College Age YA Books

There's a gap in the fiction world.

Or at least it feels like it.

While TV loves to talk about those twentysomethings, sometimes it feels like books jump straight from teens to midlife crisis. Romances often hit the mid-twenties, and age often feels secondary in Fantasy and Sci-Fi when the worlds diverge so dramatically from our own, but why do we act as if we suddenly stop coming of age at eighteen?

When I was in college (and in the years since), I desperately wanted books that reflected that time and the pressures that independence brought. Whether actually in college or not, the late teens to mid-twenties are a time of major changes, major decisions, and major emotions.

Lately it does I feel like I'm stumbling on more and more of these books and I hope the trend continues. Not all of these books take place at college, but they hit that age range.

I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

Nineteen-year-old underage cab driver Ed didn't intend to stop the bank robbery, but somehow, what happens next is stranger. When the first mysterious ace arrives in his mailbox, Ed is sent on a journey to help and hurt, all while trying to figure out who is behind his new missions.

This is my favorite book. Full stop. In addition to having some of the most intriguing opening paragraphs, it balances humor, heart, mystery, and tension. It is the type of book that makes you feel like enough and like you can do more, which is a magical combination.

Zusak's beautiful book Bridge of Clay also could, sort of fit, in this category. Clay is sixteen for the majority of the book, but it is narrated by his older brother Matthew and the whole thing weaves through time.

Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi

Penny has just started her first year of college and already feels out of place, not that that is a new feeling for her. Sam is twenty-one and just met Penny at his lowest moment in a string of low moments. The two begin to text, becoming confidants because it is easier when you don't actually have to see someone.

I just finally read this one and was completely charmed by the humor. While it doesn't shy away from serious issues, it finds a lovely balance so that it doesn't become bogged down or tie things up too cleanly.

Choi's Permanent Record also hits this age range and joined my to-read pile as soon as I finished Emergency Contact.

Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu

This first of two graphic novels covers the first half of the webcomic that follows Bitty as he begins college and figures out his place on the hockey team. A vlogger and talented baker, Bitty is a bit out of place with the hockey bros at first, but eventually manages to find his place, his friends, and love.

This came at the highest recommendation from a friend, and I flew through it and the sequel. It is a quick and totally charming read full of fun characters.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

When Cath heads to college, she suddenly finds herself out of her depth. Her twin sister is branching out to create her own life and Cath hasn't figured out how to balance her love of fanfiction with her new writing workshop.

This is probably the book most people think of when it comes to college age YA and it definitely captures the fish-out-water experience, even when it is frustrating. Some more extroverted readers might struggle to relate to Cath's experience, but that might be what makes it perfect for others.

Rowell's adult novel Attachments is one of my favorites. The main character, Lincoln, is in his late-twenties, but still trying to figure out where his life is headed.

Flight Season by Marie Marquardt

When Vivi returns from her first year of college, she doesn't have long to get her life back on track. During an ill-conceived internship at a hospital, her life becomes entwined with determined nurse-to-be TJ and problem patient Ángel, who is going to throw more than one wrench into their plans.

Alternating between three perspectives, each with their own cultures, goals, and paths, Flight Season wraps you in the characters' lives. By the end, I was both hopeful and sobbing. This book challenges the notion that there is any one right way to live life or achieve dreams.

We Are Okay by Nina LaCour

Marin left California for college across the country with no notice and practically no belongings. Now her estranged best friend is coming to visit for winter break and Marin doesn't know what to do when she won't be able to hide anymore.

Moving between the present and what happened before, We Are Okay explores grief and the ways that learning the truth about loved ones can disrupt everything we thought we knew. LaCour cultivates an amazing melancholy tone and explores how love comes in various types and isn't lost when it changes.

Serious Moonlight by Jenn Bennett

Mystery book-lover Birdie has just began working the graveyard shift at a hotel, her first taste of independence since her years homeschooled by her grandmother. Her first encounter with now-co-worker Daniel ended awkwardly, but now he wants her to solve a real-life mystery with him.

Filled with quirky characters and the full scope of Seattle, Bennett weaves an endearing romance between characters still finding themselves and learning to deal with the parts of themselves they'd rather hide.

Warning, if you are anything like me, you'll have David Bowie stuck in your head the whole time you're reading this book.

What did I miss? I've got a couple on my to-read list that might fit in this category, but I'd love to hear about more!