What are some good coming of age books for adults for summer reading?

Question

I love coming of age books like "Summer Sisters" by Judy Blume or "Best Friends" by Martha Moody. Can you think of any good books that follow the lives of women from childhood or their teen years? I love reading at the beach and I want to start a list.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Marjorie Morningstar by Herman Wouk
Desiree by AnneMarie Selinko
Paradise Park a novel by Allegra Goodman

Coming of Age novels that don't follow a character from childhood to adulthood, but are well-written and full of insights:
Wonder When You'll Miss Me by Amanda Davis
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

Hope this helps.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thanks for the suggestions! I will check those out.

Answer 2

You may have read these or not be into fantasy, but the Twilight series is a good coming of age love story. It is written for young adults but I loved them and I am 35.

You might also check out the Harry Potter books, you won't be able to put them down when you leave the beach!

Source(s):

personal reference

Answer 3

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah...(the book is great!)
True Colors by Kristin Hannah
Thank You for All Things by Sandra Kring
While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinsky
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Handle With Care by Jodi Picoult
House and Home by Kathleen McCleary
My Sister Dilly by Maureen Lang
The Wednesday Sisters by Me Waite Clayton
Just Breathe by Susan Wiggs
The Richest Season by Maryann McLadden
A Month of Summer by Lisa Wingate
Made in the USA by Bille Letts
Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts
The Honk and Holler Opening Soon by BIlle Letts
The Book Club by Mary Alice Monroe
Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah
For my Daughters by Barbara Delinksy
White Oleander by Janet Fitch
Icy Sparks by Gwyn Hyman Rubio
Suddenly by Barbara Delinsky
Girls of Summer by Barbara Bretton
Just Desserts by Barbara Bretton
Domestic Affairs by Eileen Goudge
The Girls by Lori Lansens
Paper Hearts by Debrah Williamson
Singing with the Top Down by Debrah Williamson
Good Hope Road by Lisa Wingate
Tending Roses by Lisa Wingate
The Language of Sycamores by Lisa Wingate
Drenched in Light by Lisa Wingate
A Thousand Voices by Lisa Wingate...these last 4 go together

Source(s):

Some I have read and really enjoyed!

Answer 4

Well a few good comming of age stories that are also really good historical fiction about girls are: The Birth of Venus by Sarah Dunant; Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier and anything by Phillipa Gregory

Answer 5

The Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

Answer 6

The Perks of Being a Wallflower--Stephen Chbosky