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.

'Swimming in the Dark' by Tomasz Jedrowski is a poignant novel set in 1980s Communist Poland, following the forbidden gay love story between Ludwik and Janusz amidst the backdrop of political upheaval. The writing style is described as lush, evocative prose that delves into the complexities of love, loss, and growing up in a restrictive society. The book skillfully weaves together romance and social awakening, creating an immersive and compelling narrative that intertwines personal growth with historical context.

The novel "The Interestings" by Meg Wolitzer follows the lives of a group of friends who meet at a summer art camp in the 1970s and call themselves The Interestings. The story spans several decades, exploring their friendships, ambitions, successes, and struggles as they navigate through life. The book delves into themes of talent, success, jealousy, love, and the lasting impact of formative experiences in teenage years. Wolitzer weaves a complex narrative, capturing the evolution of relationships and the way friendships change over time.

"We Play Ourselves" by Jen Silverman is a contemporary literary fiction novel that follows a bisexual playwright, Cass, who flees a scandal involving her professional rival and finds herself entangled in the world of theatre and filmmaking in LA. The book delves into themes of art, power, jealousy, bitterness, and acceptance, with a focus on the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and coping with ugly emotions. The narrative is described as a layered and resonant reflection of accepting failure, fears, and anger in order to embrace one's true self.

The story explores Cass's struggles with jealousy, pettiness, and unhealthy coping mechanisms, all set against the backdrop of the theatre world and the complexities of relationships. It addresses topics such as child sexual abuse, the blurred lines between art and exploitation, and the raw emotions that individuals are not supposed to feel but must confront to find inner peace.

'Hello Beautiful' by Ann Napolitano is a poignant and emotionally complex family drama that delves into the relationships between four sisters, Julia, Sylvie, Cecelia, and Emeline, and the ripple effects of trauma across generations. Set between the 1960s and the early 2000s, the novel follows the Padavano sisters as they navigate love, loss, motherhood, and their own identities and desires amidst pivotal historical moments. The core relationships that structure the narrative are between the sisters themselves, with their mother Rose, and with the men that enter their lives, disrupting and reshaping the sisterly unit in different ways.

The novel alternates between the perspectives of Julia and Sylvie, exposing both women's hopes, flaws, and deepest wounds. The narrative explores themes of family dynamics, individual identity, forgiveness, and the complexities of sisterhood, all set against the backdrop of a 1970s suburban Chicago setting that immerses readers into the interior lives of its characters and the intergenerational traumas that shape their identities.

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.

"I loved a lot about this novel - the exploration of close friendship in high school, the theater plots, the queer and questioning focus. The two POVs worked well to explore the relationship, and there were some honestly laugh out loud hilarious moments in the writing here. A heartbreakingly beautiful book that I devoured in 2 days. Equal parts nostalgia and aspiration, JFT has a way of cracking open characters in such an honest, raw and vulnerable way."

Greta & Valdin by Rebecca K. Reilly is a heartwarming and humorous novel that follows the lives of queer siblings, Greta and Valdin, as they navigate relationships, family dynamics, and self-discovery in New Zealand. The book delves into the complexities of sibling relationships, grieving lost connections, and the journey towards self-growth, all while maintaining a generous and tender tone that resonates with readers. Through relatable and quirky characters, the author explores themes of neurodiversity, queer representation, and the messy yet lovely nature of modern family life.

As the plot unfolds, Valdin embarks on a travel program while Greta grapples with unrequited love, leading both characters on a journey of personal exploration and second chances. With a mix of absurd humor, poignant moments, and diverse character portrayals, Greta & Valdin captivates readers with its relatable storytelling and richly drawn family dynamics, ultimately culminating in a touching and unconventional ending that leaves a lasting impact.

'Open Throat' by Henry Hoke is a unique and thought-provoking novel that follows the perspective of a mountain lion living beneath the Hollywood sign. The book explores themes of homelessness, environmental degradation, sexuality, and humanity through the eyes of the lion, providing a fresh and tender look at the world. The writing style is unconventional, with no chapters, punctuation, or capitalization, creating a raw and immersive reading experience that captures the essence of the lion's voice and emotions.

The story delves into the lion's struggles as it navigates a changing world where humans encroach on its habitat, leading to a poignant reflection on the impact of human actions on nature. Despite the unconventional narrative style, the book manages to convey deep emotions and complex themes, leaving readers contemplating their own place in the world and the consequences of their actions. 'Open Throat' offers a short yet impactful read that resonates with its readers long after the final page.

'The Candy House' by Jennifer Egan is a novel set in a future where technology allows for the sharing of memories and experiences, exploring themes of authenticity, interconnectedness, and the impact of modern communication forms on society. The book follows multiple characters and their struggles with navigating a world where manufactured reality has become the norm, raising questions about identity, the art of conversation, and the consequences of invasive technologies.

The narrative is told through interconnected stories, with each chapter focusing on different characters and their perspectives. Egan's writing style weaves together these diverse voices to paint a cautionary tale about the dangers of losing oneself in a world where memories can be saved and shared, blurring the lines between fact and fiction, reality and illusion.