Books Like...
'I Have Lost My Way' by Gayle Forman is a YA novel that follows the lives of three young strangers who meet under unusual circumstances in New York City. Freya, an aspiring pop star who has lost her voice, Harun, a young Muslim man struggling with his sexuality, and Nathaniel, who is dealing with the loss of his father, form a deep friendship over the course of a day. Through their interactions, the characters confront their individual struggles, find support in each other, and learn the importance of compassion and friendship.
The book is praised for its engaging plot that unfolds over a single day, exploring themes of loss, friendship, and personal growth. Gayle Forman's writing style immerses readers in the characters' emotional journeys, creating a compelling narrative that touches on the universal experiences of loneliness, acceptance, and finding one's way in life.
If you liked I Have Lost My Way, here are the top 4 books to read next:
- #1
'Release' by Patrick Ness is a coming-of-age story that follows Adam Thorn, a teenager dealing with revelations, heartbreaks, and choices on a single eventful day. The book intertwines two narratives - one focusing on Adam's struggles with family expectations, rejection, and first love, and the other on a ghost story involving a murdered girl, Katherine, and a Queen. The writing style is praised for its deep insights into the characters' emotions and the parallel fantasy element that adds mystery to the plot.
His mom had enough to do, she said; she needed them this morning, pretty much right now if the day wasn’t going to be a total loss; and in the end, Adam’s attendance at this little “get-together” with... - #2
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 ... - #3
'I Wish You All the Best' by Mason Deaver is a powerful and important YA novel that follows the story of Ben, a nonbinary teen who gets kicked out by their parents after coming out. Ben moves in with their estranged sister and begins a new life in North Carolina. The book delves into Ben's struggles with anxiety, depression, and the challenges of coming out, all while navigating new relationships and finding acceptance. The writing style is emotional and impactful, focusing on themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the importance of recognizing and respecting one's identity.
Mom plucks the plate from in front of me, with most of my dinner still on it, untouched. I’d taken maybe one or two bites before it fell into my stomach like a rock and what little appetite I’d had to... - #4
"Radio Silence" by Alice Oseman is a young adult novel that delves into themes of friendship, identity, and societal pressures. The story follows Frances, a high school student aiming for Cambridge, who finds herself drawn into the world of a podcast called Universe City, where she forms a deep connection with Aled, the creator of the show. The book explores their friendship, struggles with academic expectations, and the complexities of relationships in a modern setting, all while touching upon topics like asexuality, anxiety, and online bullying. Oseman's writing style is praised for its refreshing take on teenage experiences, realistic portrayal of characters, and the nuanced exploration of various themes that resonate with readers of different ages.
We stood still and listened and I remember every single thing I heard in that moment. I heard the rumbling of the train we’d just got off leaving the station, heading farther into town. I heard the ti...