Every generation has books that mark a special place in their heart, and while the youngest generation yet is still in the making, what is becoming clear is what kind of books Gen Z will hold near and dear to their heart.
Surprisingly, Gen Z loves romance novels more than the previous generation hence the upward trend of summery love stories on TikTok. Gen Z does have some favorites in common with Millennials, for example, popular series like Harry Potter, Twilight, and The Hunger Games are still going strong with this generation.
What sets them apart is their continuous interest in light-hearted and sweet romance. Between fast and slow burns or enemies-to-lovers tropes, check out these books that are bound to become classics for Gen Z.
10. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Ali Hazelwood rapidly went viral on TikTok (a social media also very near and dear to Gen Z’s heart), but it was also an instant success on the most critically acclaimed book list in 2021. The novel follows Olive, a biology graduate student and she is trying to convince her friend that she is over her ex-boyfriend, especially because that friend wants to date him. After a mix-up and the need to keep up a facade, Olive ends up in a fake relationship with a renowned professor.
Hazelwood is a PhD scientist who writes books about women in STEM, perhaps this is another reason why Gen Z connects so deeply with her books as this generation really appeals to authenticity and transparency.
9. Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
In this 2018 novel that was recently adapted to the screen, a young girl who grew up in solitude is on trial for murder in the 60s and 70s. Kaia grew up in a North Carolina swamp, abandoned by her family and left to fend for herself. The town grew to know her as the swamp girl, and with rumors flying so came prejudice.
The book goes back and forward between the trial and telling the story of how Kaia got to where she is. The themes of solitude and prejudgement are other themes that spark an interest in Gen Z as they are less preoccupied than past generations about fitting in.
RelatedThe Difference Between Slow Burn And Fast Burn Romance Books
8. The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
One might argue that The Fault In Our Stars was the first book that struck a love story interest for Gen Z, as the oldest members of this generation were turning 12 or 13 when the book became an international phenomenon, and they were turning 14 and 15 when the tear-jerking film was released. John Green is to Gen Z as Nicholas Sparks is to Millennials.
You probably already know the plot of this one, a teenage girl is living with Leukemia and in the process meets a boy who brings her joy for the first time in a long time. The two set off in a sweet romance that leads to travel, adventure, and tough times.
7. A Court Of Thorns And Roses by Sarah J. Maas
This 7 part fantasy series could well be the next Twilight for how popular it has become as a fantasy romance series and a TV adaptation is rumored to be underway.
The series follows a 19-year-old moral named Feyre who was hunting in the woods when she killed a wolf that was on the pounce. The next day an immortal, called a Faerie, comes to her home demanding payment as it was a fellow immortal whom she killed. There is a treaty between the mortal and immortal realms that prevents harm to the other, and as payment, Feyre must go and live in the other realm and much to her surprise is exposed to an entirely new way of life.
Enjoying this article?
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter6. The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid has written many viral books, including Daisy Jones & The Six, but The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo really struck a chord with young audiences.
The book follows not just the husbands, but the Hollywood career of an iconic actress from getting her start in the 50s and how it evolved throughout her life. If you haven’t read this book, you are in for some twists and turns as the title does not imply nearly half of the story of an exciting life lived.
RelatedBook Adaptations We Are Excited For In 2024
5. Normal People by Sally Rooney
Normal People really took the world by surprise, and it was especially successful among Gen Z and Millennial readers as the situationship is a dating trope all too well known for these generations.
Connell and Marianne come from opposite sides of the train track but from the same small town in Ireland. The two have been in school together, but do not speak at school as Connell is from the popular group and Marianne is more of a loner. They do however speak when Connell picks up his mother from Marianne’s house, where his mother is a cleaner. The two spark a secret friendship, turned relationship, and the book follows the back and forward romantic and sexual tension in their friendship over the years to come.
4. Wonder by R.J Palacio
This heartwarming young adult novel is one of those books that is not just for kids, there is something that any person can relate to. This book is very likely to have been mandatory reading in Gen Z classrooms all around the world, as it is the perfect book to talk about issues faced by young people including how we are all different, and how to accept others.
A boy with facial abnormalities goes to a mainstream school for the first time and must deal with the incorporation into his community. To his surprise, he learns the value of how important it is to shine and celebrate what makes you you.
3. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
Possibly the most famous TikTok romance novel of all time thanks to Gen Z readers, this list would not be complete without It Ends With Us, the first book in Hoover’s series.
The plot seems quite simple, Lily is beginning her new life after college and meets someone, but is challenged by her first love – which forces her to choose who she wants to be. The life step in which it takes place represents a phase of life that many Gen Z find themselves in, or looking forward to making this book close to home for them – but also readers of any age!
Related5 Of The Best Colleen Hoover Books According To TikTok
2. I Am Sorry You Feel That Way by Rebecca Wait
This beautiful and honest novel explores complicated family dynamics, starting from the root. The characters are Celia, the mother, and her three children. The plot skips back and forward beginning as early as Celia’s childhood and piecing together why each member of the family is the way they are, plus how they are forced to navigate the family.
The common theme of looking back on your childhood to understand how you are is more common with Gen Z than previous generations and this book gives the perfect insight into how difficult it can be to grow into your own person.
1. 7 Days In June by Tia Williams
Speaking of how childhood can mold you into the person that you are, 7 Days in June is another perfect example of looking to the past in order to heal your future.
The protagonist is a successful writer, although she suffers from a condition that causes severe migraines and pain. As a single mom navigating success and deciding the best way to move forward, she is faced with the ghost of her past: a boy she spent chaotic days with 15 years ago. This beautifully written book is the page-turning romance story you have been waiting for.
