📖 Overview
Susane Colasanti is an American young adult fiction author who has written multiple contemporary romance novels aimed at teen readers. Her work frequently explores themes of friendship, relationships, and self-discovery in urban settings.
A former high school science teacher in New York City, Colasanti drew from her educational background and experiences with teenagers to inform her writing. She published her first novel, "When It Happens," in 2006 and has since released over ten books including "Take Me There," "Waiting for You," and "Something Like Fate."
Her novels often feature realistic teenage protagonists navigating relationships and life changes in authentic ways, with many stories set in New York City. Colasanti's work has earned recognition from organizations like the New York Public Library and the American Library Association.
The author maintains a focus on positive messages and outcomes in her stories while addressing real issues faced by young adults. Her books have been translated into multiple languages and continue to be used in school reading programs.
👀 Reviews
Readers note Colasanti's authentic portrayal of teen experiences and relationships, with many mentioning her books helped them through their high school years. Her writing style connects with young readers who appreciate the relatable characters and NYC settings.
Liked:
- Realistic dialogue and interactions between teens
- Personal perspective that draws from teaching experience
- Positive messages about self-worth and friendship
- Quick, engaging reading pace
Disliked:
- Characters sometimes described as immature or shallow
- Plots called predictable or repetitive
- Writing style criticized as simplistic by older readers
- Romance plots seen as unrealistic by some
Average Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.7/5 (across all books)
Amazon: 4.1/5
"When It Happens" - highest rated at 4.2/5
"All I Need" - lowest rated at 3.4/5
One frequent comment from younger readers: "Her books got me through high school." Adult readers often note: "Too basic for non-teen audiences."
📚 Books by Susane Colasanti
When It Happens - A dual-perspective story of high school seniors Sara and Tobey navigating their relationship during their final year.
Take Me There - Three interconnected narratives follow high school students dealing with romance and friendship over three days.
Waiting For You - Fifteen-year-old Marisa copes with anxiety while exploring relationships with two different boys.
Something Like Fate - A girl falls for her best friend's boyfriend after discovering they share an intense connection.
So Much Closer - A Manhattan teen moves to New Jersey to pursue her crush and discovers unexpected opportunities.
Keep Holding On - A bullied high school student finds strength and support while working to overcome her difficult home life.
All I Need - Two teenagers meet at the beach and spend a year trying to reconnect after failing to exchange contact information.
Now and Forever - An aspiring songwriter dates a rising rock star while questioning their compatibility.
City Love - Three young women navigate romance and personal growth during their first summer after high school in New York City.
Lost in Love - The second installment of the City Love trilogy continues following the three protagonists through Manhattan.
Forever in Love - The final book in the City Love trilogy concludes the stories of the three young women in New York.
Take Me There - Three interconnected narratives follow high school students dealing with romance and friendship over three days.
Waiting For You - Fifteen-year-old Marisa copes with anxiety while exploring relationships with two different boys.
Something Like Fate - A girl falls for her best friend's boyfriend after discovering they share an intense connection.
So Much Closer - A Manhattan teen moves to New Jersey to pursue her crush and discovers unexpected opportunities.
Keep Holding On - A bullied high school student finds strength and support while working to overcome her difficult home life.
All I Need - Two teenagers meet at the beach and spend a year trying to reconnect after failing to exchange contact information.
Now and Forever - An aspiring songwriter dates a rising rock star while questioning their compatibility.
City Love - Three young women navigate romance and personal growth during their first summer after high school in New York City.
Lost in Love - The second installment of the City Love trilogy continues following the three protagonists through Manhattan.
Forever in Love - The final book in the City Love trilogy concludes the stories of the three young women in New York.
👥 Similar authors
Sarah Dessen writes contemporary young adult novels focused on teenage relationships and personal growth. Her stories feature complex family dynamics and summer settings, similar to Colasanti's narrative style.
Jennifer E. Smith creates stories about chance encounters and romantic connections between teens. Her books explore the impact of timing and circumstance on relationships, with protagonists navigating high school experiences.
Morgan Matson writes about friendship, romance, and self-discovery during pivotal moments in teens' lives. Her characters face life changes and relationship challenges while dealing with family expectations.
Jenny Han develops stories about first love, sister relationships, and coming-of-age experiences. Her characters navigate similar emotional terrain as Colasanti's protagonists, dealing with romance and identity formation.
Elizabeth Scott focuses on teen relationships and difficult life choices in contemporary settings. Her work includes both light romance and deeper themes about family dynamics and personal challenges.
Jennifer E. Smith creates stories about chance encounters and romantic connections between teens. Her books explore the impact of timing and circumstance on relationships, with protagonists navigating high school experiences.
Morgan Matson writes about friendship, romance, and self-discovery during pivotal moments in teens' lives. Her characters face life changes and relationship challenges while dealing with family expectations.
Jenny Han develops stories about first love, sister relationships, and coming-of-age experiences. Her characters navigate similar emotional terrain as Colasanti's protagonists, dealing with romance and identity formation.
Elizabeth Scott focuses on teen relationships and difficult life choices in contemporary settings. Her work includes both light romance and deeper themes about family dynamics and personal challenges.