Literacy Lists: Contemporary Books (On My TBR)

Over the next few months I’ve decided to focus these lists on four different genres that I want to start reading more of. The first of those that I’d like to mention is contemporary which I used to love yet hardly seem to pick up anymore. Why? I honestly don’t know. There’s a lot of it on my TBR; I just never seem to get around to reading it. And I honestly don’t understand why as some of it sounds absolutely amazing. These aren’t necessarily the top ten contemporary novels and series that I want to read but they are all ones that are pretty high up on my TBR. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Hand

Let’s start this list off with something that I not only constantly hear about but which also sounds like it has the potential to be seriously sweet! The drama of these letters getting mailed really appeals to me and I’m super excited to pick these books up soon. They sound fabulous and I seriously hope that we get to read some of these letters during the book?

Sadie by Courtney Summers

I just know that this book is going to be a harrowing read at times. Not only is it by Courtney Summers but it’s about two sisters; one of them dead, the other who seems to have disappeared whilst searching for her. I love unraveling mystery stories so I know that I’ll love getting some answers whilst reading this book. I also know that books by this author tend to pack one hell of an emotional punch. But I’m ready for it…I think

Am I Normal Yet? by Holly Bourne

I’m pretty sure that this book deals with OCD and anxiety and I’ve been kind of torn about reading it for a while as a result. On the one hand I want to read books featuring these things; on the other I’m always wary that the portrayal of them will let me down. I do seriously want to read this book though to see how Evie handles her struggles and to find out what makes this series, and author, so popular.

Monday’s Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson

This one sounds amazing although, again, I have the feeling that it has the potential to be another heart-breaker of a book. Still I’m desperate to get my hands on a copy of this and finally see what the stories like. The last line of the blurb, ‘ How can a teenage girl just vanish without anyone noticing that she’s gone?’ is haunting. It’s another mystery that I want to unravel and already I feel for Claudia.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Yep it’s another book with the potential to break my heart. I think I’m sensing some kind of theme here? I’m not sure how I haven’t read this book yet as it’s been on my TBR for ages. I’d love to watch the show soon but I’m determined to read the book first as I’m fed up of my recent habit of seeing the film/television show before picking up the book. With thirteen reasons for her suicide I have a feeling that this book will put me through an emotional ringer. I’m still somewhat curious as to what pushes Hannah so far though.

Genuine Fraud by E. Lockhart

I’m honestly not sure what to expect from this book but I know that I desperately want to read it. The blurb is kind of vague – I imagine intentionally – but with it’s mentions of bad romances, intense friendship and murder I’m intrigued to say the least. Besides which how I resist a title like this one? Something about it just really appeals to me

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

You know how earlier on I said that I was fed up of seeing the film before reading the book? Yeah…I’ve seen the film but still need to read the book with this one. I didn’t want to miss my chance to see it in the cinema though and I honestly thought the film was amazing. So, considering the adaptation and people’s love of the book, I’m pretty sure that I’m going to adore this once I finally pick it up. Although it’s going to be another painful book at times. This is definitely an odd theme here.

When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

I actually really like the sound of this but whilst writing this list up the Goodreads page for it worried me a little. I thought this was popular but maybe I was wrong as there seem to be a lot of low reviews there. But anyway I still want to read this book. I love the sound of these two characters with very different attitudes towards arranged marriage. I love the idea of them meeting at a summer program for aspiring web developers. And I’m hoping that the ‘opposites clash’ line means that maybe this will give me some enemies to lovers vibes?

A Semi-Definitive List Of Worst Nightmares by Krystal Sutherland

I think this is a contemporary? Or is it magical realism? Now I’m unsure but this is staying here for now. Either way I definitely want to check this one out. It sounds like it has the potential to have a sweet side but also sounds super intriguing in other ways too. I love the idea of this deeply personal list getting taken from Esther and can’t wait to see how she tackles her fears. I also love the unusual curse that her family has. This is definitely one that I hope to read soon.

The Geography Of You And Me by Jennifer E. Smith

I started this list with a sweet sounding book so why not finish it off with one too? I absolutely adore the sound of this one! It seems like it will have the perfect ‘meet cute’ moment at the start which I’m really looking forward to. Then it’s going to contain long distance contact through postcards and emails (I love it when books include these sort of things). So basically I want this now! I hope this lives up to my expectations because at the moment they’re pretty high.

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So those are ten of the contemporary books that I’d most like to read. I managed to get a few sweet sounding ones in there but I somehow still managed to include quite a few that I’m sure will try and tear my heart apart too. Oops. Do you have anymore suggestions for me? I’m always open to them; no matter how long my TBR becomes there will always be room on it for more books.

What’s a genre that you’d like to read more of? Have you read any of these books? What’s your favourite contemporary novel and/or author? Let me know in the comments section below (:

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