Time for another Top Ten Tuesday post, this time looking at books outside my comfort zone! More specifically, books I’ve read outside my comfort zone that I’ve enjoyed. For me, this usually means adult books. 😂 I wouldn’t necessarily say that they’re always outside of my comfort zone, but they generally are. As someone who (maybe) wants to publish my own YA book someday, this is where I’m most comfortable.
This is also the area where I feel the most comfortable recommending books. In any genre. I read anything classified YA, from fantasy to contemporary fiction. The books I’ve read outside of my comfort zone were usually recommended or read for book club.
Top Ten Tuesday is a meme that was created by The Broke and the Bookish and is currently run by The Artsy Reader Girl. If you haven’t checked out their posts yet, you definitely should! I’ve been doing them since January and have enjoyed each one. Check out my last one here!
Enjoyable Books Outside My Comfort Zone
1. Educated by Tara Westover
Maybe this one doesn’t quite count, because it’s still a coming of age story. But, it’s nonfiction (specifically, a memoir) which I don’t read much of. However, this book touches on so many important ideas, everyone should read it!
2. Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
I generally don’t read romance, which is what this book is classified as. But! I had seen this book everywhere on Instagram/Twitter and decided to give it a try. Oh my goodness, I’m so glad I did! It’s so much more than the romance at the core, and I loved it.
3. The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
This is an adult fiction book that I read for the Barnes and Noble Book Club. It’s really quite sad, but another eye-opening book. Plus, the way the narrative is formed is so creative. I won’t spoil it for you, so just read it! 😊
4. Death Note Vol. 1 by Tsugumi Oba
Yes, I read a lot of graphic novels, but manga isn’t usually included in that. This one I read for the Read Harder Challenge, and someday I hope to get to the rest of the series!
5. Yes, Please by Amy Poehler
Another memoir, this time from one of my favorite comedians! In this book, it was interesting to see how Poehler’s career changed and how Parks and Rec came about. Plus, she’s still funny in writing!
6. The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See
This was another one that I read for the Barnes and Noble Book Club that I really enjoyed. It was about a culture that I didn’t know much about, and though it was sad (once again), it was a fascinating story.
7. The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
Not necessarily a huge sci-fi fan, though I’ve read several this year that I’ve loved. This was one I read for a read along on Instagram, and it was really enjoyable! Lots of great characters to love.
8. Minhunter by John Edward Douglas
This book I picked up because of the show on Netflix. I wanted to see what the show was based. The FBI’s process for catching serial killers is fascinating.
9. The Female Persuasion by Meg Wolitzer
Another Barnes and Noble Book Club pick, the first one actually! I really related to one of the main characters in this book.
10. When They Call You a Terrorist by Patrisse Khan-Cullors
This one I read awhile ago, but still an important book! It is an exploration of the beginning of the Black Lives Matter movement, and I think everyone should read it.