Things I Love... -

THINGS I LOVE ...
I have fallen into the New Adult bandwagon. I am all about it and devour new adult books so fast. It is a newer genre that has appeared in the book community and is one I am really grateful for. NA bridges the gap between YA and Adult books, which is typically more geared towards romance, but has its fair share of paranormal options. Cora Carmack has put into words better than I could what this new genre is all about…
“These could not be a better way to describe the turbulent years between adolescence and adulthood, that terrifying in-between. Whether you’re at college or moving out on your own or working your first full time job—your life seems to change radically overnight. And yet for most people in that age group (18-25ish), you’re still not completely on your own. Your parents are still a large part of your life. You’re not a child anymore, but you’re also not quite an adult. You may call yourself an adult (as will others), but deep down in side you are petrified because you don’t feel like one.
At least, that’s how it was for me. It really did feel like my world was starting from scratch. I was searching for my perfect fit in this wide world. I once likened the feeling to leaving behind a comfortable pair of old shoes for new ones that fit a bit better. It’s not that you want to stay with the old shoes that have become worn out and are a bit too snug, but breaking in those new shoes takes time and can be painful. That is what New Adult books are about to me.
Young Adult books are about surviving adolescence and coming of age. New Adult is about how to live your life after that. New Adult is the “I’m officially an adult, now what?” phase.   Just like growing up, that life stage is different for everyone, but I do think there are some things that are constant.”
There are many things that I adore about these books and keep me coming back for more…
♥ Relatability
New Adult books tend to focus on the age group of 18-25. Since I fall within this age range I am able to easily relate to the characters and what they are going through.
♥ Real Life Struggles
I have found that in New Adult more than Adult Romance novels focuses a lot of self-discovery as well as taboo topics not found in Young Adult. There is more than just a romance story, but a life story with some romance in it. New Adult covers topics such as sexual assault/abuse, mental illness, drugs, friendships, careers, school etc. It really encompasses all aspects of life and I find I can relate to many things that happen as I have or I am experience similar things.
♥ Intense, Gritty and Raw Passion
This does not only refer to the romance, but also the story as a whole. The stories are gripping and real, letting the walls down and showing the vulnerability found within everyone. It shows all sides of relationships not just the sparkling and glittery, but the tough, real and sometimes bad parts of relationships.
♥ Relationships
From all the New Adult books I have read they tend to highlight and develop more than just a romantic relationship, but all forms from parent/child, siblings, and best friends. I love to see this happen. I think having these other relationships evolved and working on them as well is so true to this time in someones life. It also adds to the element of self discovery and finding ones self.
♥ Author Cross-Overs
I love that there are many YA authors who have started writing NA. There are so many that have that awesome writing style and character development that you love that appears in old characters within their NA novels!
♥ Happy For Now Endings
Keeping with the realistic aspect that is brought from the new adult genre, it shows that there doesn’t always have to be a happily ever after. It is okay to have a happy for now ending to a story because life isn’t a fairytale and there are not always happily ever after endings.