Contemporaries with a Paranormal Twist
Do you ever want to pick up a book and escape into a totally different world…but, like, only a little bit? What I mean is, do you ever feel like delving into the world of a fantasy or sci-fi is too much, but a straight-up contemporary isn’t enough? If the answer to my questions is yes (or even if it’s no!) these contemporary novels with paranormal twists are absolute delights. So, for when you’re yearning for a mini-break from reality—rather than a two-week vacation—the books below are the perfect little escapes. Pack your weekender—and your tissue box—and get reading!
If you are looking to be absolutely distraught (in a good way, of course) then read The In Between because it will destroy you (again, in a good way). This book is so beautiful and immensely heartbreaking but also kind of healing. It’s about first love, its tragic ending, and some encounters with the afterlife. There’s also a movie adaptation starring Joey King. But, like my mother always told me, read the book first! You won’t be disappointed.
And here is another amazing, devasting, gorgeous contemporary novel with some mythical/magical twists. Alternating between real and magic, past and present, friendship and romance, hope and despair, The Astonishing Color of After is about Leigh Chen Sanders, who, after her mother’s death, travels to Taiwan for the first time to her maternal grandparents. While there, Leigh uncovers family secrets, grieves the loss of her mother, and deals with the consequences of kissing her longtime crush and best friend(!), Axel. This book truly has it all and it is just told so beautifully.
