Picture a Bronx-born storyteller who turned heartbreak and hope into New York Times bestsellers—meet Adam Silvera! This young adult fiction powerhouse has captivated readers with novels like They Both Die at the End and More Happy Than Not, weaving tales of identity, love, and resilience that hit you right in the feels. With his fearless exploration of queer narratives and mental health, Silvera’s become a beacon for teens and adults alike.
The Making of Adam Silvera
Born on June 7, 1990, in the South Bronx, Adam Silvera grew up in a vibrant Puerto Rican community, raised by his social worker mother, Persi Rosa. His love for storytelling sparked early, scribbling fan fiction inspired by Harry Potter and Charmed around age 10. Before fame, Silvera juggled jobs as a barista, bookseller at Barnes & Noble, and reviewer for Shelf Awareness, soaking up the literary world. His unconventional path—skipping college to hone his craft—led to a breakout career that’s anything but ordinary.
Adam Silvera’s Unforgettable Stories
Silvera’s debut, More Happy Than Not (2015), a New York Times bestseller, follows Aaron Soto, a teen grappling with his father’s suicide and his own sexuality in the Bronx. Its raw take on memory and identity earned a Lambda Literary Award nod. History Is All You Left Me (2017) dives into grief and OCD through Griffin, a teen mourning his ex-boyfriend, blending heartbreak with hope. They Both Die at the End (2017), Silvera’s most iconic work, imagines a world where two boys, Mateo and Rufus, learn they have one day left to live, sparking a poignant queer love story. His fantasy series, Infinity Cycle (starting with Infinity Son, 2020), adds magical phoenixes and celestial battles to his repertoire. Silvera’s style—conversational, emotionally raw, and unapologetically queer—makes every page a rollercoaster.
What sets Silvera apart is his knack for tackling heavy themes like depression, loss, and identity with authenticity. As an openly gay author who’s shared his struggles with borderline personality disorder, he infuses his characters with real-world depth, resonating with readers who see themselves in his stories.
Why Adam Silvera Matters
Silvera’s impact on young adult literature is undeniable. His novels amplify marginalized voices, particularly queer and Latinx teens, offering representation that’s both heartfelt and groundbreaking. In 2020, Queerty named him among 50 heroes advancing LGBTQ+ equality, a testament to his influence. Despite facing censorship—More Happy Than Not was banned in some Florida schools—Silvera’s work continues to inspire, with adaptations like HBO Max’s They Both Die at the End series in development. His stories remind us that even in pain, there’s beauty in living authentically.
- About Adam Silvera
- Born: June 7, 1990, South Bronx, NYC
- Key Works: They Both Die at the End, More Happy Than Not, History Is All You Left Me, Infinity Son
- Awards: Lambda Literary Award finalist, New York Times bestsellers
- Fun Fact: He’s tall for no reason!
Ready to cry, laugh, and fall in love? Grab They Both Die at the End and dive into Adam Silvera’s soul-stirring world!