Last summer full of lightness with the big questions of life already gnawing at us. First, uncertain steps into the adult world full of doubt and arrogance. Relapses, new beginnings and search for meaning: Coming of age is exhausting, intense and full of impressive experiences that make us what we are today. The protagonists of our books are involved in this search. We recommend the six most stirring coming of age novels about the long journey to one’s own self.

The Secret History

Donna Tartt

When 20-year-old Richard Papen receives a scholarship to access the exquisite Hampden College in Vermont, he enters the fascinating world of education and prosperity. He becomes friends with an exclusive and mysterious group of young Greek students who inevitably cast a spell over him. Soon, however, he discovers the first cracks and a dark secret that confronts Richard with himself. Donna Tart’s metaphorical language in „The Secret History“ develops a veritable pull. Through subtle allusions she spans a web of lies, love and betrayal in which narrator Richard has to decide who he wants to be in life.

The Center of the World

Andreas Steinhöfel

17-year-old Phil grows up as an outsider in a small village in southern Germany. He lives in an old villa on the edge of the village with his quiet twin sister Dianne and his unconventional mother Glass. Between changing father figures and family secrets Phil falls in love with Nicholas and so begins an amazing story about the first great love, family ties and the search for his own self. In „The Center of the World“ Andreas Steinhöfel succeeds a tender, authentic and exciting insight into adolescence which appeals to young people and adults alike.

Until I find you

John Irving

From Europe to Canada to Hollywood. Grotesque, fantastic and heartwarming, that’s how Irving tells the story of actor Jack Burns and his search for his father. Like each of Irving’s works, the world of „Until I find you“ is populated by strong women and mothers, wrestlers, prostitutes and absent fathers among whom Jack gradually finds his place. There are only few authors who write as humorously and at the same time with so much depth about life in all its madness and all its beauty. Jack Burn’s search for „the one person who finally gives meaning to our lives“ is terrific.

Siddartha

Hermann Hesse

Siddartha’s path to enlightenment is one of Hermann Hesse’s best-known stories and every German student has read it at least once. But they all oversee that the thoughtful Buddha legend is a classic coming of age novel. Yet through the hero’s detachment from family and social conventions „Siddartha „is a book about the difficulties of growing up and an appeal to go your own way. In a clear and penetrating language Hermann Hesse takes us on a journey to the meaning of life.

Summer Crossing

Steve Tesich

Daniel Price and his friends Larry and Billy are finishing high school. It is the summer of 1960 in East Chicago and there are only a few months until the adult world begins. While Larry and Billy make their initial decisions the indecisive Daniel falls in love with the mysterious Rachel plunging into an unknown vortex of intense emotion. Tesich’s debut „Summer Crossing“ is often compared to Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye. In Daniel PriceTesich draws a deeply sensitive, vulnerable and intelligent young man who is confronted with the great issues of life when he’s searching for himself.

Tender Bar

J.R. Moehringer

This autobiographical coming of age novel is setted in the bar „Dickens“. J.R. spends his childhood in front of the counter of this smoky American tavern on Long Island and in the men he meets at the bar he finds all kinds of replacement fathers who shape his life. From barman Uncle Charlie to Vietnam Veteran Cager. The literary Memoirs of Journalist and Pulitzer Prize Winner J.R. Moehringer are full of quiet wisdom about the difficulties of finding his place in life. „Tender Bar“ addresses fears and encourages people to fight for their dreams.