Transitioning to more adult books

[Georgie]

Young adult fiction is one of my favourite genres but as I grow older I’m beginning to connect with the characters less and less. Also as my peers are getting older as well I’m struggling more to recommend books. However the problem is I have been struggling to find adult-targeted books that capture my interest. Is there any books anyone can recommend for someone transitioning to books aimed at an adult audience?

[Nik]

Maybe other members can be more specific with suggesting titles, I think you can try switching from age - oriented books to genre - oriented and see what resonates with you, be they fantasy, lit fiction, romance, thriller or others and proceed from there..

[G.R.]

You would have to be more specific about what genres interest you, but does it matter to you the age of the protagonist or just that the subject matter of the book covers more adult issues? Or are you just looking for grittier material?

[Georgie]

I like fantasy and detective mysteries. But I don’t mind other genres. I liked Dangerous Lady by Martina Cole even that sort of gritty crime drama is not usually my sort of thing. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine was alright as a book but I failed to see what was supposed to be funny about it. I found the Jack Reacher books boring when I tried those. I would like to try books in a more realistic setting with main characters who are adults a bit like Eleanor Oliphant but with humour that relies more on sarcasm.

[Philip]

Georgie wrote: "I like fantasy and detective mysteries. But I don’t mind other genres. I liked Dangerous Lady by Martina Cole even that sort of gritty crime drama is not usually my sort of thing. Eleanor Oliphant ..."

Some classics with comic overtones Catch-22 always my absolute favourite - very sarcastic but many don't like WWII setting - ignore recent TV series

A lot of gritty thriller writers - but for less violence Fredrick Forsyth - lots to choose from - not much humour though.

Ian Fleming's Bond - the original books again of their time.

You could try a more contemporary feel with Nick Hornby - they tend to have comedic moments

[G.R.]

The Maltese Falcon is a classic detective story. Also, although somewhat dated by today's standards, Agatha Christie's mysteries are still very good reads.

If you are interested in detective story with a bit of suspense and supernatural to them (they generally have some graphic violence though), Lincoln Child/Douglas Preston wrote a number of them.

Gone Girl is another suggestion. For Fantasy, I would take a look at The Lies of Locke Lamora. I haven't read much lighthearted stuff lately, so not sure what to recommend there.

What about con artist type stories, like Ocean's Eleven or something similar?

[Papaphilly]

You should try Ray Bradbury. He would be an excellent crossover to adult books. Covers fantasy, science fiction, and horror.

[Philip]

Papaphilly wrote: "You should try Ray Bradbury. He would be an excellent crossover to adult books. Covers fantasy, science fiction, and horror."

A few more classics there and in that genre (Farenheit 451 et al) there is of course The Handmaid's Tale and other sci-fi.

For more humour there is always The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy

[Scout]

Philip's suggestion of Nick Hornby is a good one. Start with About A Boy. I think you'll like it. It's one of my favorites. If you like mysteries with a young, quirky female character, try One for the Money by Janet Evanovich. It's the first in a long series, and you should read them in order. Lots of humor there. Hope this gets you started. Let me know what you think.