Books Like...
"Real Life" by Brandon Taylor is a novel that delves into the life of Wallace, a young black man navigating the challenges of being a graduate student in a predominantly white academic environment. The book explores themes of loneliness, racial discrimination, and the struggle for intimacy, all while portraying the inner turmoil of the protagonist. Through vivid descriptions and meticulous attention to detail, the author paints a poignant picture of Wallace's emotional journey as he grapples with his past, present, and uncertain future.
The narrative of "Real Life" unfolds over a few days in Wallace's life, capturing his experiences with microaggressions, hostilities, and his own depression. The writing style is characterized by its beauty, emotional depth, and the ability to evoke realistic social moments and raw emotions. The novel skillfully addresses complex topics such as racism, sexuality, and personal trauma, while also highlighting the challenges of academic life and the search for connection amidst isolation.
If you liked Real Life, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
'Memorial' by Bryan Washington is a novel that delves into the complex relationship between two men, Benson and Mike, living in Houston, Texas. The story unfolds as Mike's mother unexpectedly arrives from Japan just before he leaves to care for his estranged father in Osaka. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of the two men, exploring their struggles with family ties, cultural differences, and the challenges of their romantic relationship. The writing style is described as episodic, with short segments that shift the emotional direction of the book, providing a candid and authentic portrayal of the characters' lives and inner conflicts.
He’s cracking eggs by the stove, slipping yolks into a pair of pans. After they’ve settled, he salts them, drizzling mayonnaise with a few sprigs of oregano. Mike used to have this thing about srirach... - #2
'Filthy Animals: Stories' by Brandon Taylor delves into the lives of characters who are struggling with loneliness, suffering, and past traumas. The narratives explore themes of damaged relationships, queer realities, and the impact of isolation on individuals. The interconnected short stories feature characters like Lionel, Charles, and Sophie, who are on a journey to find their place in the world while battling with their inner demons. The writing style is described as artful, compelling, and thought-provoking, with a focus on exploring mental health struggles, queer relationships, and the complexities of human emotions.
Noise of an undifferentiated party variety drifted out into the deep blue cold, meeting Lionel under the sunroom window where he had stopped to peer inside. He felt powerfully anonymous out there in t... - #3
'What Belongs to You' by Garth Greenwell follows the story of an unnamed American expat living in Sofia, Bulgaria, who forms a complex relationship with a hustler named Mitko. The novel delves into themes of desire, unrequited love, shame, and self-discovery, all set against the backdrop of a claustrophobic and introspective narrative. Through flashbacks and reflections, the narrator grapples with his past, his identity as a gay man, and the impact of his relationships on his sense of self.
That my first encounter with Mitko B. ended in a betrayal, even a minor one, should have given me greater warning at the time, which should in turn have made my desire for him less, if not done away w... - #4
'Open Water' by Caleb Azumah Nelson is a beautifully written novel that delves into the lives of two black British artists navigating the complexities of love, fear, and societal injustices in London. The story is told in a poetic style, with the second-person narration providing a unique perspective on the characters' experiences and emotions. Through the protagonist's lens, the reader witnesses the challenges of being a young Black man in a predominantly white society, the struggles with racism and injustice, and the delicate balance between personal happiness and societal expectations. The novel beautifully captures the vulnerability and intimacy required in relationships, while also shedding light on important societal issues affecting the black community.
The first night you met, a night you both negate as too brief an encounter, you pull your friend Samuel to the side. There’s a bunch of you in the basement of this south-east London pub. A birthday ce... - #5
The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai is a novel that follows the lives of a group of friends in Chicago during the 1980s AIDS crisis. The story alternates between the past and present, exploring the impact of the epidemic on the characters and their relationships. The book delves into themes of death, family tension, love, and loss, capturing the emotional turmoil of the characters as they navigate through the devastating effects of the disease.
Makkai skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, including the struggles of the gay community, the art world, and family dynamics. The narrative moves between Chicago in the 1980s and Paris in 2015, following characters like Yale, Fiona, and Nico as they grapple with personal tragedies and search for meaning amidst the challenges they face. Through poignant storytelling and vivid character development, the novel offers a poignant exploration of friendship, grief, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Yale found the bulletin from last night’s vigil in his pocket and folded it into something resembling the cootie catchers his childhood friends used to make on buses—the ones that told your fortune (“... - #6
The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst is a novel set in Thatcherite England of the 1980s, portraying the lives of the privileged and political elites through the eyes of the protagonist, Nick Guest. The book delves into themes of greed, ambition, deception, and the impact of societal changes, particularly the AIDS epidemic, on the characters. Nick's journey of self-discovery and relationships with the Fedden family and others in their circle unfolds against the backdrop of a decadent era filled with sex, drugs, and political intrigue. Hollinghurst's writing style intricately describes the characters and their interactions, painting a vivid picture of a time defined by hypocrisy and hidden prejudices.
PETER CROWTHER'S BOOK on the election was already in the shops. It was called Landslide!, and the witty assistant at Dillon's had arranged the window in a scaled-down version of that natural disaster.... - #7
'The Prophets' by Robert Jones Jr. is a powerful and lyrical novel set on an antebellum plantation called Empty, focusing on the lives of two young enslaved men, Samuel and Isaiah, who find solace in their deep love for each other amidst the brutality of their circumstances. The book delves into the complexities of their relationship, the struggles faced by the enslaved individuals, and the interwoven narratives of various characters, both enslaved and slaveholders, across different timelines, creating a haunting and tragic story that sheds light on the harsh realities of slavery.
The writing style of 'The Prophets' is described as poetic, flowing, and deeply moving, with a mixture of prose and free verse that adds a layer of lyricism to the narrative. The author weaves together ancestral voices, historical forces, and spiritual elements to create a multi-dimensional story that explores themes of love, resilience, oppression, and the enduring humanity of those subjected to the horrors of slavery.
First it tried to burn them. Then it tried to suffocate them. And finally, when neither of those things was successful, it made the air thick like water, hoping they would drown. It failed. Its only t... - #8
'Edinburgh' by Alexander Chee tells the story of Aphias Zhe Fee, a Korean boy growing up in Maine who faces sexual abuse by his choral teacher. The novel explores themes of homosexuality, music, art, guilt, grief, and friendship through detailed prose and sensitive storytelling. Chee's writing style is described as poetic, emotional, and purposeful, with a focus on light, music, and fire that give luminescence to the narrative.
AFTER HE DIES, missing Peter for me is like swimming in the cold spot of the lake: everyone else laughing in the warm water under some too-close summer sun. This is the answer to the question no one a... - #9
Luster by Raven Leilani is a novel that delves into the complex relationships and messy realities of life, particularly focusing on the protagonist, Edie, a 23-year-old black woman. The story follows Edie as she becomes involved with a 46-year-old white man named Eric, who has an open marriage with Rebecca, a doctor dealing with autopsies. As Edie moves in with them, the dynamics of their relationships unfold, exploring themes of race, sex, isolation, and self-discovery. The narrative is described as a mix of dark humor, raw emotions, and compelling storytelling, capturing the struggles and growth of the characters amidst their unconventional circumstances.
The writing style of Luster is praised for its brutal beauty and unique voice, offering a blend of witty narration, dark humor, and poignant observations. Through Edie's perspective, the novel explores themes of creation, identity, and the complexities of human relationships, presenting a narrative that is both compelling and thought-provoking. The book navigates through Edie's journey of self-discovery, her interactions with Eric, Rebecca, and their adopted daughter Akila, and the various challenges she faces in her pursuit of purpose and connection.
The first time we have sex, we are both fully clothed, at our desks during working hours, bathed in blue computer light. He is uptown processing a new bundle of microfiche and I am downtown handling c... - #10
Ocean Vuong's 'On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous' is a lyrical and poignant novel that takes the form of a letter from a son to his illiterate immigrant mother. The story delves into themes of identity, family relationships, trauma, and the immigrant experience, all intertwined with beautiful prose and raw emotions. Through the protagonist's reflections on his childhood, sexual awakening, and struggles with loneliness, Vuong paints a vivid picture of survival and resilience in the face of adversity.
The novel is structured as a poetic exploration of the protagonist's life, moving between past and present, weaving together memories, experiences, and emotions. Vuong's writing style is described as dark, lyrical, and atmospheric, evoking visceral emotions and creating a compelling narrative that blurs the lines between fiction and memoir. The book captures the complexities of love, beauty, and the search for home, offering a unique and intimate portrayal of the human experience.
I am writing to reach you—even if each word I put down is one word further from where you are. I am writing to go back to the time, at the rest stop in Virginia, when you stared, horror-struck, at the...