Just finished a book that you can’t stop thinking about, and now you feel like nothing else will compare? We’ve been there. But don’t worry, there are plenty of other books out there that could be your next great read. Check out these recommendations featuring plots and themes similar to some of the most popular books from the last few years.
If you loved A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara…
You will surely enjoy Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin. Both novels explore the friendship dynamics of young adults navigating their professional, social, and personal lives. Like Jude and his friends, Sadie and Sam have a deep yet painful relationship that faces many challenges as they grow older.
Physical and emotional trauma plays a central role in shaping the characters’ lives in both novels. Sam in Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow suffers from a leg injury that gradually worsens and becomes debilitating. Jude in A Little Life also has damage to his legs from an accident. The novels explore how these physical wounds affect them mentally and emotionally. Both Sam and Jude find it difficult to share their true feelings about their disabilities or ask their loved ones for help. Ultimately, both plots center on friendships as key components in working through personal struggles.
If you loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid…
Read Sunburn by Chloe Michelle Howarth. If you are on BookTok at all, you have most likely heard of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Evelyn, a Hollywood star, must live a life full of secrets after falling in love with a woman. Similarly, Lucy in Sunburn by Chloe Michelle Howarth must keep her love life a secret from her closest friends and family. Set in a small Irish, predominantly Catholic village, the book addresses how breaking from the conventional path of marriage and motherhood leads to the daunting journey of self-discovery.
Both novels examine LGBTQ+ dynamics and the fear of facing backlash for loving who you love. The protagonists are forced to balance the tension between living their authentic lives and maintaining their public personas. Filled with themes of tradition, romance, betrayal, and loss, Jenkins Reid and Howarth beautifully depict the beauty yet challenges of the sapphic experience.
If you loved The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by Victoria E. Schwab…
Check out The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells. This masterpiece of a science fiction novel follows the life of Griffin, a scientist, and his descent into madness after creating a life-changing serum. While Addie Larue’s invisibility was erased from people’s memories, Griffin is literally invisible.
The plots explore themes of intense isolation from society and alienation. Both protagonists desire “invisibility” as a form of power and later must suffer the consequences of their own decisions. Ultimately, the desire for human connection and recognition tears at the characters’ psyches. Wells is unafraid to explore the depths of human desires, making The Invisible Man a classic that you should not skip.
If you loved The Secret History by Donna Tartt…
Explore the magic of Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. If you are a fan of the dark academia aesthetic, look no further. Protagonist Alex Stern explores the sinister secrets of Yale University’s secret societies that control most of the institution’s power. Like the elite students of Hampden College in The Secret History, Yale students find themselves drawn to the dangerous and deadly world of elite organizations.
Whether motivated by a thirst for power or an intellectual obsession, characters in both novels become entangled in a web of crime, rituals, and the supernatural. Similar to how the students of The Secret History unravel a dark past as the novel progresses, Alex slowly reveals her traumatic past as her role in the series of dark events at Yale increases in importance. The suspenseful action and occult elements of Ninth House are sure to satisfy the dark magic craving of mystery lovers everywhere.
If you loved Normal People by Sally Rooney…
Try Best of Friends by Kamila Shamsie. Like Connell and Marianne’s romantic relationship, Zahra and Maryam’s platonic relationship in Best of Friends is traced over a long period of time, highlighting how connections change and evolve as individuals grow older and experience more of life’s challenges. The pair’s childhood bond is tested as they grow more aware of their differences rather than their similarities. By narrating the stories of these duos, readers can learn more about the complexities of their own relationships.
In both novels, personal identity and growth are central themes in analyzing how relationships develop. For example, Marianne’s self-worth and difficult family background, mixed with Connell’s insecurities and sense of belonging, hamper how the couple shows love for one another. Meanwhile, Zarhra and Maryam battle professional challenges and personal doubts from childhood to adulthood, adding tension and depth to their relationship. If you appreciated the emotional, thought-provoking plot of Normal People, Best of Friends will be an inspiring read.
If you loved We Were Liars by E. Lockhart…
Check out The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell. Both novels captivate readers with gripping plot twists and suspense. Cadence in We Were Liars attempts to piece together the events of a previous summer after undergoing memory loss. Similarly, Libby in The Family Upstairs also tries to piece together the mysteries of her family’s past. After inheriting a multi-million dollar mansion, she investigates her birth parents’ deaths and the cases of her two missing siblings. As she learns more about the house’s dark history, she unravels the dark truth of her family.
The twisted characters and traumatic events will keep you on the edge of your seat at the end of every chapter. Both novels dive deep into complex and destructive family dynamics, including themes of betrayal, love, and dysfunctionality. If you enjoyed the psychological drama of E. Lockhart’s writing, you will surely be captivated by Lisa Jewell.
Finding a book that matches up to your favorite can be challenging, but it’s definitely possible. These six recommendations are filled with similar themes, character dynamics, and complex relationships that will keep you engaged and entertained. Whether you’re drawn to dark academia, complex friendships, or emotional struggles, these books offer a fantastic next step in your reading journey.
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