Books Like...

'The Great American Whatever' by Tim Federle is a coming-of-age story that follows Quinn, a teenager grappling with the death of his sister, being gay, and uncovering others' secrets. Quinn, who had stopped working on his screenplay and isolated himself after his sister's death, is pushed back into the world by his best friend Geoff. Through a series of events, Quinn begins to rediscover himself, face his grief, and navigate his feelings, including falling in love for the first time. is praised for its authentic portrayal of a teenager's voice, filled with witty humor and deep insights about love and loss.

The Space Between by Michelle L. Teichman is a young adult high school coming-of-age story that follows two girls, Harper and Sarah, navigating through high school while trying to understand their feelings for each other. The plot delves into the struggles of the characters, particularly Harper and Sarah, as they face realistic challenges amplified by holding in secrets. The writing style is described as flowing and professional, with the story being told from both Sarah and Harper's point of view, allowing readers to engage with their journey of self-discovery and growth.

In 'What Really Happened in Peru,' readers are taken on a wild adventure with Magnus Bane, exploring the quirky and humorous side of his character. The plot dives into Magnus's ban from Peru, showcasing various time periods and adventures alongside his friends Ragnor and Catarina. The writing style is described as pacey, fun, and filled with unexpected twists and turns, making it an engaging and entertaining read for fans of Cassandra Clare's works.

Under Rose-Tainted Skies by Louise Gornall is a heartfelt young adult novel that delves into the life of Norah, a teenage girl suffering from agoraphobia, OCD, and anxiety. The book follows Norah's journey as she navigates her mental health struggles, her budding relationship with her neighbor Luke, and her quest for self-acceptance. The author, Louise Gornall, skillfully portrays Norah's inner thoughts and fears, providing an honest and raw depiction of living with mental illness. Through Norah's perspective, readers are immersed in her world of anxiety, panic attacks, and self-doubt, making for an eye-opening and emotional reading experience.

The plot of Under Rose-Tainted Skies unfolds slowly, allowing Norah's transformation to feel natural and realistic. The relationship between Norah and Luke is portrayed as supportive and understanding, without falling into the trope of a love interest magically curing her mental health issues. The book also highlights the importance of familial support, with Norah's mother playing a significant role in her life. Overall, the writing style is engaging and easy to read, with Norah's narration providing a poignant insight into the challenges of living with agoraphobia and OCD.

'Daphne' by Josh Malerman is a gripping standalone novel that delves into themes of mental health, anxiety, belonging, and friendship through the lens of protagonist Kit Lamb. The story follows Kit and her friends as they unravel the legend of Daphne, a mysterious figure from the past who haunts the town of Samhattan. As the tale unfolds, readers are taken on a suspenseful journey filled with palpable tension, eerie encounters, and heart-pounding moments that keep them on the edge of their seats.

Malerman's unique writing style captivates readers with its unconventional structure, intense pacing, and vivid descriptions that bring the town of Samhattan and its inhabitants to life. By blending elements of horror, suspense, and psychological thriller, 'Daphne' creates a chilling atmosphere that lingers long after the final page is turned, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

'The Rest of Us Just Live Here' by Patrick Ness is a unique take on the YA fantasy genre, focusing on the lives of ordinary teenagers while the chosen ones battle supernatural forces in the background. The story follows the protagonist, Mikey, who deals with OCD, his family dynamics, and the challenges of growing up, all set against the backdrop of strange events happening in their town involving mythical creatures. The writing style is described as clever, self-aware, and diverse in character types, providing a realistic portrayal of teenagers facing real-life issues amidst paranormal occurrences.

Turtles All the Way Down by John Green is a contemporary young adult novel that delves into the struggles of a teenage girl, Aza, who battles severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) while navigating relationships and attempting to solve a mystery involving a missing billionaire. The book skillfully explores the complexities of mental illness, friendship, and family dynamics, portraying the internal torment and external challenges faced by the protagonist with authenticity and insight. Through eloquent writing and a dual narrative of personal struggles and a gripping mystery, Green crafts a poignant story that sheds light on the realities of living with mental health issues.

The narrative in Turtles All the Way Down is enriched by John Green's trademark writing style, which combines philosophical reflections, poignant character dynamics, and introspective moments. The book offers a compelling exploration of themes such as anxiety, OCD, friendship, and identity, capturing the essence of teenage angst and the nuances of mental health struggles. Through a blend of heartfelt storytelling and realistic portrayals of characters, Green weaves a narrative that resonates with readers, evoking empathy and understanding for the challenges faced by individuals grappling with mental illness.