Books Like...
'Forbidden' by Tabitha Suzuma is a controversial and taboo novel that delves into the complex and heartbreaking story of a brother and sister who find themselves falling in love after being abandoned by their neglectful mother. The book skillfully handles delicate themes of incest, poverty, and high school life, offering a unique perspective on the struggles faced by the protagonists as they navigate their forbidden relationship. The writing style is described as emotional, sensitive, and thought-provoking, evoking strong reactions from readers who found themselves both uncomfortable and captivated by the story.
If you liked Forbidden, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
'Quaking' by Kathryn Erskine follows the story of Matt, a teenage girl with a troubled past who finds herself living with a Quaker family. Through her interactions with the family and her experiences at a new school, Matt learns to respect the pacifist views of the Quakers and begins to adapt to her new environment. The novel delves into themes of peace, tolerance, and the struggles of fitting in, all while exploring the emotional journey of a young girl trying to find her true self amidst past hurts and hardships.
Erskine skillfully weaves a narrative filled with conflict, emotion, and a blend of sad, heartwarming, suspenseful, and funny moments. provides insights into the Quaker religion, portraying the challenges faced by pacifists in a violent world. Despite occasional slips into melodrama, Erskine effectively balances drama with lighthearted scenes, creating a well-paced story that engages readers with its interesting characters and thought-provoking themes.
- #2
Rainwater by Sandra Brown is a heartwrenching story set in the Great Depression era, focusing on Ella Barron, a single mother running a boarding house in Gilead, Texas. The arrival of a new boarder, David Rainwater, brings significant changes to Ella's life, especially as he forms a bond with Ella's autistic son, Solly. The plot delves into the challenges of the time period, including racial tensions, economic hardships, and personal struggles, all while showcasing the growth and development of the characters in the narrative. The writing style is beautifully descriptive, capturing the setting and time period effectively, making the book an emotional and captivating read.
As on most mornings, sleep released her gradually a half hour before daylight. She yawned and stretched, her feet seeking cool spots between the sheets. But catching another forty winks was out of the... - #3
Paperweight by Meg Haston is a dark and honest story that follows Stevie, a 17-year-old struggling with an eating disorder and suicidal thoughts. The book delves into Stevie's journey as she is checked into a treatment center by her father, with the looming anniversary of her brother's death adding urgency to her self-destructive plans. Through alternating narratives of her present-day struggles and past memories, the author provides a realistic portrayal of anorexia, bulimia, and self-hating depression. The writing style is described as authentic, with secrets being shared and a mystery element that builds suspense throughout the narrative.
The book is praised for its raw depiction of recovery, portraying it as a long and brutal road filled with ups and downs. It stands out for its honesty in showing that recovery from mental illness is not a linear process and cannot be magically fixed overnight. The character development, particularly in depicting Stevie's journey towards healing, forgiveness, and self-worth, resonates with readers who appreciate the depth and authenticity of the story.
Josh—sorry! Joshua—would say I’m being a drama queen. I imagine him saying things like that sometimes. It’s not like I can actually hear his words out loud, or he comes to me in my dreams, or some bul... After by Amy Efaw is a compelling novel that delves into the tragic story of Devon Davenport, a talented fifteen-year-old soccer player and straight-A student who finds herself in denial about her unexpected pregnancy. The book follows Devon's journey as she gives birth and makes a fateful decision to dispose of the baby in a dumpster, leading to her arrest and trial for attempted murder. Through a mix of present and past narratives, the author, Amy Efaw, explores Devon's complex emotions, her strained relationship with her neglectful mother, and the psychological factors that contribute to such heartbreaking actions. The book provides a raw and honest portrayal of teen pregnancy, denial, and the consequences of one impulsive decision.
The TV’s on, some lame morning show. The reception’s lousy, and the sound’s off. But Devon isn’t really watching, anyway. More like staring blankly at the screen, the figures passing before her eyes i...- #5
All the Ugly and Wonderful Things by Bryn Greenwood is a compelling and controversial story that delves into the complex relationship between Wavy, a young girl growing up in a troubled environment, and Kellen, a mechanic involved in her father's illicit activities. The novel explores themes of love, survival, and redemption as it follows the evolution of their unconventional bond over the years. The writing style is raw and gritty, offering multiple perspectives that provide a deep insight into the characters' motivations and struggles.
My mother always started the story by saying, “Well, she was born in the backseat of a stranger’s car,” as though that explained why Wavy wasn’t normal. It seemed to me that could happen to anybody. M... - #6
The Idea of You by Robinne Lee is a novel that explores a unique and forbidden romance between a 39-year-old gallery owner, Solène, and a 20-year-old frontman of a popular boy band, Hayes. The story delves into the complexities of their relationship, addressing issues such as ageism, sexism, and the challenges of fame. The writing style is described as intense, steamy, and thought-provoking, with a focus on the emotional and physical connection between the characters.
An unopened package of Da Vinci Maestro Kolinsky brushes was lying on the entry table, alongside a set of thirty-six Holbein watercolors. I’d spent a fortune at Blick stocking up on materials for my a... - #7
The Cement Garden by Ian McEwan is a dark and disturbing tale about four children who are left orphaned after the death of their parents. Fearing separation by social services, the children decide to hide their mother's death by burying her in cement in the basement. The story delves into the dysfunctional dynamics of the siblings as they navigate grief, isolation, and ultimately descend into a twisted and incestuous relationship. McEwan's writing style is described as spare, creepy, and haunting, with a focus on exploring the lengths children may go to preserve their family in dire circumstances.
Living in a dilapidated suburban house, the children struggle to cope with their newfound independence and the dark secrets they harbor. The narrative is driven by the teenage boy, Jack, who harbors complex feelings of lust towards his sister Julie. The book is noted for its shocking and disturbing content, painting a bleak picture of familial relationships and moral decay in the face of tragedy. McEwan's debut novel is commended for its ability to captivate readers despite its unsettling subject matter, offering a chilling exploration of sibling power struggles, incest, and despair.
IDID NOT kill my father, but I sometimes felt I had helped him on his way. And but for the fact that it coincided with a landmark in my own physical growth, his death seemed insignificant compared to ... Push by Sapphire is a raw and harrowing story following the life of Precious Jones, a teenage girl who has endured unimaginable abuse from both her parents. Illiterate and pregnant twice by her own father, Precious finds hope and strength through education and the support of a caring teacher. The book delves into themes of injustice, pain, and the resilience of the human spirit, painting a vivid picture of Precious's journey from a life of abuse and despair to one of determination and empowerment.
Sapphire's writing style in Push is characterized by its rawness and simplicity, effectively conveying the brutal realities faced by Precious. The novel's graphic language and vivid descriptions provide a stark portrayal of Precious's struggles, while also highlighting the importance of education and self-worth in overcoming adversity. Through Precious's narrative, readers are taken on a poignant and emotional journey that explores the darkest corners of human experience with a glimmer of hope shining through.
I was left back when I was twelve because I had a baby for my fahver. That was in 1983.1 was out of school for a year. This gonna be my second baby. My daughter got Down Sinder. She's retarded. I had ...- #9
'Just Listen' by Sarah Dessen is a young adult novel that follows the story of Annabel, a teenage girl dealing with struggles that many teenagers can relate to, such as misunderstandings with friends and family drama. The book explores themes of friendship, love, honesty, and self-discovery. Annabel finds solace in an unexpected friendship with Owen, a school outcast, who helps her find her voice and face her fears. The plot unfolds with a mix of family dynamics, societal pressures, and personal growth, all set in a realistic and relatable high school setting.
The narrative style of 'Just Listen' captivates readers right from the start, with a mix of drama, romance, and real-life issues faced by teenagers today. The story delves into heavy themes like sexual assault, anorexia, depression, and peer pressure, while also highlighting the importance of speaking up and being true to oneself. Through Annabel's journey of self-discovery and finding her inner strength, the book delivers a powerful message about the impact of listening, honesty, and support in overcoming challenges.
On the rows of screens hanging over the ellipticals at the gym. On the monitor they have at the post office that’s supposed to distract you from how long you’ve been waiting in line. And now here, on ... - #10
'Go Ask Alice' is a fictional book based on non-fiction events, following the journal entries of a 15-year-old girl who spirals into drug addiction. The plot covers her struggles with fitting in at school, moving to a new place, experiencing heartbreak, and ultimately getting involved in the drug scene, leading to a gripping portrayal of addiction and its consequences. The writing style, presented as diary entries, creates a deep connection to the character and effectively portrays the internal struggles of addiction and the severity of the situation.
Yesterday I remember thinking I was the happiest person in the whole earth, in the whole galaxy, in all of God’s creation. Could that only have been yesterday or was it endless light-years ago? I was ...