Books like 'Hurry Up and Wait'
Readers who enjoyed Hurry Up and Wait by Isabel Ashdown also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary historical-fiction coming-of-age romantic-love realistic
-
Crank Trilogy by Ellen Hopkins
Rated: 4.64 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe heart-wrenching bestselling Crank trilogy shows that addiction is never just one person’s problem. Crank Kristina is the perfect daughter: gifted high school junior, quiet, never any trouble. Then she meets the monster: crank. And what begins as a wild ride turns into a struggle for her mind, her soul—her life. Glass Crank. Glass. Ice. Crystal... -
Looking for Alaska / An Abundance of Katherines / Paper Towns / The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFour critically acclaimed, award-winning modern classics from #1 New York Times-bestselling author John GreenThis John Green deluxe box set includes Printz Award–winning Looking for Alaska, Printz Honor book An Abundance of Katherines, Edgar Award–winning Paper Towns, and #1 New York Times–bestselling The Fault in Our Stars... -
Addiction by Margaret McHeyzer
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMeth, crank, ice, glass, fire, tina, chalk, crystal or crystal meth. Whatever you call it, it’s the same thing. Addictive. Drugs ruin people’s lives. I should know, they destroyed mine. I’m Hannah and I got hooked on ice. What started as a trickle, ended with a tsunami washing everything away; my family, my life. I’m not sure you’re ready to read my story; it’s real and confronting...Categorized as:
realistic romantic-love coming-of-age fiction young-adult dark mental-illness contemporary -
Love on the Line 2 by Kirsten Fullmer
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIn part two of this extraordinary love story set in the hot, humid, summer of the wide-open mid-west, egos and emotions collide. Andy and Rooster find their romance in peril when job-related stress, injuries, and extraordinary weather conditions interfere with their relationship, both at work and at home... -
-
-
Libertad by Bessie Flores Zaldivar
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA queer YA coming-of-age set during the rigged Honduran presidential election, about a young poet discovering the courage it takes to speak her truth about the people and country she loves.As the contentious 2017 presidential election looms and protests rage across every corner of the city, life in Tegucigalpa, Honduras churns louder and faster...Categorized as:
historical-fiction coming-of-age realistic romantic-love young-adult contemporary fiction lgbtq -
Because by Mo Willems
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsMo Willems, a number one New York Times best-selling author and illustrator, composes a powerful symphony of chance, discovery, persistence, and magic in this moving tale of a young girl's journey to center stage. Illustrator Amber Ren brings Willems' music to life, conducting a stunning picture-book debut...Categorized as:
historical-fiction realistic book children children-books contemporary family fiction -
Bright Red Fruit by Safia Elhillo
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsAn unflinching, honest novel in verse about a teenager's journey into the slam poetry scene and the dangerous new relationship that could threaten all her dreams. From the award-winning poet and author of HOME IS NOT A COUNTRY.Bad girl. No matter how hard Samira tries, she can’t shake her reputation...Categorized as:
coming-of-age realistic romantic-love young-adult fiction contemporary audiobook family -
Frankie by Graham Norton
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsFrankie Howe has lived a long life, her small flat is crammed full of art, furniture - and memories. Damian, her young carer, listens as she gradually tells him parts of her story - a story that takes us into a progressive, daring world of New York artists on the brink of fame, aspiring writers and larger-than-life characters... -
My Lame Life: Queen of the Misfits by Jen Mann
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author Jen Mann has written a hilarious and heartwarming story for fans of Meg Cabot and Rainbow Rowell. My name is Plum Parrish, I'm fourteen, and I'm pretty sure I'm invisible. Not like super power invisible, more like loser invisible. There's a big difference... -
3 stepbrothers by Animallover55
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTori lived with her dad and little sister. She never expected to have a stepmother, much less a stepbrother. But whats worse is not only one stepbrother, not two either. No three stepbrothers. But it gets worse, the three boys just happen to be the three triplet sport stars of the school. The same three boys that have gone out with nearly all those girls that wear short short skirts... -
Two Like Me and You by Chad Alan Gibbs
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsEdwin Green's ex-girlfriend is famous. We're talking cover-of-every-tabloid-in-the-grocery-store-line famous. She dumped Edwin one year ago on what he refers to as Black Saturday, and in hopes of winning her back, he's spent the last twelve months trying to become famous himself. It hasn't gone well...Categorized as:
coming-of-age historical-fiction realistic action-adventure book contemporary fiction humor -
Girl Unmoored by Jennifer Gooch Hummer
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThirteen-year-old Apron Bramhall begins a summer job at her new friend Mike and his boyfriend Chad's flower shop, but she soon learns a secret about Chad that threatens to turn her peaceful world upside down...Categorized as:
realistic historical-fiction coming-of-age young-adult fiction contemporary drama middle-grade -
Aloha, Kanani by Lisa Yee
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsKanani loves helping out in her family's store and sharing the wonders of Hawaii with visitors. When her chic cousin Rachel from Manhattan comes to stay for a month, Kanani can't wait to get to know her cousin and help Rachel feel at home. But a clash of cultures ensures, and Kanani feels ignored. She tries to extend hospitality but everything she does seems to make Rachel unhappy... -
-
On Herring Cove Road: Mr. Rosen and His 43Lb Anxiety by Michael Kroft
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsOnce an amusing extrovert with a reputation as a prankster, Mr. Rosen is entering his retirement years as a stoic thirty-year converted introvert who has no interest in people, despises change, and is more than content to have his wife navigate his life... -
Baby & Solo by Lisabeth Posthuma
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsJoel’s new job at the video store is just what the therapist ordered. But what happens if the first true friend he’s made in years finds out about What Was Wrong With Him?Seventeen-year-old Joel Teague has a new prescription from his therapist—a part-time job—the first step toward the elusive Normal life he’s been so desperate to live ever since The Bad Thing happened...Categorized as:
historical-fiction coming-of-age realistic romantic-love young-adult mental-illness lgbtq fiction -
the truth about fragile things by Regina Sirois
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsBryon died fifty years before his time. Charlotte grew up angry. I grew up scared. And Phillip- well, he never grew up. And now we are all bound together into one painful heap of humanity. Broken, but bound. And maybe it is only the fact that we are tangled in one terrible knot that will hold us together until we heal. This is unfortunately, and miraculously, my story...Categorized as:
coming-of-age realistic book contemporary female-author fiction literary-fiction young-adult -
Rough Waters by Nikki Chartier
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsHaley's future has been waiting on the west coast for the past year, but she isn't the only new face in Crescent Cove this summer. When Colby Taylor's parents locate him and interrupt his surf competition, the surf star spirals out of control, dragging Drenaline Surf's reputation through the mud and into the ground with him... -
The Heart Listens by Helen Van Slyke
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTHE HEART LISTENS is the rich, sweeping saga of a gallant and glamorous woman, whose joys, sorrows and crises you will soon be sharing. THE HEART LISTENS is the magnificent tale of one woman’s lifetime—ranging from Boston of the roaring 20’s through the deco-glamour of 30’s Manhattan to the glittering California of the 70’s—spanning decades of personal triumph and tragedy, crisis and ecstasy...Categorized as:
historical-fiction realistic adult book contemporary female-mc fiction womens-fiction -
Honeybees and Distant Thunder by Riku Onda
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTender and intense, Honeybees and Distant Thunder is the unflinching story of love, courage and rivalry as three young people come to understand what it means to truly be a friend.In a small coastal town just a stone's throw from Tokyo, a prestigious piano competition is underway...Categorized as:
realistic coming-of-age fiction contemporary literary-fiction 21st-century book adult -
Accidentally Fooled by Lisa Papademetriou
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSeventh grader Amy Flowers is finally making her mark at ultra-exclusive Allington Academy, but there's always one thing standing in her way: the League. They rule the school, and their queen is oh-so-mean Fiona, who doesn't exactly appreciate a new girl invading her turf. This time, Amy's stuck working on a service project with Fiona and preppie know-it-all Preston... -
The Mission by Jason Myers
Rated: 4.08 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWake up and do something! Kaden Norris's life is shattered when his older brother -- his best friend and hero -- is killed in Iraq. All Kaden has left of Kenny is a letter, urging him to break away from his sheltered life and to go to San Francisco to visit his cousin, James. Kaden is blown away, as James introduces him to a life filled with drugs, sex, and apathy...Categorized as:
realistic coming-of-age young-adult fiction contemporary substance-abuse teens high-school -
Safe Harbor by AnnaLisa Grant
Rated: 4.06 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsLayla Weston was supposed to be planning her wedding, not waiting for her fiancé’s father to die.As Luke prepares to defend Holly for the shooting of Gregory Meyer, Layla and her family weigh the possibility of being able to return home to North Carolina. Only Layla isn't quite sure that's what she wants... -
Lessons by Ian McEwan
Rated: 4.04 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsWhen the world is still counting the cost of the Second World War and the Iron Curtain has closed, eleven-year-old Roland Baines's life is turned upside down. Two thousand miles from his mother's protective love, stranded at an unusual boarding school, his vulnerability attracts piano teacher Miss Miriam Cornell, leaving scars as well as a memory of love that will never fade...Categorized as:
historical-fiction coming-of-age fiction literary-fiction audiobook contemporary family book -
-
Troubled Waters by AnnaLisa Grant
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsCollege life for Layla Weston isn’t starting the way she’d intended. She’s revisiting the plans she once had to be the reclusive girl she wanted to be at Heyward Prep, and Layla is more than confident in her ability to succeed this time. After all, she’s got a whole new bag of secrets to keep. Still reeling from Will’s disappearance, Layla is doing her best to adjust to life back in Florida... -
Spud - The Madness Continues ... by John van de Ruit
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe year is 1991, and Spud Milton's long walk to manhood is still creeping along at an unnervingly slow pace. Approaching the ripe old age of fifteen and still with no signs of the much anticipated ball-drop, Spud is coming to terms with the fact that he may well be a freak of nature...Categorized as:
coming-of-age historical-fiction realistic boarding-school book comedy contemporary drama -
Meant to Be by Jude Deveraux
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsNew York Times bestselling author Jude Deveraux has crafted an inspiring family saga that spans generations as she tells the story of two headstrong sisters who are bound by tradition but long to forge their own path.It’s 1972 and times are changing. In the small farming community of Mason, Kansas, Vera and Kelly Exton are known for their ambitions... -
Barndommens gate by Tove Ditlevsen
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsRomanen handler om ungjenta Esters oppvekst i en arbeiderfamilie i København, om hennes forhold til familien, omgivelsene og en gryende seksualitet. Romanen er sterkt selvbiografisk... -
Nobody's Girl by Sarra Manning
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsBea thinks she's the most boring seventeen-year-old in the world. She's not pretty or popular or funny, unlike her mother who had Bea when she was 17. The only glamorous thing about Bea is the French father who left before she was born and lives in Paris. She yearns for la vie Parisienne every moment of her dull existence...Categorized as:
coming-of-age realistic action-adventure book contemporary fiction womens-fiction young-adult -
Eddie's Bastard by William Kowalski
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 12 ratings"Eddie's Bastard" is William Amos Mann IV, known as Billy -- the son of a heroic pilot killed in Vietnam and an unknown woman. The last in a line of proud, individualistic Irish-American men, Billy is discovered in a basket at the door of the dilapidated mansion where his bitter, hard-drinking grandfather, Thomas Mann, has exiled himself... -
How High the Moon by Sandra Kring
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsIn this tender novel set in 1955 Mill Town, Wisconsin, Sandra Kring explores the complicated bond between mothers and daughters, the pressure to conform, and the meaning of friendship and family. Ten-year-old Isabella “Teaspoon” Marlene has been a handful ever since her mother, Catty, dumped her with an old boyfriend and ran off to Hollywood...Categorized as:
coming-of-age historical-fiction realistic fiction womens-fiction young-adult family friendship -
McKenna by Mary Casanova
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsTen-year-old McKenna has always been a good student-and great at gymnastics. So when her grades suddenly begin to fall, her teacher suggests a little extra help from a tutor. McKenna is horrified until she meets her tutor, Josie, a super-confident girl who also happens to be in a wheelchair. Josie encourages McKenna to focus on her strengths and work toward her goals one day at a time...Categorized as:
realistic historical-fiction coming-of-age middle-grade fiction children-books contemporary sports -
New Beginnings by Bertrand Ferrier Lauren Brooke, Bertrand Ferrier
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhen Amy returns to a long-cherished place and reconnects with an old friend, she discovers that her grace and ease with horses does not always carry over into her relationships with people.After Amy hears of the death of her mentor, she is surprised when his granddaughter, Carey, mysteriously invites her to visit. Amy is eager to return to the serene stables, and Ty agrees to go with her...Categorized as:
realistic coming-of-age romantic-love animals horses young-adult fiction children-books -
The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway by Ashley Schumacher
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratings"Ashley Schumacher's latest novel is a delightful read, with diverse characters and an irresistible setting. The Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway proves that there's no better place to find yourself than at a Renaissance Faire... -
-
Postcards from Summer by Cynthia Platt
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Notebook meets Love & Gelato in this heart-wrenching novel about a teen girl who travels to her late mother’s majestic summertime home to learn of the romance—and the tragedy—that changed her life forever.Seventeen-year-old Lexi has always wanted to know more about the mother who passed away when she was only a child. But her dad will barely talk about her...Categorized as:
historical-fiction realistic coming-of-age romance young-adult contemporary fiction mystery -
Good Job, Kanani by Lisa Yee
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsKanani enjoys working at her family's new shave ice stand to raise money to protect the Hawaiian monk seal. If only she hadn't promised her best friend Celina that she would take surfing lessons with her! When the girls' friendship starts to unravel, Kanani finds herself spending summer days alone--and loney... -
The Girl Who Saw Lions by Berlie Doherty
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsTwo girls, from very different places, are brought together in a tale of loss, courage and family.Abela has lost everything, and now she must leave her home in Tanzania and flee to Britain.Rosa's struggling to cope with her mum's wish to adopt a child...Categorized as:
coming-of-age historical-fiction realistic book children children-books contemporary family -
Apple Of My Eye by Patrick Redmond
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsRonnie Sidney is perfect, his mother's little ray of sunshine. He can do no wrong, although sometimes he wants to, especially to people who look down on him and his mother, and their drab existence. And if bad things should happen to them - why, it's nothing to do with him. He's a good boy. Everybody says so.Susan Ramsey was once perfect too, cherished by her parents, a popular girl at school... -
Midnight Hour Encores by Bruce Brooks
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOn the RoadSibilance T. Spooner thinks she's one of the world's more promising cellists. The world thinks so too. Given up by her mother on the day she was born, she believes she has almost raised herself--with just a bit of guidance from her unconventional father, Taxi...Categorized as:
coming-of-age historical-fiction realistic book children-books contemporary family female-mc -
The Girl Behind the Mask by Stella Knightley
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLeaving the heartache of sexual betrayal behind her in London, historian Sarah Thomson intends to make the most of her research trip to Venice. But she soon finds her attention consumed by mysterious millionaire Marco Donato. Despite their deepening relationship, however, the handsome playboy persists in playing a secretive game... -
One Crazy Summer by Ines Bautista-Yao
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA Recipe for Disaster? Ingredients: 1 college junior, fired from summer internship 1 secret crush, the cute and flirty type 1 crush's best bud, with a secret of his own 1. In large bowl, mix together college junior and secret crush. 2. Gradually add in crush's best bud. 3. Stir until best bud’s secret is revealed. 4. Let mixture rest in a sleepy provincial town. 5...Categorized as:
historical-fiction realistic book contemporary fiction poc-author womens-fiction young-adult -
Rose by Diane Schwemm
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThis is me and my three younger sisters. Being the oldest has never been easy, but it was especially hard the year I turned sixteen. That was the year that the things I thought would always be the same changed forever. After Dad died, Mom needed me to pitch in more--get a job and help take care of my sisters. I was working so hard to care for my family, I forgot to look out for myself... -
Honey by Isabel Banta
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA coming-of-age story that follows the meteoric rise of singer Amber Young as she navigates fame in the late-1990s and early-2000s era of pop music superstardomIt is 1997, and Amber Young has received a life-changing call. It is a chance thousands of girls would die for: the opportunity to join girl group Cloud9 in Los Angeles and escape her small town...Categorized as:
historical-fiction coming-of-age fiction contemporary young-adult literary-fiction friendship book -
Not Our Summer by Casie Bazay
Rated: 4.00 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFive trips, two cousins, one family feud, and a summer that will change their lives forever. It's bad enough that estranged cousins Becka and KJ see each other at their grandfather's funeral, but when he leaves them a bucket list of places to visit together over the summer, so they can earn their inheritance, it seems like things are about to get much worse...Categorized as:
realistic coming-of-age romantic-love contemporary young-adult fiction family audiobook -
-
The Teenage Dirtbag Years by Ross O'Carroll-Kelly, Paul Howard
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSo there I was, roysh, class legend, schools rugby legend, basically all-round legend, when someone decides you can't, like, sit the Leaving Cert four times. Well that put a focking spanner in the works.But joining the goys at college wasn't the mare I thought it would be, basically for, like, three major beer, women and more women... -
Consumed by the Billionaire by L.N. Pearl, S.K. Lee
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsSara never had a normal life. And probably never will. She’s a talented singer and dreams to live her passion. But between her job as a bartender to pay the rent and her sister who’s an addict, Sara has another responsibility: Matt, her 5 year old nephew who’s desperately seeking his mother’s love and attention. Despite all these obstacles, Sara never gave up... -
Lost Empires by J.B. Priestley
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsRichard Herncastle's account of his life on the music hall, alongside his Uncle Nick, in the period immediately before the outbreak of the first World War in 1914...Categorized as:
historical-fiction coming-of-age fiction contemporary classics literary-fiction book literary -
The Mozart Season by Virginia Euwer Wolff
Rated: 3.92 of 5 stars · 12 ratings"Remember, what's down inside you, all covered up—the things of your soul. The important, secret things . . . The story of you, all buried, let the music caress it out into the open."When Allegra was a little girl, she thought she would pick up her violin and it would sing for her—that the music was hidden inside her instrument...Categorized as:
coming-of-age historical-fiction realistic 20th-century book children children-books contemporary -
Star-Crossed by Mimi McCoy
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA sweet new addition to the hit Candy Apple line! Will Abby's horoscope make her superstitious, or will she take fate into her own hands?A fabulous new title from Mimi McCoy, author of Candy Apple's debut title!Abby has it all together: she gets straight A's, she's a star on her junior high track team, and she's 7th grade class vice president... -
Best Friends by Melissa J. Morgan
Rated: 3.90 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGrace is a riot at camp - not afraid to do anything for a laugh, she's everyone's friend. But secretly she isn't as carefree as she seems, and wishes she had a best friend to confide in. So she starts hanging out with Gaby, a girl from a rival bunk. But when Gaby starts acting like a bully, Grace finally has to get serious...Categorized as:
coming-of-age realistic children children-books contemporary fiction friendship middle-grade
Or - use our amazing romance book finder to get recommendations based on your favorite content tropes and themes. Mix and match at will.