Top Ten Adult Books That Teens Should Read

Do you remember your first foray into adult fiction? We certainly do. There's a whole world of grown up books out there just waiting for you, and it's so exciting. Quality genre stuff is ideal for the child ready to move up a level, and anything involving a young protagonist is also great. Here are our favourite ten suggestions. Why not tell us about your favourites? On the flip-side of the coin, adults will love our Top Ten Teen Books That Adults Should Read.

Review of Joe Speedboat by Tommy Wieringa General Fiction Life in a Dutch backwater through the eyes of Frankie, severely disabled through an accident. Layers of meaning permeate this eccentric but affecting book and there are plenty of laughs, in both good and bad taste. Full Review

Review of Raven: Blood Eye by Giles Kristian Historical Fiction A vivid and energetic story set in a Britain just coming out of the Dark Ages and facing waves of Scandinavian raids. It's a vital and visual book, combining romance, violence and adventure as it goes a-viking. Fans of historical fiction will love it. Full Review

Review of Return to Sender by Zoe Barnes Women's Fiction Holly Bennett is on a mission to find out more about her biological mother, but that isn't the only worry the Bennett family is going through. A warm hearted and enjoyable read about families, trust and love. Full Review

Review of Asboville by Danny Rhodes General Fiction Asboville is a great debut novel from Danny Rhodes. It's a real what you see is what you get number, utterly unpretentious, very sympathetic and also very honest. Do read it. Full Review

Review of Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman Fantasy A collaboration of two literary giants of the fantasy world which works far better than you might expect. Gaiman's dark influnence perfectly balances Pratchett's humour. Full Review

Review of Empire of the Sun by J G Ballard Literary Fiction It's not really possible to sum up Empire of the Sun in just a few words if not to simply say, "Don't miss it." It's a book about war. It's about more than just the fighting. In fact, there isn't any fighting. It's beautifully written. It's mesmerising. It provides a revealing background to Ballard's later novels. It's a great definition of that made-up word, "dystopia". Oh, just don't miss it. Ok? Full Review

Review of Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones Literary Fiction Beautifully written with not a word wasted, Great Expectations meets tropical island in this look at the love of reading, the terrors of war, post-colonialism and personal integrity. Highly, highly recommended. Full Review

Review of Centurion (Roman Legion 8) by Simon Scarrow Historical Fiction More punchy action in Simon Scarrow's long-running Eagle series. This one sees Macro and Cato pitted against the Parthians and a traitor from their past. Historically accurate and great fun, if a little light. Think Cornwell's Sharpe, not his Arthur. Full Review

Review of Red Dog by Louis de Bernieres General Fiction Red Dog is a lovely little piece of modern folklore suitable for adults and younger readers just beginning to find their feet with books for grown ups. It follows its eponymous hero's adventure through Western Australia in a timeless tale of the littlest of lives. Full Review

Review of Submarine by Joe Dunthorne General Fiction Funny, naughty, rude and beautifully observed, Holden Caulfield meets Adrian Mole in Swansea for a wonderful debut novel. It's missing the most satisfying of climaxes (no pun intended), but that's all. You can also read an interview with Joe Dunthorne. Full Review

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