Books Like...
'Call Me By Your Name' is a tender and intense love story between seventeen-year-old Elio and the older graduate student Oliver, set against the backdrop of a lazy Italian summer. The book beautifully captures the nuances of desire, fear, and illogical emotions experienced during first love. The narrative delves into Elio's deep-seated infatuation with Oliver, their mutual attraction, and the emotional turmoil of unrequited love, culminating in a bittersweet reflection on their relationship years later. Aciman's writing style is described as poetic, artfully artless, and masterful in portraying the emotions and thoughts of the characters.
If you liked Call Me By Your Name, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:The Wings of the Dove by Henry James is a complex novel that follows the story of a young couple, Kate Merton and Merton Densher, who want to marry but lack the financial means. Their plan takes a twist when a wealthy American heiress, Milly, falls in love with Merton. Kate, realizing that Milly is terminally ill, orchestrates a scheme for Merton to woo Milly in hopes of inheriting her wealth. The plot is filled with intricate human emotions, guilt, and a journey to Venice, but some readers find the writing long-winded and filled with verbose observations, leading to a loss of emotional impact.
The novel is praised for its masterful characterization by Henry James, particularly in the creation of Milly, Kate, and Densher. While some readers appreciate the depth of the characters and the intriguing plot, others find the book challenging to get through due to James' verbose writing style, making it a tough read at times. Despite the intricate plot and character development, there are mixed opinions on whether the book lives up to James' other works or falls short in terms of readability and engagement.
1828 Construction begins on the first house on the north side of Washington Square; over the next thirty years Washington Square North will become the most expensive and fashionable street bordering W... - #2
Save:In "The End of the Affair" by Graham Greene, the novel explores the complexities of a love triangle during World War II in London. The story delves into the themes of adultery, obsession, and struggles with religious faith, all narrated through the perspectives of the characters involved. Greene's writing style is described as insightful, concise, and introspective, capturing the angst of an affair while also delving into deeper philosophical and religious themes.
A story has no beginning or end: arbitrarily one chooses that moment of experience from which to look back or from which, to look ahead. I say ‘one chooses’ with the inaccurate pride of a professional... - #3
Save:"Everything Here Is Beautiful" by Mira T. Lee follows the lives of two Chinese immigrant sisters, Miranda and Lucia, as they navigate the challenges of mental illness within their family. The story delves into Lucia's struggles with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and the impact it has on her relationships with her sister, friends, and lovers. The narrative moves back and forth in time, exploring Lucia's unpredictable illness that leads to drastic life changes such as leaving her husband, having a child with another man, and moving to Ecuador. portrays the complexities of supporting a loved one with mental illness while balancing personal desires and obligations.
I met Lucia at the Big Apple Laundromat on Main Street. I was there to do my monthly wash. She was looking for a room. Carlos saw her first. Serge whistled. Hector yanked my head out of the dryer. “Th... - #4
Save:Set in Italy at the end of WWII, 'The English Patient' is a story of four marred individuals in an abandoned villa. The exhausted nurse, Hana, the thief Caravaggio, the Indian sapper Kip, and the English patient, a critically burned man, all come together and interact with each other while dealing with their own needs and past traumas. The novel weaves together their stories using poetic and masterful language, creating a narrative that touches on themes of love, war, secrets, and healing in post-war Tuscany.
The man with bandaged hands had been in the military hospital in Rome for more than four months when by accident he heard about the burned patient and the nurse, heard her name. He turned from the doo... - #5
Save:Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin is a powerful and moving novel set in Paris in the 1950s, revolving around David, an American living in Paris who finds himself torn between his fiancée Hella and his passionate relationship with Giovanni, a young Italian man. The book explores themes of love, identity, societal expectations, and the struggles of embracing one's true self. Through Baldwin's masterful writing, the story delves deep into the complexities of human emotions and desires, painting a vivid picture of the characters' internal conflicts and external challenges they face in a society that is not accepting of their love.
ISTAND AT THE window of this great house in the south of France as night falls, the night which is leading me to the most terrible morning of my life. I have a drink in my hand, there is a bottle at m... - #6
Save:'Normal People' by Sally Rooney follows the complex relationship between two young individuals, Marianne and Connell, as they navigate through high school and college years, dealing with issues of miscommunication, self-worth, and emotional struggles. The story delves into the intricacies of their evolving friendship and love, portraying realistic dialogues and character interactions that highlight the challenges faced by the protagonists as they grow and change over time. Rooney's writing style captures the uncertainties and vulnerabilities of the characters, creating a narrative that explores themes of love, friendship, and personal growth.
She turns and walks down the hall. He follows her, closing the door behind him. Down a few steps in the kitchen, his mother Lorraine is peeling off a pair of rubber gloves. Marianne hops onto the coun... - #7
Save:Possession by A.S. Byatt is a novel that intricately weaves together the stories of two contemporary literary scholars who uncover a hidden love affair between two Victorian poets. Through letters, journals, and poems, the scholars delve into the mystery of the poets' relationship, while also reflecting on their own connections. The book combines elements of romance, academia, and literary criticism, creating a multi-layered narrative that explores themes of passion, possession, and the power of language. Byatt's writing style is described as rich, textured, and engaging, with the inclusion of poetry and multiple writing forms adding depth to the storytelling.
If you fight or question she will toss you on the thorns and it will go ill with you before you come out of there. If she will take you, you will be set down in a bare heath, on a great stone, which i... - #8
Save:In an alternative version of 2020, 'Red, White & Royal Blue' by Casey McQuiston follows the romantic journey between Alex, the son of the first female president of the United States, and Henry, a prince of England. The book presents a witty, fun, and heartwarming narrative that explores the complex relationship between the two characters as they navigate their love amidst political tensions and personal discoveries. The writing style of the book is engaging, offering a mix of romance, humor, and political drama that creates a compelling and optimistic storyline.
On the White House roof, tucked into a corner of the Promenade, there’s a bit of loose paneling right on the edge of the Solarium. If you tap it just right, you can peel it back enough to find a messa... - #9
Save:'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller is a beautifully written reimagining of the Iliad, focusing on the relationship between Achilles and his companion Patroclus. The story is narrated from Patroclus' perspective, starting from their childhood together and leading up to the events of the Trojan War. Miller's writing style is described as poetic and engaging, bringing the characters and mythological elements to life in a captivating manner.
MY FATHER WAS A KING AND THE SON OF KINGS. HE was a short man, as most of us were, and built like a bull, all shoulders. He married my mother when she was fourteen and sworn by the priestess to be fru... - #10
Save:Lie With Me by Philippe Besson is a beautifully tragic novella that follows the story of two teenage boys, Philippe and Thomas, in a small French village in the 1980s. The book delves into their quiet, hidden relationship, exploring themes of first love, self-acceptance, and the struggles of living in a society that may not fully understand or accept their love. The narrative is split into three parts, spanning from 1984 to 2016, allowing readers to witness the evolution of the characters and their relationship over time. The writing style is described as poetic, emotional, and sensitive, with Molly Ringwald's translation capturing the essence of the original French text and bringing the story to life with simple yet sparkling language.
It’s the playground of a high school, an asphalt courtyard surrounded by ancient gray stone buildings with big tall windows. Teenagers with backpacks or schoolbags at their feet stand around chatting ...
