Entry Level Novels for Adults

upper intermediate
bycat
11 items
90
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Novels I consider to be relatively approachable reads for someone with ~N3 grammar down, or who is actively studying around that level. Specifically books aimed at adults because not everything in the novel category is, and sometimes you really don't want another book aimed at teens.
夜警
Novel
Level 27
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This author is generally very approachable, but this was the first book of his that I read and it inspired me to read more of his work. His books aren't deep, but they're very fun, and very easy reads for adult novels.
This author is generally very approachable, but this was the first book of his that I read and it inspired me to read more of his work. His books aren't deep, but they're very fun, and very easy reads for adult novels.
変な家
Novel
Level 28
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Very easy to follow what's happening, an audiobook is also available.
Very easy to follow what's happening, an audiobook is also available.
殺人ライセンス
Novel
Level 27
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Very standard murder mystery, there is also an audiobook available.
Very standard murder mystery, there is also an audiobook available.
世界から猫が消えたなら
Novel
Level 28
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Another one with an audiobook, this one is a bit of a tear jerker.
Another one with an audiobook, this one is a bit of a tear jerker.
花束は毒
Novel
Level 29
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I had some issues with the ending of this book, but overall I'd still recommend it, especially for someone who is just starting to dive into reading. Audiobook available.
I had some issues with the ending of this book, but overall I'd still recommend it, especially for someone who is just starting to dive into reading. Audiobook available.
すべての神様の十月
Novel
Level 28
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I adored this book, easily the lightest book in terms of themes on this list
I adored this book, easily the lightest book in terms of themes on this list
私の夫は冷凍庫に眠っている
Novel
Level 28
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The published version and free net version differ a bit, but not so much that I'd recommend one over the other
The published version and free net version differ a bit, but not so much that I'd recommend one over the other
名のないシシャ
Novel
Level 29
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One of the first books I read in Japanese, it's a bit slow paced but I still enjoyed it
One of the first books I read in Japanese, it's a bit slow paced but I still enjoyed it
スマホを落としただけなのに
Novel
Level 27
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Your classic thriller book. Audiobook available.
禁じられた遊び
Novel
Level 28
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Cheesy supernatural horror, and horror in the western sense as well (many books marked 'horror' by Japanese booksellers will not register as 'horror' to western audiences which leads to disappointment). There is an audiobook for this as well.
Cheesy supernatural horror, and horror in the western sense as well (many books marked 'horror' by Japanese booksellers will not register as 'horror' to western audiences which leads to disappointment). There is an audiobook for this as well.
コーヒーが冷めないうちに
Novel
Level 27
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I recommend this with some hesitation. I've known many people to greatly dislike this book for how the female characters are portrayed (read the reviews) and others for it being quite repetitive and intentionally tear-jerky. I personally just enjoyed it as chill, low-intensity brain off listening practice since I only did the audiobook. YMMV.
I recommend this with some hesitation. I've known many people to greatly dislike this book for how the female characters are portrayed (read the reviews) and others for it being quite repetitive and intentionally tear-jerky. I personally just enjoyed it as chill, low-intensity brain off listening practice since I only did the audiobook. YMMV.
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