Today, we are going to look at a few books like Normal People by Sally Rooney.
Normal People by Sally Rooney is a novel that explores the complex relationship between Connell and Marianne.
Set in Ireland, the story follows their intertwined lives from high school through their university years, delving into themes of love, class, and mental health.
Rooney’s insightful prose beautifully portrays the emotional dynamics between the characters as they navigate the challenges of adulthood and the influence of societal expectations.
With its raw and intimate exploration of human connections, Normal People is a compelling and thought-provoking read, so let’s find some more books like Normal People.
List of Books Like Normal People by Sally Rooney
- The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
- Beach Read by Emily Henry
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
- Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood
- Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter
- The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
- The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
- Happy Place by Emily Henry
- Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
The first book on the list of books like Normal People is The Hating Game.
Imagine stepping into a world where love and hate collide. That’s The Hating Game by Sally Thorne. It was published in 2016, and is 384 pages in length.
Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman, two ambitious souls, find themselves locked in a fierce rivalry. They don’t just dislike each other; they loathe one another with an intensity that words struggle to capture. “Hate” isn’t enough sometimes.
Both serving as executive assistants to the CEOs of a prestigious publishing company, Lucy and Joshua engage in an endless dance of passive-aggressive pranks, each more irritating than the last.
Lucy despises Joshua’s joyless demeanor, which drains the life out of everything he touches. Meanwhile, Joshua can’t stand Lucy’s eccentricity, her relentless positivity, and her wardrobe bursting with vibrant colors.
But when an enticing promotion becomes the battleground for their latest power play, the stakes reach scorching heights. Lucy’s cherished dreams teeter on the brink of ruin, all because of this new game of passive aggression.
Yet, amidst the chaos, something shifts within Lucy’s heart. Could it be that her feelings toward Joshua are morphing into something altogether unexpected? And maybe, just maybe, Joshua doesn’t harbor the same loathing for her either. A mysterious connection, elusive yet palpable, dances in the air, and it’s certainly not fueled by hatred.
As their paths intertwine further, Lucy finds herself drawn closer to Joshua. Could this hateful relationship somehow transform into something more profound, something that can’t be explained?
In the magnetic pull of fate, Lucy and Joshua embark on a journey that transcends their initial animosity. What lies ahead for these two adversaries-turned-allies? Only time will reveal the true nature of their connection.
Beach Read by Emily Henry
Beach Read is one of Emily Henry’s most popular books. It was published in 2020, and is around 400 pages long.
Beach Read follows January Andrews, an author immersed in the world of romance, desperately seeking to overcome her dreaded writer’s block. Shebelieves that living in her father’s beach house for the summer is the cure.
Unbeknownst to January, her plans take an unexpected turn as she discovers her former college rival, Augustus Everett, has settled in right next door.
Augustus, a writer renowned for his dark and dramatic literary fiction, possesses an uncanny knack for wild adventures where his characters don’t get to live for very long.
As they clash time and again, their inherent differences fuel a relentless competition between them.
In a surprising twist, amidst their friendly quarrels, they strike a deal: both writers will venture outside of their comfort zone by writing a novel in the other’s genre.
To do this, they commit to immersing themselves in each other’s worlds, undertaking research trips that will immerse Augustus in a whirlwind of romance, while January will get to learn all about a crazy cult.
Brace for the unexpected, for the lines between reality and fiction begin to blur, giving rise to a tale that will take hold of your imagination and leave you yearning for more.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
If you are looking for books like Normal People, prepare to be captivated by Bonnie Garmus’ masterpiece, Lessons in Chemistry.
This remarkable book took the literary world by storm in 2022, swiftly becoming one of the year’s best selling novels. With its 400 pages brimming with emotion, it is a journey you won’t want to miss.
In the enchanting backdrop of the 1960s, we meet the unforgettable Elizabeth Zott. Among a sea of male colleagues at Hastings Research Institute, she stands as a beacon of brilliance, her mind ablaze with intelligence and passion.
Despite the unjust inequality she faces, there is one extraordinary man who sees her worth: Calvin Evans, a revered Nobel laureate and unparalleled genius in the realm of chemistry. At first, they do not like each other at all.
Then their connection intertwines their hearts and minds in a love affair born of their shared intellect. But life’s cruel whims separate them, leaving Elizabeth to navigate the challenging path of single motherhood through no fault of her own.
No longer stuck in the realm of traditional chemistry, Elizabeth finds herself cast in a brand new role as the host of a new cooking show titled Supper at Six.
Through her revolutionary culinary creations, she empowers mothers far and wide, teaching them not only the art of cooking, but teaches the women to challenge the status quo.
Yet, as her show skyrockets to unrivaled popularity, it draws the criticism of some narrow-minded male executives. They want her to fall in line with the traditional role of a conventional housewife, ignorant of Elizabeth Zott’s spirit and extraordinary capabilities.
Lessons in Chemistry will ignite laughter and tears, enveloping you in a range of emotions that lies somewhere in between. Each word on the page weaves a tapestry of brilliance, leaving you with a newfound sense of intellect and wonder. And you’ll learn a few science words too!
You can check out some other books like Lessons in Chemistry!
Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood
Ali Hazelwood’s Love on the Brain was published in 2022, and is 368 pages long. It is set in the same intellectual world as the rest of Ali Hazelwood’s books.
In Love on the Brain, we meet Bee Königswasser, a brilliant physicist with vibrant purple hair, whose infatuation with Marie Curie knows no bounds. In fact, her guiding principle echoes the iconic scientist’s legacy: “What would Marie Curie do?”
When NASA presents Bee with an opportunity to lead a groundbreaking project, she turns to her guiding question. Naturally, Marie Curie would definitely take such a chance! However, Marie Curie never had to confront Levi Ward, Bee’s old foe from their graduate school days, who is now her co-leader. Sigh…
Despite Levi’s striking appearance and his gallant act of saving Bee on her first day, she senses that a fierce competition is on the horizon.
The project takes a tumultuous turn for Bee. Her belongings vanish, her voice goes unheard, and her choices seem constantly misguided.
Then, a flicker of hope emerges. Levi, one of Bee’s colleagues, starts treating her with unexpected kindness. He supports her ideas, assists her in decision-making, and surreptitiously steals glances in her direction.
Gradually, she finds her thoughts consumed by him, daring to place her heart on the line.
Now, the burning question arises: “What would Bee Königswasser do?”
Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter
Mr. Wrong Number was written by Lynn Painter. Released in 2022, this delightful book is a treat with its 352 captivating pages.
In Mr. Wrong Number we are in the world of Olivia Marshall, a young woman who can’t help but feel that her every endeavor is cursed, destined to spiral into chaos. Even her own family views her as a perpetual screw-up, exacerbating her misfortune.
One fateful night, a mysterious text disrupts Olivia’s boring life with the simple question, “What are you wearing?” Olivia has no idea that this innocent text will set her life ablaze. The messages exchanged with this anonymous stranger are full of a scorching intensity, igniting a fire within her.
Suddenly, Olivia finds herself believing that a stroke of luck has finally come her way, as if the tides of fate are shifting in her favor.
As fate would have it, Colin Beck, her brother’s closest confidant, starts to live with her family. Colin, who has always regarded Olivia as a bothersome girl, soon discovers that she has blossomed into a beautiful woman, radiating allure like never before.
However, amidst the growing fondness, Colin stumbles upon a shocking revelation—he realizes that Olivia is the one who got his steamy messages!
Caught in a conundrum, he grapples with a difficult choice: pursue a romantic connection with his best friend’s sister or sever their ties before it gets awkward.
Embark on this journey alongside Olivia and Colin as they navigate the intricate web of attraction, friendship, and unexpected twists.
Will love conquer all, or will they succumb to the complexities of their unique predicament?
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
The Kiss Quotient is a novel authores by the talented Helen Hoang. This delightful tale is another book like The Hating Game. It graced bookshelves in 2018, and has 323 pages.
Immerse yourself in the extraordinary life of Stella Lane, an absolute genius in the realm of mathematics. With a mere blink of an eye, she can solve any mathematical puzzle, even devising an algorithm that predicts her customers’ buying patterns. While Stella’s professional endeavors flourish, her romantic life leaves much to be desired.
Due to her Asperger’s, Stella finds herself slightly repulsed by the thought of engaging in passionate kisses, especially the part with the tongues.
Determined to conquer her aversion, she believes that practice is the key.
Enter Michael Phan, an escort enlisted by Stella to help her practice dating, covering everything from tender kisses to the intricacies of lovemaking. As Stella diligently checks off each item on her romantic learning list, she unexpectedly discovers a yearning for the emotions Michael awakens within her.
Gradually, Stella realizes that her affection for Michael is more than just practice, and she finds something in herself: her love for mathematics is nothing compared to her new interest in love itself.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
The Unhoneymooners is a book like Normal People. Written by Christina Lauren, this novel was published in 2019, and is 416 pages long.
We follow Olive Torres, a young woman who believes she’s been dealt the unluckiest hand in the world. Misfortune seems to cling to her like a shadow, leaving her feeling cursed since birth. Adding to her woes, she recently lost her job, adding insult to injury.
In stark contrast, Olive’s twin sister, Ami, seems to be the epitome of good fortune. Luck dances at her fingertips, and she has even won numerous contests, which funded her dream wedding.
While Olive genuinely rejoices in her sister’s happiness, there’s one thing that doesn’t sit right with her—the prospect of spending the entire wedding day with her arch-nemesis and best man, Ethan Thomas.
As fate would have it, chaos ensues at the wedding, leaving everyone, except Olive and Ethan, suffering from a severe case of food poisoning.
This unexpected turn of events dashes Ami’s honeymoon plans and renders the non-refundable trip useless. In a surprising twist, luck finally shines on Olive as she finds herself thrust into the spotlight—instead of her sister—as the recipient of the Hawaiian honeymoon.
The only catch? She must share the paradise with none other than Ethan.
Now, picture this: ten eventful days in Maui, trapped with the person who drives Olive up the wall. Can you feel the tension building?
But wait, there’s more! In order to avoid suspicion, they must pretend to be newlyweds when they encounter Olive’s new boss. It’s a high-stakes game they must play to protect their cover.
As the sun-kissed days unfold, Olive gradually discovers that the person she once despised may not be as terrible as she thought. Against all odds, a truce is struck, and they vow not to sabotage each other’s time. Yet, amidst the charade of a blissful marriage, something unexpected begins to blossom—a connection that defies their initial animosity.
Olive and Ethan find themselves drawn to each other, forming an unlikely bond amidst the picturesque backdrop of Maui. Will this newfound affection evolve into something deeper? With every passing day, their defenses crumble, and the lines between pretense and reality blur.
The Unhoneymooners is a delightful rollercoaster of emotions that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Happy Place by Emily Henry
Happy Place is the latest of Emily Henry’s books. This was published in 2023, and is 385 pages long.
Here we follow Harriet and Wyn, a couple whose love seemed as inseparable as peanut butter and jelly. However, five months ago, they quietly parted ways, but they have been keeping their secret from their friends.
For a decade now, their group of friends has gone on an annual retreat, seeking solace in each other’s company.
The destination? A cozy cottage nestled in the serene landscapes of Maine.
But here’s the twist: Harriet and Wyn find themselves assigned to share a room despite their breakup.
Instead of indulging in wine, savoring delectable seafood, and basking in the sun along the coastline, they now navigate a treacherous path of deceit, skillfully disguising their relationship status from their unsuspecting friends.
Their paramount goal is to preserve the sanctity of this final week spent together in the cherished cottage, because after this year it will be sold.
The imminent farewell looms, intensifying their determination not to spoil the occasion for their best friends. Ah, the suspense! I can’t help but wonder how their tangled web of lies will unravel in the coming days.
Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola
Bolu Babalola wrote Honey and Spice in 2022. It is 364 pages long.
Meet Kiki Banjo, a spirited radio host for the popular show Brown Sugar at Whitewell University. With a touch of sass and a heart brimming with kindness, Kiki dedicates herself to empowering her fellow female students.
Her show revolves around relationship advice, aimed at steering clear of what she dubs “situationships” orchestrated by the campus players, destined to leave hearts shattered.
However, on today’s broadcast, something surprising unfolds. Kiki openly denounces Malakai Korede, branding him “The Wastemen of Whitewell,” and warns her listeners to steer clear of him at all costs.
Yet, how weird it is when Kiki is later spotted kissing Malakai at a party, right before everyone’s eyes!
Naturally, doubts arise, casting shadows on the credibility of her radio show. As her show teeters on the brink of oblivion, Kiki hatches a plan with Malakai to embark on a fake relationship, all in a desperate bid to save Brown Sugar.
Yet, as the charade unfolds, something unexpected transpires. Amidst countless intimate study sessions and late-night conversations over meals at the local diner, Kiki begins to feel a glimmer of hope. She has always been guarded, keeping her heart under lock and key.
And Malakai? Well, he’s just another smooth-talking player, or so she thinks. But could their connection run deeper than either of them anticipated?
Can Malakai abandon his womanizing ways, while Kiki learns to embrace the possibility of a profound bond with this enigmatic man?
Honey and Spice is laced with laughter and heartwarming moments that will leave you utterly dazzled. Prepare to fall headlong for these beautifully crafted characters, whose story will linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the final page.