Books Like...

"The Start of Me and You" by Emery Lord follows the story of Paige Hancock, a high school junior who is still grappling with the loss of her boyfriend in a drowning accident. Determined to move on and redefine herself, Paige creates a list of goals for the year, including joining a club, being more social, and dating her crush, Ryan Chase. As Paige navigates through her grief and strives to find herself, she forms strong bonds with her group of girlfriends, faces family challenges, and discovers the importance of friendship and self-discovery. The book portrays a heartfelt coming-of-age story with relatable themes of love, loss, and personal growth, all woven together with a touch of humor and pop culture references.

The writing style of Emery Lord in "The Start of Me and You" is praised for its easy-going nature and engaging storytelling. The book delves into Paige's journey of facing fears, overcoming guilt, and embracing her true feelings, all while exploring the dynamics of family relationships, friendships, and teenage romance. With well-developed characters, realistic dialogues, and emotional depth, the novel offers a blend of heartwarming moments, relatable struggles, and a focus on the power of self-discovery and genuine connections.

'Yes No Maybe So' by Becky Albertalli is a YA contemporary novel that follows the journey of Jamie and Maya, two childhood friends who reconnect unexpectedly and end up working together canvassing for an upcoming election. The book explores themes of political activism, friendship, romance, and social issues, all narrated through the alternating POVs of the main characters. The authors successfully blend tough topics with a sappy romance, making it accessible to teens while also conveying a message of hope and the power of making a change in the world.

The plot of the book mirrors a Georgia election, touching on real political events while fictionalizing the names. The characters, Jamie and Maya, are relatable and quirky, facing societal challenges and personal growth as they navigate through the political landscape. The story delves into racism, Islamophobia, and other social injustices, providing a thought-provoking and informative narrative that engages readers of all ages.

Frankie Landau Banks, a fifteen-year-old student at a prestigious boarding school, finds herself navigating the complexities of teenage social life and gender dynamics. Feeling underestimated and overlooked, Frankie embarks on a mission to break into an all-boys secret society in order to prove her worth and challenge the status quo. Through pranks, wit, and intelligence, Frankie emerges as a formidable character who refuses to conform to societal expectations. The narrative explores themes of feminism, teenage rebellion, and the quest for recognition in a male-dominated environment, all delivered in a clever and engaging writing style.

Far from the Tree by Robin Benway is a young adult novel that follows the intertwined stories of three siblings - Grace, Maya, and Joaquin - who were separated at birth but find each other later in life. The book delves into themes of adoption, foster care, teen pregnancy, family dynamics, and the search for identity. Through multiple perspectives, the author skillfully portrays the struggles and emotional journeys of the characters as they navigate their newfound relationships and confront their past traumas. The writing style is engaging, with a focus on dialogue and authentic teenage voices that resonate with readers.

Emma Saylor, the protagonist of 'The Rest of the Story' by Sarah Dessen, finds herself spending the summer at her deceased mother's hometown, where she reconnects with family she doesn't remember. As she navigates the dynamics of her mother's side of the family, Emma Saylor delves into her past, unravels family secrets, and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of a lake, the story explores themes of identity, addiction, family relationships, and coming of age.

The narrative of 'The Rest of the Story' weaves a tale of Emma Saylor's transformation as she embraces her roots, learns about her mother's history, and navigates the complexities of family ties. Through Emma Saylor's experiences at the lake, the readers are taken on a journey of self-exploration, growth, and understanding of the impact of family history on personal identity.

Anna and the French Kiss follows the story of Anna Oliphant, who is sent to a boarding school in Paris for her senior year of high school. The book beautifully captures Anna's experiences as she navigates a new country, makes new friends, and develops as a person. The plot revolves around Anna's interactions with her classmates, especially Etienne St. Clair, a charming and complex character, and the challenges they face in their relationships.

The writing style of Stephanie Perkins in this book is described as simple yet beautiful, with deep and relatable characters. The story is a modern love story that delves into themes of young love, self-discovery, and friendships. The setting in Paris adds a whimsical touch to the narrative, making readers feel like they are walking the streets of the city alongside Anna.

Love & Gelato follows the story of Lina, a young girl who travels to Italy after her mother's death, where she uncovers secrets about her mother's past through a journal and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Set in the picturesque backdrop of Italy, the book intertwines themes of love, grief, family, and adventure as Lina navigates through her emotions and relationships while exploring the enchanting country. The writing style is described as whimsical and engaging, transporting readers to Italy alongside the protagonist and immersing them in the story's emotional depth and romantic allure.

"Attachments" by Rainbow Rowell is set in the early 90s in a newsroom where an employee is hired to monitor emails, leading to a romance subplot. The main character, Lincoln, struggles to move on from a past relationship while reading the email exchanges of two friends, Beth and Jennifer. The story unfolds through a mix of email dialogues and third-person narrative, showcasing Rowell's unique storytelling style that balances humor and emotional depth. The setting just before Y2K adds a nostalgic touch, capturing the essence of the characters' lives and relationships as they navigate love, friendship, and personal growth.

"Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell is a heartwarming story set in the 80s about two misfit high school students, Eleanor and Park, who form an extraordinary love bond despite coming from different worlds. The book beautifully captures the emotions of young love, friendship, and bravery as the characters navigate through their struggles at home and in school. Written in alternating voices, the novel engages readers with realistic dialogue, achingly believable characters, and poignant moments that explore themes of first love, adolescence, and overcoming challenges.

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren is a heartwarming story of Macy and Elliot, childhood friends turned lovers whose bond is shattered by a mysterious event, leading to years of separation. The book alternates between the past and present timelines, unraveling the deep connection between the characters and the emotional journey they undertake to rediscover their love and friendship. The writing style seamlessly weaves together themes of first love, loss, second chances, and personal growth, creating a captivating narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.