Books Like...
Set in the 1980s on a New England college campus, 'The Rules of Attraction' follows a period in the lives of Lauren, Paul, and Sean who get caught up in a love triangle. The book explores a bisexual love triangle filled with misinformation, misidentity, self-obsession, emotional blackmail, immaturity, substance abuse, and a lack of self-respect among privileged college students. The narrative style shifts between different characters' perspectives, offering insight into their personalities and relationships, often highlighting their delusions and self-inflicted struggles.
The story unfolds through multiple narrators, showcasing the same events from vastly different viewpoints, creating a Rashomon-like quality that delves into the complexities of personal relationships and individual interpretations. The novel provides an interesting study on how navigating personal relationships can be challenging, especially in an environment saturated with alcohol, drugs, and youthful beauty, resonating with college students across generations.
If you liked The Rules of Attraction, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Less Than Zero by Bret Easton Ellis is a novel set in the 1980s that follows rich college student Clay as he returns home to L.A. for winter break. The story revolves around Clay attending parties, engaging in drug use, and contemplating his relationship with his girlfriend, Blair. The narrative explores Clay's increasing alienation from the amoral behavior of his friends, portraying a bleak and nihilistic depiction of the affluent youth culture in Los Angeles. The writing style is described as short, snappy prose, with a narrative that is blank and devoid of emotional reactions, creating a sense of alienation and detachment that intensifies towards the end of the book.
People are afraid to merge on freeways in Los Angeles. This is the first thing I hear when I come back to the city. Blair picks me up from LAX and mutters this under her breath as her car drives up th... - #2
'Glamorama' by Bret Easton Ellis is a satirical novel that delves into the shallow and image-obsessed world of celebrities and models. The story follows Victor Ward, a model and actor caught up in a whirlwind of superficiality and glamour in New York City. However, the plot takes a dark turn when Victor is sent to London on a mission that unveils a world of international espionage and terrorism. The writing style of the book is described as alternately devastating and hilarious, with a perfect balance of satire and insightful commentary on media-obsessed lifestyles.
"Specks—specks all over the third panel, see?—no, that one—the second one up from the floor and I wanted to point this out to someone yesterday but a photo shoot intervened and Yaki Nakamari or whatev... - #3
'Lunar Park' by Bret Easton Ellis is a postmodern novel that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, featuring a fictionalized version of the author himself as the protagonist. The book delves into themes of dysfunctional family relationships, horror, self-reflection, and the consequences of fame. The narrative weaves together elements of literary criticism, memoir, horror, and satire, creating a unique and complex story that keeps readers engaged until the unpredictable and emotionally charged ending.
and it’s a story that might bore you but you don’t have to listen, she told me, because she always knew it was going to be like that, and it was, she thinks, her first year, or actually weekend, reall... - #4
Imperial Bedrooms by Bret Easton Ellis is a sequel to the author's debut novel Less Than Zero. The book follows the lives of the characters from the original story, now in their middle age, navigating the dark and nihilistic world of Los Angeles. Clay, the main character, returns to LA for the casting of his film and reconnects with his old circle of friends, delving into a world of drugs, sex, paranoia, and unresolved past traumas. The writing style of the book is described as flat and precise, typical of Ellis, with some lines of real precision and beauty scattered throughout the narrative.
They had made a movie about us. The movie was based on a book written by someone we knew. The book was a simple thing about four weeks in the city we grew up in and for the most part was an accurate p... - #5
'The Shards' by Bret Easton Ellis is a novel set in 1981 Los Angeles, following the protagonist, Bret, and his circle of friends as they navigate their senior year at an exclusive prep school. The story intertwines themes of adolescence, trauma, past mistakes, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. As a series of violent crimes unfold in the background, the narrative delves into the protagonist's unstable mind, obsession, and self-destruction, leading to a tragic tale of suspicion and deadly consequences.
The writing style of 'The Shards' is engaging and expertly crafted, drawing readers into a world of privilege, debauchery, and impending doom. The narrative skillfully combines elements of a murder mystery thriller with a character study, exploring the protagonist's psyche and his interactions with a dangerously handsome newcomer, Robert Mallory. The novel is richly observed, evocative, and occasionally repetitive, offering a compelling blend of horror, dark humor, and bittersweet nostalgia.
- #6
'I Am Charlotte Simmons' by Tom Wolfe is a novel that delves into the life of a young college girl named Charlotte Simmons as she navigates the complexities of campus life at Dupont University. The book offers a social commentary on modern college life, touching on themes such as elitism, student-athlete culture, and the pursuit of fitting in. Through vivid and detailed descriptions, Wolfe portrays the challenges and experiences faced by Charlotte as she transitions from a sheltered small-town girl to a student exposed to the realities of academic achievement, social status, and peer pressure.
ALLEGHANY COUNTY IS perched so high up in the hills of western North Carolina that golfers intrepid enough to go up there to play golf call it mountain golf. The county’s only big cash crop is Christm... - #7Mooby:
"Moo" by Jane Smiley is a satirical novel set at a Midwestern agricultural university, known as Moo U. The book delves into the inner workings of academia, portraying a large cast of colorful characters from students to faculty members, and even a giant white pig named Earl Butz. The plot unfolds over the course of an academic year in the early 1990s, focusing on the various love liaisons, academic intrigues, and personal issues that are common in university life. Smiley's writing style is described as humorous, witty, and insightful, offering a shrewd and funny commentary on the societal norms and conflicts within the university setting.
FROM THE OUTSIDE it was clear that the building known generally as “Old Meats” had eased under the hegemony of the horticulture department. Its southern approach, once a featureless slope of green law... - #8
'Bright Lights, Big City' by Jay McInerney is a novel set in the decadent early 1980s New York City, following the life of a young man who spirals into chaos fueled by cocaine and depression. The story is narrated in the second person perspective, providing a unique insight into the protagonist's self-destructive behavior and inner struggles. As the protagonist navigates through a world of drug-fueled escapades, failed relationships, and professional setbacks, readers are immersed in a fast-paced narrative that captures the essence of a turbulent era.
The novel delves into themes of self-destruction, loss, and the pursuit of identity amidst the glittering yet unforgiving backdrop of New York City. Through vivid descriptions and a blend of humor and introspection, McInerney crafts a compelling story that explores the protagonist's journey from indulgence to introspection, ultimately leading to a poignant realization about life's complexities and the search for redemption.
You are not the kind of guy who would be at a place like this at this time of the morning. But here you are, and you cannot say that the terrain is entirely unfamiliar, although the details are fuzzy.... - #9
'The Idiot' by Elif Batuman follows the story of Selin, a college freshman at Harvard in 1995, as she navigates her first love, friendships, and academic life. The narrative is presented in a diary-like format, offering insights into Selin's thoughts and experiences with humor and honesty. The plot meanders slowly, focusing on Selin's musings on language, self-discovery, and the challenges of young adulthood. The story is filled with quirky characters and absurd moments, providing a glimpse into the protagonist's journey of finding meaning and purpose in a world full of uncertainties.
I didn’t know what email was until I got to college. I had heard of email, and knew that in some sense I would “have” it. “You’ll be so fancy,” said my mother’s sister, who had married a computer scie... - #10
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio is a dark and suspenseful novel set in an eccentric conservatory college where seven fourth-year acting students are deeply immersed in Shakespearean theater. The story unfolds through the memories of Oliver, who has just been released from prison after serving a ten-year sentence for a crime that is gradually revealed. The book delves into the relationships, secrets, and tragedies that unfold among the students, all while incorporating Shakespearean quotes and themes throughout the narrative. The writing style is described as captivating, emotionally arresting, and filled with tension, making the book a thrilling and engrossing read.
I sit with my wrists cuffed to the table and I think, But that I am forbid / To tell the secrets of my prison-house, / I could a tale unfold whose lightest word / Would harrow up thy soul. The guard s...