Adam Silvera

Adam Silvera[3†]

Adam Silvera, born June 7, 1990, is a renowned American young adult fiction author from the South Bronx, NYC. He gained fame for novels like "They Both Die at the End", "More Happy Than Not", and "History Is All You Left Me". Silvera, who started writing fan fiction, previously worked as a barista, bookseller, and reviewer. His works have been adapted for TV and film, and he was recognized by Queerty in 2020 for his contributions to LGBTQ equality[1†][2†][3†][4†][5†].

Early Years and Education

Adam Silvera was born on June 7, 1990, in the South Bronx in New York City[1†][3†]. His mother, Persi Rosa, is Puerto Rican and a social worker[1†]. Silvera’s passion for writing began at a young age, around 10 or 11, when he started crafting fan fiction[1†][6†].

Silvera’s educational journey was unconventional. He did not attend college, choosing instead to focus on his love for writing[1†][6†]. He was so consumed with storytelling that he had to take summer school three years in a row during high school[1†][6†].

He began his career in the literary world as a bookseller for Barnes & Noble and later at New York City’s Books of Wonder[1†][6†]. During this time, he also attended the Gotham Writers Workshop[1†][6†]. His job at Barnes & Noble provided him with an informal education in young adult literature when he was moved to the sales floor after regularly recommending novels to customers while working in the café[1†][7†].

Silvera’s early years and education were marked by his passion for writing and storytelling, which would later shape his career as a successful author[1†][3†][6†][7†].

Career Development and Achievements

Adam Silvera’s career in the literary world began as a bookseller for Barnes & Noble and later at New York City’s Books of Wonder[1†][8†]. During this time, he also attended the Gotham Writers Workshop[1†][8†]. His job at Barnes & Noble provided him with an informal education in young adult literature when he was moved to the sales floor after regularly recommending novels to customers while working in the café[1†].

Silvera’s first novel, “More Happy Than Not”, was published on June 2, 2015, by Soho Teen[1†]. The book became a New York Times bestseller and was shortlisted for the Lambda Literary Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature[1†]. As of 2020, HBO Max was developing “More Happy Than Not” as a one-hour series, with Drew Comins and Silvera serving as executive producers on the project[1†].

His second novel, “History Is All You Left Me”, was published on January 17, 2017, by Soho Teen[1†]. The same year, “They Both Die at the End” was published by HarperTeen on September 5, 2017[1†]. Originally optioned by HBO in 2019 to be developed into a series written by Chris Kelly and executive produced by J.J. Abrams, Adam Silvera has since announced he will be serving as creator, screenwriter, and executive producer for a TV series adaptation of his novel "They Both Die at the End"[1†].

Silvera’s fourth novel, “What If It’s Us”, was co-authored with Becky Albertalli and published in 2018 by HarperTeen[1†]. Movie rights to the book sold to Anonymous Content in 2018, with Brian Yorkey as the screenwriter[1†]. Silvera’s Infinity Cycle fantasy series began with “Infinity Son”, published in 2020[1†].

In June 2020, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the first LGBTQ Pride parade, Queerty named Silvera among the fifty heroes "leading the nation toward equality, acceptance, and dignity for all people"[1†].

First Publication of His Main Works

Adam Silvera’s journey as a published author began with his debut novel, “More Happy Than Not”, which was published on June 2, 2015, by Soho Teen[1†][9†][10†]. The book quickly gained recognition and became a New York Times bestseller[1†][9†]. It was also shortlisted for the Lambda Literary Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature[1†][9†].

His second novel, “History Is All You Left Me”, was published on January 17, 2017, by Soho Teen[1†]. The same year, “They Both Die at the End” was published by HarperTeen on September 5, 2017[1†]. This book was originally optioned by HBO in 2019 to be developed into a series written by Chris Kelly and executive produced by J.J. Abrams[1†]. Adam Silvera later announced that he would be serving as creator, screenwriter, and executive producer for a TV series adaptation of his novel "They Both Die at the End"[1†].

In 2018, Silvera co-authored “What If It’s Us” with Becky Albertalli and it was published by HarperTeen[1†][11†]. Movie rights to the book were sold to Anonymous Content in 2018, with Brian Yorkey as the screenwriter[1†].

Silvera’s “Infinity Cycle” fantasy series began with “Infinity Son”, which was published in 2020[1†][11†]. His most recently released work was “The First to Die at the End” on October 4th, 2022[1†][10†].

Here is a list of his main works:

• “More Happy Than Not” (2015)[1†][9†][10†]
• “History Is All You Left Me” (2017)[1†]
• “They Both Die at the End” (2017)[1†]
• “What If It’s Us”, co-authored with Becky Albertalli (2018)[1†][11†]
• “Infinity Son” (2020)[1†][11†]
• “The First to Die at the End” (2022)[1†][10†]

Analysis and Evaluation

Adam Silvera’s work is characterized by its exploration of complex themes and emotions, often dealing with topics such as death, love, and identity[12†][1†][13†][14†].

His debut novel, “More Happy Than Not”, is a poignant exploration of happiness, identity, and the lengths one might go to forget painful memories[12†]. The book was lauded for its raw and honest portrayal of mental health[12†].

“They Both Die at the End”, another of Silvera’s notable works, is a thought-provoking novel that explores a world where technology can accurately predict the day on which a person will die[12†][14†]. The novel’s protagonists, Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio, receive their death notifications from Death-Cast within minutes of each other[12†]. Despite starting their End Day as strangers, they become Last Friends and set out to pack as much living as possible into one day[12†]. The novel explores themes of mortality, friendship, and the importance of living life to the fullest[12†][13†].

Silvera’s work often explores the consequences of living in a world where certain aspects of life and death are foreseeable[12†][13†]. This is particularly evident in “They Both Die at the End”, where people livestream their final moments, and funerals are held while people are still alive[12†][13†].

In terms of his writing style, Silvera is known for his ability to create relatable characters and situations, despite the often fantastical elements of his stories[12†][1†][13†][14†]. His work is praised for its emotional depth and the empathy it evokes in readers[12†][1†][13†][14†].

Silvera’s contributions to young adult fiction, particularly in the realm of LGBTQ+ literature, have not only earned him a place on the New York Times bestseller list but also made him a prominent figure in the literary world[12†][1†].

Personal Life

Adam Silvera is open about his personal life, including his struggles with mental health and his sexual orientation[1†]. He has publicly shared his experiences with depression[1†] and has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder[1†]. These experiences have not only shaped him as an individual but have also influenced his writing, bringing a depth of emotion and authenticity to his characters that resonates with readers.

Silvera was born and raised in the South Bronx in New York City[1†]. His mother, Persi Rosa, is Puerto Rican and a social worker[1†]. His cultural background and upbringing in the Bronx have played a significant role in shaping his worldview and writing.

In terms of his personal relationships, Silvera is openly gay[1†]. He often explores LGBT themes in his work, contributing to the representation and visibility of the LGBT community in young adult literature[1†].

Despite the challenges he has faced, Silvera remains a positive and influential figure in the literary world. His openness about his personal experiences has helped to destigmatize mental health issues and has provided a source of inspiration for many of his readers.

Conclusion and Legacy

Adam Silvera, with his unique voice and impactful storytelling, has made a significant mark in the field of young adult fiction[1†]. His novels, which often explore LGBT themes, have not only gained commercial success but have also contributed to the representation and visibility of the LGBT community in literature[1†].

Silvera’s debut novel, “More Happy Than Not,” quickly became a New York Times bestseller[1†]. His subsequent works, including “They Both Die at the End,” “History Is All You Left Me,” and the “Infinity Son” series, have received multiple starred reviews[1†][6†]. His collaboration with Becky Albertalli on the “What If It’s Us” duology further cemented his reputation as a significant voice in young adult fiction[1†][6†].

Beyond his writing, Silvera has also made strides in the television industry. He is involved in the adaptation of his novels for television, serving as an executive producer for the TV series adaptation of “More Happy Than Not” and "They Both Die at the End"[1†][6†].

In recognition of his contributions, Silvera was named among the fifty heroes “leading the nation toward equality, acceptance, and dignity for all people” by Queerty in 2020[1†]. This honor speaks volumes about his influence and the impact of his work.

Despite his success, Silvera remains grounded and open about his personal experiences. His openness about his struggles with mental health has helped to destigmatize mental health issues and has provided a source of inspiration for many of his readers[1†][6†].

Adam Silvera’s legacy is one of authenticity, representation, and impactful storytelling. His work continues to resonate with readers worldwide, and he remains a significant figure in young adult literature[1†][6†].

Key Information

• Also Known As: Unknown
• Born: Adam Silvera was born on June 7, 1990, in New York City, U.S[1†][15†].
• Died: Unknown
• Nationality: American[1†]
• Occupation: Adam Silvera is a bestselling author of young adult fiction novels[1†][3†][5†].
• Notable Works: His notable works include “They Both Die at the End”, “More Happy Than Not”, “History Is All You Left Me”, the “Infinity Cycle” trilogy, and the “What If It’s Us” duology with Becky Albertalli[1†][3†].
• Notable Achievements: Silvera’s debut novel, “More Happy Than Not”, became a New York Times bestseller[1†][15†]. His novels have received many starred reviews[1†][3†][5†]. In June 2020, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the first LGBTQ Pride parade, Queerty named Silvera among the fifty heroes "leading the nation toward equality, acceptance, and dignity for all people"[1†].

References and Citations:

1. Wikipedia (English) - Adam Silvera [website] - link
2. CelebsAgeWiki - Adam Silvera Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Family [website] - link
3. Adam Silvera - About [website] - link
4. All American Speakers - Adam Silvera Biography [website] - link
5. BookBrowse.com - Adam Silvera author biography [website] - link
6. USA TODAY - 'They Both Die at the End' author Adam Silvera's unconventional road [website] - link
7. TIME - Adam Silvera Wants a New Queer Literary Canon [website] - link
8. NBA - Careers - Adam Silver [website] - link
9. Wikipedia (English) - More Happy Than Not [website] - link
10. Book Notification - Adam Silvera List of Books [website] - link
11. Book Series In Order - Adam Silvera [website] - link
12. SparkNotes - They Both Die at the End: Study Guide [website] - link
13. eNotes - They Both Die at the End Themes [website] - link
14. eNotes - They Both Die at the End Analysis [website] - link
15. CelebsAges - Adam Silvera [website] - link