New Adult Fiction is a genre that has emerged in the literary world in the last decade. It is a genre that bridges the gap between Young Adult (YA) and Adult Fiction, focusing on the experiences of individuals in their early to mid-twenties. The genre is characterized by themes such as self-discovery, personal growth, and the transition into adulthood.
The term ‘New Adult Fiction’ was first coined by St. Martin’s Press in 2009, in an effort to describe novels that fall into the gray area between YA and Adult Fiction. The genre has since gained popularity, with many authors and publishers recognizing the need for stories that reflect the unique challenges and experiences of this age group.
Defining Characteristics of New Adult Fiction
New Adult Fiction is characterized by its focus on the experiences of characters in their early to mid-twenties. This is a time of significant change and growth, as individuals navigate the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The genre often explores themes such as self-discovery, personal growth, and the challenges of adulthood.
Another defining characteristic of New Adult Fiction is its realistic portrayal of life. The genre often deals with real-world issues such as career struggles, relationships, and mental health. It does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of life, and often includes explicit content and mature themes.
Themes in New Adult Fiction
One of the key themes in New Adult Fiction is self-discovery. Characters in these novels are often trying to figure out who they are and what they want out of life. This can involve exploring their identity, their passions, and their values.
Another common theme is personal growth. Characters in New Adult Fiction often go through significant personal development throughout the course of the novel. This can involve overcoming personal challenges, learning to cope with adversity, and developing resilience.
Realism in New Adult Fiction
New Adult Fiction is known for its realistic portrayal of life. The genre often deals with real-world issues such as career struggles, relationships, and mental health. Characters in these novels often face difficult situations and must navigate complex emotions.
The genre also often includes explicit content and mature themes. This can include sexual content, violence, and strong language. The inclusion of these elements is intended to reflect the realities of life for individuals in this age group.
Popular Sub-Genres of New Adult Fiction
Like many other genres, New Adult Fiction can be broken down into several sub-genres. These sub-genres can include New Adult Romance, New Adult Fantasy, New Adult Mystery, and more. Each sub-genre has its own unique characteristics and themes.
Despite the variety of sub-genres, all New Adult Fiction shares the common focus on the experiences and challenges of individuals in their early to mid-twenties.
New Adult Romance
New Adult Romance is a sub-genre of New Adult Fiction that focuses on romantic relationships. These novels often explore the complexities of love and relationships in the early stages of adulthood. This can include navigating the challenges of dating, dealing with heartbreak, and learning about sexual intimacy.
Like other forms of New Adult Fiction, New Adult Romance often includes mature themes and explicit content. This can include sexual content, strong language, and depictions of violence.
New Adult Fantasy
New Adult Fantasy is a sub-genre of New Adult Fiction that incorporates elements of fantasy. These novels often feature characters in their early to mid-twenties who are navigating the challenges of adulthood in a fantastical setting.
Despite the fantastical elements, New Adult Fantasy novels often deal with real-world issues. This can include themes such as self-discovery, personal growth, and the challenges of adulthood.
Notable Authors and Works in New Adult Fiction
There are many notable authors and works in the genre of New Adult Fiction. Some of these authors have helped to define the genre and have contributed significantly to its popularity.
Notable authors in the genre include Colleen Hoover, Jamie McGuire, and Tammara Webber. These authors have written popular New Adult Fiction novels that have resonated with readers and have helped to shape the genre.
Colleen Hoover
Colleen Hoover is a bestselling author known for her New Adult Fiction novels. Her works often explore themes of love, loss, and personal growth. Some of her most popular novels include “Hopeless“, “Slammed“, and “Maybe Someday“.
Hoover’s novels are known for their emotional depth and realistic portrayals of life. Her characters often face difficult situations and must navigate complex emotions.
Jamie McGuire
Jamie McGuire is another bestselling author in the New Adult Fiction genre. Her novel “Beautiful Disaster” is considered a seminal work in the genre. The novel tells the story of a college student who falls in love with a troubled young man.
McGuire’s novels often explore themes of love, personal growth, and the challenges of adulthood. Her characters are often flawed and must overcome personal challenges to grow and develop.
Conclusion
New Adult Fiction is a genre that has emerged in the literary world in the last decade. It focuses on the experiences of individuals in their early to mid-twenties, exploring themes such as self-discovery, personal growth, and the transition into adulthood. The genre is characterized by its realistic portrayal of life, often dealing with real-world issues such as career struggles, relationships, and mental health.
With its focus on the unique challenges and experiences of this age group, New Adult Fiction has filled a gap in the literary world. It offers readers a chance to see their own experiences reflected in literature, and provides a platform for authors to explore the complexities of this stage of life.
Kathryn Taylor was born and raised in the Midwest and has been a book lover and writer since childhood. As a queer teenager, she found solace in writing, and has written professionally ever since graduating from college. She loves a variety of fiction book genres, including romance books, thrillers, YA, sci-fi, and adventure. She's also a fan of the Oxford comma.
Kathryn has received numerous awards for her writing and now writes exclusively for RT Book Reviews. She is a passionate activist in the LGBTQ+ community, speaking at conferences and leading queer writing workshops. When not reading and writing, Kathryn enjoys visiting local libraries and bookstores across the country, exploring new cities, and spending time with her family.
