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Teen Vogue’s Summer 2025 Book List: 15 Must-Read Books for New Adults
Jun
Summer 2025 is officially the season of soul-searching stories and bold new voices, thanks to Teen Vogue’s latest book curation. This year’s “15 Must-Read Books for New Adults” list is more than just a collection of beach reads — it’s a roadmap for emotional growth, fresh perspectives, and immersive storytelling. Whether you’re navigating post-grad life or simply searching for meaning in the chaos, these selections promise an unforgettable summer of reading.
What Makes This List Unique?
Unlike traditional summer book lists focused on breezy romance or thrillers, Teen Vogue’s editorial team aimed their spotlight on titles that speak to the complex experiences of new adults—readers between 18 and 30 who are charting their way through identity, loss, love, and personal rebirth. With genres ranging from memoir to magical realism, this list champions diverse voices, bold storytelling, and cultural relevance.
Top Highlights from the List
1. Pure Innocent Fun by Ira Madison III
Genre: Memoir / Coming-of-Age
A raw, funny, and unfiltered look at growing up gay and Black in Milwaukee,
with nods to pop culture and self-discovery.
Madison’s voice is a standout—sardonic yet vulnerable.
2. How to Lose Your Mother by Molly Jong-Fast
Genre: Memoir
Daughter of the infamous Erica Jong, Molly wrestles with legacy, grief, and identity. A must-read for anyone unpacking generational trauma and seeking their own narrative.
3. The Wind on Her Tongue by Iquo DianaAbasi
Genre: Fantasy / African Spiritual Realism
A lushly written story steeped in folklore, feminine power, and ancestral magic. Set in a world that blends myth with modernity, this is a breakout fantasy novel with soul.
4. Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
Genre: Literary Fiction
Rooney returns with another emotionally precise novel about two lovers adrift in their 30s. Expect complex relationships, philosophical musings, and her signature minimalist style.
5. Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Genre: Literary Fiction
Ten years after Americanah, Adichie delivers a multi-generational narrative exploring exile, artistic legacy, and motherhood in postcolonial Nigeria. It’s one of the most anticipated books of the decade.
What These Books Have in Common
- 🌍 Global voices and settings (Nigeria, the U.S., diaspora communities)
- 🔍 Themes of identity, grief, personal growth, and cultural heritage
- 💡 Literary depth with accessible storytelling
- 📈 Buzz-worthy releases from both debut authors and literary icons
Read more: The Best Fiction Books of 2024 You Can’t Miss
Why This List Matters Now
In a time when many new adults are grappling with uncertainty, burnout, and reinvention, this book list doesn’t just offer escape—it offers reflection. These titles give voice to the in-between, the messy, and the magical parts of becoming fully yourself.
Whether you’re lounging by the beach, journaling in a coffee shop, or daydreaming on a long commute—these reads will stay with you.
Full List Available At:
👉 Teen Vogue – 15 Must-Read Summer 2025 Books for New Adults
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