Where to Start with Emily Adrian
Emily Adrian’s bibliography is composed entirely of standalone works, meaning there is no strict continuity or overarching narrative world that you need to follow. However, because her writing transitioned significantly from young adult contemporary stories to adult literary fiction and autofiction, the best place to start depends heavily on your reading preferences.
For readers who appreciate character-driven adult fiction about motherhood, friendship, and the expectations placed on women, we recommend starting with Everything Here Is Under Control (2020). It serves as her breakout adult novel and perfectly highlights her ability to write about complex relationships with humor, empathy, and raw realism. If you prefer young adult fiction that avoids typical melodrama and focuses on authentic adolescent independence, The Foreseeable Future (2018) is the ideal starting point.
Emily Adrian Books in Publication Order
If you prefer to see how Adrian’s voice evolved over time—starting with teenage perspectives before moving into the trials of early motherhood, career ambition, and personal memory—reading her books in publication order is an excellent choice. Here is the chronological sequence of her releases:
- Like It Never Happened (YA Novel) – 2015
- The Foreseeable Future (YA Novel) – 2018
- Everything Here Is Under Control (Adult Novel) – 2020
- The Second Season (Adult Novel) – 2021
- Daughterhood (Memoir / Autofiction) – 2024
- Seduction Theory (Adult Novel) – 2025
The Young Adult Novels
Before writing adult contemporary fiction, Adrian built a reputation in the YA space for writing teenagers who feel like real people rather than archetypes. Her YA novels are grounded in the Pacific Northwest and deal with the messy transition into adulthood.
Like It Never Happened (2015)
Set in Adrian’s hometown of Portland, Oregon, her debut novel centers on Rebecca, a high school theater kid. When a rumors-and-secrets scandal threatens to destroy her social circle and reputation, Rebecca is forced to navigate the volatile landscape of high school friendships, rumors, and budding sexuality. The book is highly regarded for its theater-centric setting and its light but perceptive handling of everyday teen dynamics.
The Foreseeable Future (2018)
This novel draws inspiration from Adrian’s own decision to forge an unconventional path as a teenager. The story follows Audrey, a young woman who decides against her parents' college plans. Instead, she takes a job working at a local nursing home to save money for an planned relocation to Seattle. Balancing romance, self-discovery, and an unexpected act of public heroism that goes viral, the novel stands out for its lack of stereotypical teen angst and its focus on genuine self-determination.
The Adult Contemporary Novels
In 2020, Adrian pivoted to adult contemporary fiction, receiving critical praise from publications like the Los Angeles Review of Books. These novels are characterized by their sharp, realistic focus on the complexities of modern womanhood.
Everything Here Is Under Control (2020)
This novel explores the intense, often complicated nature of female friendship and the crushing weight of early motherhood. It follows Amanda and Carrie, two childhood best friends who have grown estranged. When Amanda, struggling with postpartum anxiety and a personal crisis, flees to her hometown in rural Ohio, she and Carrie are forced to confront their shared past. Adrian’s portrayal of postpartum realities is unflinchingly honest, highlighting the isolation and societal pressures new mothers face.
The Second Season (2021)
A sports-media novel that examines ambition and aging, this book follows Ruth Devon, a former college basketball star who has spent years working as a sideline reporter. On the cusp of achieving her dream—becoming the first woman to call NBA games on national television—Ruth must navigate a major career transition, workplace sexism, and her shifting relationship with her teenage daughter and ex-husband.
Seduction Theory (2025)
Her latest adult release is a sharp campus novel set within the competitive confines of an MFA creative writing program. The narrative follows a graduate student who becomes disillusioned with her literary mentor. In response, she begins using the intimate, scandalous details of her mentor’s failing marriage as the direct raw material for her own thesis project. It is a witty, dramatic exploration of artistic ethics, power dynamics, and boundaries.
The Autofiction and Memoir Hybrid
Daughterhood (2024)
Published by Autofocus Books, Daughterhood represents a unique shift in Adrian's style. It is a hybrid work that blends traditional memoir, autofiction, and actual transcribed interviews with her mother, Ellen. The book examines the complex, evolving bond between mother and daughter, tracking how Adrian’s perspective on her own upbringing shifted after she became a mother herself. It is a quiet, introspective read that provides excellent context for the themes of motherhood found in her novels.
What to Know Before You Start: Reading Caveats
When searching for Emily Adrian's books online, the most important caveat is to ensure you do not confuse her with Lara Adrian. Lara Adrian is a highly prolific author of paranormal romance, most notably the long-running Midnight Breed series. Because their last names are identical, online catalogs occasionally mix their entries. Emily Adrian writes strictly realistic contemporary fiction, young adult novels, and creative nonfiction.
Additionally, because all of Emily Adrian's works are standalones, there are no crossover characters, spin-offs, or shared universes to keep track of. You can safely pick up whichever book matches your current mood without worrying about missing key backstories or references.