
I’m Glad My Mom Died
Author: Jennette McCurdy
Year: 2022
Genre: Memoir
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Jeanette Mccurdy, star of the shows iCarly and Sam and Cat, has written her heartbreaking memoir. Forced into acting at 6 years old by a mentally ill and unstable mother, Jeanette lived her life trying to make her mother happy. The result was an eating disorder, addiction, and abuse.
Trigger Warnings
Eating disorders, Child abuse, Emotional abuse
Why Jackie loves it
I listened to this coming-of-age book and found it hard to put down but also extremely difficult to listen to at times because it is such a sad book.
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Books About Mental Illness / Books that Will Make You Cry / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read
Beautiful Country
Author: Qian Julie Wang
Year: 2021
Genre: Memoir
More info: September 2021 Read with Jenna Book List Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
A moving memoir of life as a Chinese immigrant in America. Qian and her family moved to America for opportunity, but hurdle after hurdle was thrown their way.
As her parents try to put food on the table, we learn about the immigrant experience through the eyes of Qian as a child. From her near-constant hunger to trying to acclimate to her new school system, Wang writes in a way that makes the reader feel what she felt.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
Truly a moving account of her early life. I challenge anyone to read this and not wonder how broken our immigration system is. If you are looking for a coming-of-age book to make you think, this is the one for you!
Find this book in: Coming-of-Age Books for Adults / Female Bipoc Authors
Helpful Tips
- While most of these books focus on the journey from adolescence to adulthood, not all coming-of-age books are appropriate for teens. Some have content that is still too mature, while others might not be interesting enough for teens.
- I’ve created a list of coming-of-age books for teens that adults will also enjoy.
- These stories are generally excellent picks for a book club.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a coming-of-age book?
A coming-of-age book is a story that revolves around a character’s growth as they tackle growing from youth to adulthood. Generally, these are character-driven books filled with themes like maturing, romantic love, loss of innocence, or other adult problems.
What is the fancy word for a coming-of-age book?
A Bildungsroman is a literary genre focusing on a protagonist maturing from child to adult.
Related Content
This post fulfills a prompt for the 2024 reading challenge! It’s not too late to join!
Epilogue
Coming-of-age stories will always be around for the lessons they teach us. It’s one of my favorite plots to read. Did you find a coming-of-age novel to read? Let us know below!
