Books Like...

'Tone Deaf' by Olivia Rivers follows the story of Ali, a deaf protagonist who escapes her abusive home life by going on tour with the popular band Tone Deaf. Ali, a former musical prodigy, finds solace in the band's lead singer, Jace, who offers her a chance to join their tour. The story explores themes of abuse, trauma, love, and redemption as Ali and Jace navigate their shared pasts and find understanding and connection with each other. The writing style of the book is described as heart-wrenching, beautiful, and realistic, portraying the hardships people face in life while still finding moments of happiness and love.

Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi follows the story of Penny, an 18-year-old incoming college freshman, and Sam, a 21-year-old barista going through a difficult breakup. The two meet through a mutual acquaintance and develop a unique friendship that mainly unfolds through text messages. As they navigate their own personal struggles, including college worries and financial restrictions, Penny and Sam find solace in each other's company. Through witty conversations and relatable interactions, the novel explores themes of love, friendship, family issues, identity, and loneliness in the context of modern relationships and social media. The writing style of the book is described as sweet, realistic, and engaging, with a focus on character development and emotional connections.

'Five Feet Apart' by Rachael Lippincott is a heartwrenching love story between two teenagers, Stella and Will, who both suffer from cystic fibrosis. Due to the nature of their illness, they must stay five feet apart at all times to avoid cross-infection. The book delves into their struggles, their love for each other, and the challenges they face as they navigate their relationship within the constraints of their disease. The writing style is described as raw, real, and emotional, providing a detailed and authentic portrayal of the characters' experiences with cystic fibrosis while also crafting a beautifully poignant love story.

'Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry' by Joya Goffney follows the story of Quinn, an avid list-maker who is blackmailed into facing her worst fears when her journal goes missing. Throughout the book, Quinn navigates the challenges of losing her journal, her struggles with self-acceptance, and the importance of being true to oneself. The plot revolves around Quinn's journey of self-discovery, friendship, and finding the courage to confront her fears with the help of her friends, especially Carter Bennett.

The writing style of 'Excuse Me While I Ugly Cry' is engaging and heartwarming, with a focus on themes of friendship, self-acceptance, and overcoming challenges. Readers are drawn into Quinn's world as she grapples with issues of identity, relationships, and the impact of social expectations on her life. The book skillfully weaves together elements of romance, family dynamics, and discussions on race while highlighting the importance of authenticity and embracing one's flaws.

Lena Wise, a high school senior, navigates the complexities of young love and friendship with her best friend, Sebastian. Their relationship is tested when a tragic event involving Lena's friends changes their lives forever. The book delves into themes of grief, survivors guilt, love, loss, and the consequences of one fateful night. Through emotional storytelling, Jennifer L. Armentrout crafts a poignant narrative that explores the struggles of adolescence and the journey towards healing and acceptance.

'The Spectacular Now' by Tim Tharp follows the story of Sutter Keely, a senior in high school who lives in the moment by constantly being under the influence of alcohol. His carefree lifestyle starts to unravel when his girlfriend breaks up with him, leading him to meet Aimee, a shy girl who he tries to help come out of her shell. delves into Sutter's struggles with alcoholism, relationships, and self-discovery, all while maintaining a humorous and honest writing style that captures the essence of teenage life.

Sutter's character is portrayed as charming, witty, and self-aware, but also deeply troubled and masking his pain with a party-boy persona. The narrative explores themes of growing up, facing consequences, and the complexities of teenage relationships, all set against the backdrop of Sutter's alcohol-fueled escapades. Tharp's writing style is described as realistic, honest, and at times poetic, offering a raw and authentic portrayal of teenage experiences.

'Holding Up the Universe' by Jennifer Niven is a young adult novel that follows the story of two teenagers, Libby Strout and Jack Masselin, who come from different backgrounds but find common ground in their struggles with insecurities. Libby, once known as America's Fattest Teen, is trying to start afresh in high school after losing weight and dealing with the grief of losing her mother. Jack, a popular jock, hides a secret condition called prosopagnosia, making it difficult for him to recognize faces. When they meet under unusual circumstances, they form an unlikely friendship that helps them navigate through their personal challenges and high school life.

The book is narrated through alternating perspectives of Libby and Jack, offering a moving and poignant portrayal of their individual journeys towards self-acceptance and personal growth. As they bond over shared experiences of feeling different, they learn to lean on each other for support and understanding, emphasizing the importance of unity in the face of diversity. With themes of courage, friendship, and self-worth, 'Holding Up the Universe' delivers a heartfelt message of embracing one's uniqueness and finding strength in vulnerability.

In "Life's Too Short" by Abby Jimenez, Vanessa, a successful YouTuber, finds her life turned upside down when she becomes the guardian of her sister's baby. Adrian, her neighbor, steps in to help and a unique friendship blossoms between them. The story delves into themes of family dynamics, personal struggles, and the importance of living in the moment. With alternating perspectives between Vanessa and Adrian, the book explores their evolving relationship amidst the challenges they face, including Vanessa's fears of inheriting a fatal disease.

The plot of "Life's Too Short" revolves around Vanessa's journey of navigating newfound responsibilities while still trying to maintain her adventurous lifestyle. The writing style is described as humorous, heartwarming, and engaging, capturing the emotional depth of the characters and their evolving dynamics, making for a compelling and relatable read.

'Letters to the Lost' by Brigid Kemmerer is a heartwarming YA novel that follows the story of Juliet and Declan, two teenagers brought together through grief. Through anonymous letters and emails, they find solace and form a deep emotional connection, despite not knowing each other's identities. Dealing with themes of loss, family, trust, friendship, and prejudice, the book explores how these two characters navigate their pain and healing process with the support of each other and their friends.

The novel is praised for its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and the unique format of storytelling through alternating perspectives and letters. It delves into the raw emotions of grief, guilt, and love, portraying the protagonists' journey of growth and maturity as they open up to each other and confront their inner struggles. The writing style is described as captivating, with a perfect balance of drama, romance, and realism that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.

'Soulmates' by Holly Bourne is a young adult novel that explores the concept of soulmates in a unique and unexpected way. The plot follows the main characters, Poppy and Noah, as they navigate their intense and almost electrical attraction towards each other. The book delves into the complexities of love, relationships, and the dangers that can come with finding your supposed soulmate. The writing style is described as quirky, witty, and deliciously British, making the characters relatable, vulnerable, and believable. The plot is dark, unpredictable, and well-designed, with characters that grow convincingly throughout the pages.