Books Like...

Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi follows the story of Penny, an 18-year-old incoming college freshman, and Sam, a 21-year-old barista going through a difficult breakup. The two meet through a mutual acquaintance and develop a unique friendship that mainly unfolds through text messages. As they navigate their own personal struggles, including college worries and financial restrictions, Penny and Sam find solace in each other's company. Through witty conversations and relatable interactions, the novel explores themes of love, friendship, family issues, identity, and loneliness in the context of modern relationships and social media. The writing style of the book is described as sweet, realistic, and engaging, with a focus on character development and emotional connections.

'Nevermore' by Kelly Creagh is a dark and captivating tale that intertwines the works of Edgar Allan Poe with a modern high school romance. The story follows Isobel Lanley, a cheerleader, who is reluctantly paired with Varen Nethers, the goth boy, for an English project on Poe. As they delve into Poe's world, they uncover mysteries that blur the lines between reality and dreams, leading to a dangerous journey filled with paranormal forces and intense emotions. Creagh's writing style is described as hauntingly beautiful, with detailed descriptions that bring the eerie world of the story to life.

'Perfect Chemistry' by Simone Elkeles is a young adult novel that follows the story of Brittany Ellis, a popular white girl, and Alex Fuentes, a Mexican gang member, who are forced to be lab partners in senior chemistry class. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and the stereotypes surrounding them, Brittany and Alex find themselves attracted to each other. As they navigate through racial prejudice and societal expectations, they must break free from these constraints to be together. The book explores themes of love, friendship, gang life, and the challenges faced by teenagers from diverse backgrounds.

The plot of 'Perfect Chemistry' is a modern twist on classic tales like Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story, portraying a romance between two individuals from opposite sides of the tracks. The author, Simone Elkeles, skillfully alternates between the voices of Brittany and Alex, providing insight into their lives, emotions, and struggles. The writing style is engaging, realistic, and relatable, capturing the complexities of teenage life, relationships, and societal pressures.

Yolk by Mary H.K. Choi is a contemporary novel that follows the story of two estranged Korean American sisters, Jayne and June. Jayne, a 20-something college student living in New York, struggles with an eating disorder and self-destructive behavior. When June is diagnosed with cancer, their lives intersect, forcing them to confront their past and navigate the complexities of their relationship. The book delves into themes of family dynamics, sisterhood, self-discovery, and the challenges of emerging adulthood, all portrayed through emotionally layered characters and realistic storytelling.

Choi's writing style in Yolk is described as raw, emotional, and deeply personal, capturing the messy and chaotic aspects of life in early adulthood. The novel is praised for its exploration of heavy subjects such as eating disorders, family relationships, identity struggles, and the complexities of sisterhood. Through flawed yet relatable characters and a character-driven plot, Choi weaves a narrative that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, offering a glimpse into the inner turmoil and growth of the protagonists.

Samantha McAllister, a high school student with OCD, navigates her way through the challenges of maintaining her friendships while hiding her secret condition. She finds solace in a secret poetry group, Poet's Corner, where she can express herself freely. As she grapples with her true identity, Sam discovers the impact of true friendship and self-belief, leading to a unique and life-changing journey. The book delves into themes of mental illness, friendship, self-expression, and self-acceptance, offering a thoughtful exploration of identity and the power of writing.

'Tweet Cute' by Emma Lord is a YA rom-com novel that follows the story of high school seniors Jack and Pepper, who unknowingly engage in a Twitter war between their family's restaurants while also anonymously messaging each other on a school app. The book is a modern retelling of the classic 'You've Got Mail' with a twist of social media and teenage drama. The plot revolves around the budding romance between Jack and Pepper, intertwined with family dynamics, friendship, and the challenges of school life.

In 'American Royals' by Katharine McGee, the story unfolds in a world where George Washington accepted the crown, establishing an American monarchy. Princess Beatrice is the heiress to the throne and faces the pressure of choosing a suitable husband amidst arranged marriages. Meanwhile, her siblings navigate their own romantic entanglements. The plot follows multiple characters, each with their own struggles and desires, intertwined in a world of duty, love, and royal expectations. The writing style presents a mix of romance, drama, family dynamics, and unexpected twists, creating a modern-day soap opera within a royal setting.

'American Royals' delves into the lives of the modern-day American monarchy, exploring themes of duty, romance, and family relationships. The characters face internal conflicts and external pressures, leading to a gripping narrative filled with love triangles, backstabbing, and unexpected revelations. The book offers a unique take on an alternate American history where monarchy prevails, blending traditional royal elements with contemporary issues and personal struggles, ultimately leaving readers eager for the sequel to uncover the unresolved cliffhangers.

'Pretty Little Liars' by Sara Shepard follows the lives of four teenage girls, Aria, Spencer, Hanna, and Emily, who are dealing with their own set of problems while being haunted by a mysterious figure known as 'A.' The girls had drifted apart after their friend Alison went missing, but are brought back together when they start receiving messages from 'A' threatening to reveal their deepest secrets. As they try to uncover the truth about what happened to Alison and the identity of 'A,' the girls navigate through issues such as relationships, secrets, and the challenges of high school life. The story is fast-paced, addictive, and filled with twists and turns that keep the readers engaged.

'Conversations with Friends' by Sally Rooney is a novel that delves into the complex relationships and personal issues of young college students in Dublin. The story follows Frances and Bobbi, two 21-year-old university students who perform spoken word poetry together and become entangled with a married couple, Melissa and Nick. As their relationships overlap and intersect, the characters navigate themes of friendship, love, self-discovery, and growing up. The narrative offers a deep understanding of the emotional struggles and self-awareness that young people experience as they try to find their true selves.

Rooney's writing style is described as direct, strong, and engaging, with complex and well-developed characters that captivate the reader. The novel captures the intensity of early adulthood, portraying the challenges and complexities of relationships, self-consciousness, and personal growth. The dialogue is smart and funny, with moments of beautiful imagery woven into everyday scenes, creating a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that explores the nuances of human emotions and interactions.

"Looking for Alaska" by John Green is a coming-of-age novel that follows Miles Halter as he leaves Florida to attend Culver Creek Preparatory School in Alabama, seeking the Great Perhaps. Miles befriends a group of students, including the enigmatic Alaska Young, and becomes entangled in pranks and love triangles. The story is split between the days before and after a tragic event involving Alaska, exploring themes of friendship, love, loss, and the search for meaning. Green's writing style is praised for its realistic depiction of teenage life, with well-developed characters like Miles, Alaska, and the Colonel, and a unique structure that keeps readers engaged.

The novel is lauded for its powerful storytelling, thought-provoking themes, and emotional impact. It delves into issues like mortality, friendship, love, and self-discovery, offering a moving narrative that resonates with readers. The book's structure, alternating between the days before and after Alaska's death, adds depth to the plot and highlights the characters' growth and complexities. Green's exploration of life and death through memorable quotes, teenage experiences, and philosophical discussions in a boarding school setting creates a compelling and relatable story.