If you loved Dolly Alderton’s ‘Everything I Know About Love’ for its honest exploration of relationships, personal growth, best friends, and the complexities of modern adulthood, you’re in the right place. This article highlights several fiction books that capture similar themes and emotional depths. From heartfelt narratives about love and friendship to insightful portrayals of contemporary life, these books will resonate with young adult readers and fans looking for their next compelling read. Here are some books like ‘Everything I Know About Love’ that you shouldn’t miss, starting with Dolly Alderton’s first book, ‘Ghosts.’
Key takeaways
Dolly Alderton’s ‘Ghosts’ combines humor and emotional depth to explore modern adult life, making it a must-read for fans of her previous work ‘Everything I Know About Love.’
Both ‘Ghosts’ and ‘Everything I Know About Love’ delve into the intricacies of contemporary relationships and personal growth, making them relatable and engaging for readers in their twenties and thirties.
Books like ‘Adults’ by Emma Jane Unsworth and ‘Queenie’ by Candice Carty-Williams provide insightful narratives that resonate with themes of identity, self-exploration, and the pressures of modern life, similar to Alderton’s storytelling style.
What is ‘Everything I Know About Love’ about?
‘Everything I Know About Love’ by Dolly Alderton is a memoir that explores the complexities of modern relationships, friendships, and personal growth. The book delves into Alderton’s experiences from her teenage years to her early thirties, capturing the highs and lows of love and life. Through a series of anecdotes, essays, and reflections, Alderton discusses the challenges of navigating romantic relationships, the importance of female friendships, and the journey of self-discovery.
The narrative is filled with humor, wit, and emotional depth, making it a relatable and engaging read. Alderton also touches on themes such as heartbreak, the impact of social media, and the search for identity in an ever-changing world. Ultimately, the book offers a candid and heartfelt look at what it means to grow up and find love in the modern age, raising themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the quest for self-acceptance.
14 best books to read after ‘Everything I Know About Love’
If you’re looking for books that delve into the complexities of modern relationships, personal growth, and the challenges of contemporary life, you’re in for a treat. This article showcases a variety of novels and memoirs that blend humor, emotional depth, and insightful storytelling. From navigating friendships and romantic entanglements to exploring identity and self-discovery, these books offer compelling narratives that resonate with readers.
1. ‘Ghosts’ by Dolly Alderton
Dolly Alderton, a New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author, once again delivers with her novel ‘Ghosts’ from the very first page. This debut novel follows the life of Jenny McLaine, a young woman in her 30s navigating a modern love story while grappling with financial struggles, family issues, and a toxic relationship with social media. Jenny’s journey as an older sister through floundering friendships, career failures, and living with her mother again is both relatable and deeply engaging. Set in modern times, the book addresses themes that resonate with contemporary audiences, particularly those in their twenties and thirties.
Similarities between the books:
Both books explore the complexities of modern relationships, highlighting the challenges and growth that come with them.
They delve into the importance of female friendships and how they shape personal development.
Both narratives blend humor with emotional depth, making them relatable and engaging for readers navigating the intricacies of contemporary life.
2. ‘Three Women’ by Lisa Taddeo
Lisa Taddeo’s ‘Three Women’ provides a deeply captivating and vivid portrayal of the sexual and emotional lives of three American women. Inspired by real-life events and personal experiences, the book offers an intimate exploration of the subjects’ longings, relationships with families, communities, and other women. Taddeo’s decade-long investigation into the sex lives and desires of these women reveals the complexities and challenges of accessing and pursuing their desires.
The book delves into the societal pressures and expectations that shape their experiences, as well as the power dynamics and inequalities that impact their relationships. Through immersive storytelling and nearly lyrical writing, Taddeo captures the subjects’ longings and frustrations, making ‘Three Women’ a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Similarities between the books:
Both books explore the complexities of modern relationships, highlighting the challenges and growth that come with them.
They delve into the importance of female friendships and how they shape personal development.
Both narratives blend humor with emotional depth, making them relatable and engaging for readers navigating the intricacies of contemporary life.
3. ‘Adults’ by Emma Jane Unsworth
Emma Jane Unsworth’s ‘Adults’ provides an insightful exploration of a woman’s emotional and psychological struggles as she navigates the complexities of modern adulthood. The protagonist, Jenny, is in her 30s living in London and dealing with financial struggles and family issues. Her story is a mix of humor and satire about modern adulting in the age of Instagram, critiquing the impossible expectations placed on women.
Similarities between the books:
Both books explore the complexities of modern relationships, highlighting the challenges and growth that come with them.
They delve into the importance of female friendships and how they shape personal development.
Both narratives blend humor with emotional depth, making them relatable and engaging for readers navigating the intricacies of contemporary life.
4. ‘Conversations with Friends’ by Sally Rooney
Sally Rooney’s ‘Conversations with Friends’ follows the intertwined lives of two college students, Frances and Bobbi, who become entangled with an older married couple, Melissa and Nick. As Frances navigates her feelings for Nick and her evolving friendship with Bobbi, she grapples with personal and professional challenges. The narrative delves into the emotional and psychological intricacies of the characters, offering a nuanced portrayal of contemporary relationships. Rooney’s writing is introspective and engaging, drawing readers into the characters’ inner worlds. The story explores themes of love, jealousy, and self-discovery, making it a compelling read.
Similarities between the books:
Both books explore the complexities of modern relationships, highlighting the challenges and growth that come with them.
They delve into the importance of female friendships and how they shape personal development.
Both narratives blend humor with emotional depth, making them relatable and engaging for readers navigating the intricacies of contemporary life.
5. ‘How to Fail: Everything I've Ever Learned From Things Going Wrong’ by Elizabeth Day
Elizabeth Day’s ‘How to Fail: Everything I've Ever Learned From Things Going Wrong’ is a memoir and self-help book that explores the author's personal experiences with failure and the valuable lessons she has learned from them. Through a series of candid essays, Day delves into various aspects of her life, including relationships, career, and personal growth, revealing how her failures have shaped her into the person she is today. The book combines humor, vulnerability, and insightful reflections, offering readers a relatable and uplifting narrative. Day's writing encourages readers to embrace their own failures as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. The narrative is filled with practical advice and heartfelt anecdotes, making it both engaging and thought-provoking.
Similarities between the books:
Both books explore the complexities of personal growth and the challenges that come with it.
They delve into the importance of self-acceptance and resilience in the face of adversity.
Both narratives blend humor with emotional depth, making them relatable and engaging for readers navigating the intricacies of contemporary life.
6. ‘My Year of Rest and Relaxation’ by Ottessa Moshfegh
Ottessa Moshfegh’s ‘My Year of Rest and Relaxation’ presents a unique tale of a woman deciding to take a year-long hiatus to prioritize sleep and self-care. The protagonist, an unnamed art history graduate from Columbia University, decides to take a year off to sleep as much as possible using various prescription medications.
Set in New York City during 2000 and 2001, the story explores themes of mental health and self-care in a deeply introspective manner. Moshfegh’s narrative delves into the protagonist’s emotional and psychological battles, offering a profound exploration of her internal world. The introspective style and emotional depth of the narrative make it both engaging and thought-provoking, much like Alderton’s ‘Ghosts.’
Similarities between the books:
Both books explore the complexities of mental health and self-care, highlighting the importance of prioritizing personal well-being.
They delve into the protagonist's emotional and psychological battles, offering a profound exploration of their internal worlds.
Both narratives blend introspective writing with emotional depth, making them engaging and thought-provoking for readers.
7. ‘So Lucky’ by Dawn O'Porter
Dawn O’Porter’s ‘So Lucky’ delves into the lives of three women, each grappling with their distinct challenges and insecurities. Beth, a wedding planner, struggles with intimacy issues and a challenging home life despite her professional success. Lauren, an Instagram model, projects an image of perfection online while hiding the messiness of her real life. Ruby, a single mother, deals with a medical condition that profoundly impacts her daily life and her relationship with her daughter. The book explores how societal pressures and personal insecurities intersect in the lives of the three main characters, offering an emotional and thought-provoking reading experience.
Similarities between the books:
Both books delve into the complexities of modern relationships, highlighting the challenges and growth that come with them.
They explore the importance of female friendships and how they shape personal development.
Both narratives blend humor with emotional depth, making them relatable and engaging for readers navigating the intricacies of contemporary life.
8. ‘Dear Dolly: Collected Wisdom’ by Dolly Alderton
‘Dear Dolly: Collected Wisdom’ is a compilation of advice columns, presented in a format similar to short stories, written by Dolly Alderton. The book features a range of questions from readers seeking guidance on relationships, friendships, and personal dilemmas. Alderton provides thoughtful and empathetic responses, often drawing from her own life experiences to offer practical and heartfelt advice. The columns cover a variety of topics, from navigating breakups to dealing with family issues, all delivered with Alderton’s characteristic wit and insight. This collection serves as a comforting and enlightening read for anyone seeking wisdom and reassurance in their own lives.
Similarities between the books:
Both books explore the complexities of modern relationships, highlighting the challenges and growth that come with them.
They delve into the importance of female friendships and how they shape personal development.
Both narratives blend humor with emotional depth, making them relatable and engaging for readers navigating the intricacies of contemporary life.
9. ‘Eat Pray Love: One Woman's Search For Everything’ by Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth Gilbert’s ‘Eat Pray Love’ documents her year-long journey across Italy, India, and Indonesia in the aftermath of a tumultuous divorce. In Italy, she indulges in the country’s culinary delights and the beauty of Rome, exploring joy and pleasure. In India, she spends several months at an ashram, confronting her inner demons and seeking enlightenment. Finally, in Indonesia, she finds a balance of spirituality and pleasure, leading to personal transformation and healing. Gilbert’s memoir is structured around her journey of self-exploration and healing, offering readers an inspirational and reflective narrative.
Similarities between the books:
Both books explore the journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
They delve into the importance of female friendships and the support they provide during challenging times.
Both narratives blend humor with deep emotional insights, making them engaging and thought-provoking reads.
10. ‘Normal People’ by Sally Rooney
Sally Rooney’s New York Times bestseller ‘Normal People’ delves deeply into character development and relationship dynamics. The narrative follows the intertwined lives of Connell and Marianne, two young people from a small Irish town who navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and personal growth. As their paths cross and diverge from high school to university, they struggle with their feelings for each other and the impact of their social and economic backgrounds. Rooney’s detailed exploration of their lives and relationships makes the book both engaging and thought-provoking. The book’s exploration of class differences and personal growth adds depth to the characters’ journeys, making ‘Normal People’ a compelling read.
Similarities between the books:
Both books explore the complexities of modern relationships, highlighting the challenges and growth that come with them.
They delve into the importance of personal growth and self-discovery, making the narratives relatable and engaging.
Both narratives blend humor with emotional depth, providing readers with a reflective and thought-provoking experience.
11. ‘Good Material’ by Dolly Alderton
‘Good Material’ is Dolly Alderton's latest novel, following the life of Andy, a stand-up comedian whose career is struggling just as much as his personal life. The novel delves into the aftermath of a significant breakup, exploring how Andy grapples with heartbreak, identity, and the complexities of adult life. Through the lens of Andy’s stand-up routines and his interactions with friends and family, the novel offers a poignant and often humorous look at love, loss, and the search for meaning in a world that feels increasingly uncertain. Alderton’s sharp wit and keen observations on modern relationships make ‘Good Material’ a compelling read.
Similarities between the books:
Both books explore the complexities of modern relationships, highlighting the emotional challenges and growth that come with them.
They delve into the importance of self-discovery and resilience in the face of personal and professional setbacks.
Both narratives blend humor with emotional depth, making them engaging and thought-provoking for readers navigating the intricacies of contemporary life.
12. ‘In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss’ by Amy Bloom
Amy Bloom’s ‘In Love: A Memoir of Love and Loss’ is a deeply moving account of her husband’s struggle with Alzheimer’s disease and the couple's decision to end his life through assisted suicide in Switzerland. The memoir poignantly explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of making such a profound decision. Bloom’s writing is both raw and poetic as she reflects on her relationship, the emotional toll of caregiving, and the inevitable end that her husband, Brian, faced. The narrative is an intimate look at love’s endurance and the painful realities of terminal illness, offering readers a heartfelt and thought-provoking read.
Similarities between the books:
Both books explore the complexities of love and relationships, highlighting the emotional depth and challenges that accompany them.
They delve into themes of loss, grief, and the ways in which these experiences shape personal growth and resilience.
Both narratives blend emotional insight with profound reflection, making them deeply engaging and relatable for readers.
13. ‘Grown Ups’ by Marian Keyes
Marian Keyes’ ‘Grown Ups’ is a lively and humorous exploration of family dynamics, secrets, and the challenges of adulthood. The novel follows the Casey family, a large and boisterous Irish family, through various ups and downs as they navigate their complicated relationships. The story unravels over the course of a single year, during which tensions bubble to the surface at a family gathering. Each character grapples with personal issues ranging from financial troubles to hidden resentments, all while maintaining a façade of perfection. Keyes’ writing is sharp, witty, and full of warmth, making ‘Grown Ups’ an engaging and relatable read about the messiness of life and the importance of family.
Similarities between the books:
Both books explore the complexities of modern relationships and family dynamics, highlighting the challenges and growth that come with them.
They delve into the importance of personal growth and the ways in which individuals navigate the pressures of adulthood.
Both narratives blend humor with emotional depth, making them engaging and thought-provoking reads that resonate with readers.
14. ‘An American Marriage’ by Tayari Jones
‘An American Marriage’ by Tayari Jones is a New York Times bestseller that explores themes of love, loyalty, and personal growth through the story of Celestial and Roy, a married couple whose lives are turned upside down when Roy is wrongfully imprisoned. The narrative delves into the emotional and psychological impact of this event on their relationship, offering a profound exploration of their internal worlds and the complexities of their love and loyalty. ‘An American Marriage’ offers rich, character-driven storytelling that resonates with readers on a personal level.
Similarities between the books:
Both books explore the complexities of modern relationships, highlighting the challenges and growth that come with them.
They delve into the emotional and psychological impact of personal struggles on relationships.
Both narratives offer profound insights into love, loyalty, and personal growth, making them deeply engaging and thought-provoking reads.
Summary
In summary, the books featured in this blog post offer rich, engaging, and thought-provoking narratives that resonate with readers of ‘Everything I Know About Love.’
If you're looking to explore more books like these, consider using the Headway app. Headway provides concise summaries and insights from a wide range of books, allowing you to discover new reads and gain valuable knowledge quickly. Whether you're seeking relatable stories, deep emotional explorations, or inspirational journeys, Headway can help you find and enjoy books that promise to engage and inspire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What themes do ‘Everything I Know About Love’ and ‘Ghosts’ share?
‘Everything I Know About Love’ and ‘Ghosts’ share themes of modern relationships, personal growth, and the pressures of maintaining online personas versus real-life identities. They blend humor with deep emotional insights, making the narratives engaging and thought-provoking.
How does ‘Conversations with Friends’ by Sally Rooney compare to Alderton's work?
‘Conversations with Friends’ by Sally Rooney shares a character-driven narrative and humor with emotional depth, similar to Alderton's work, prompting reflection on personal relationships and professional life. Both authors invite readers to engage with their own experiences and emotions.
What makes ‘How to Fail’ by Elizabeth Day a good read for fans of Alderton's books?
‘How to Fail’ is a great read for fans of Alderton's books because it emphasizes learning from failure and personal growth, much like Alderton's works. Day's use of humor to address serious topics creates a balanced and engaging narrative that resonates with readers.
How are the themes of self-discovery and personal growth explored in ‘Eat Pray Love?
‘Eat Pray Love’ offers a rich exploration of self-discovery and personal growth through Elizabeth Gilbert's year-long journey, blending humor with deep emotional insights to create an engaging and inspirational read.
What makes ‘Girl, Woman, Other’ by Bernardine Evaristo a compelling read?
‘Girl, Woman, Other’ is a compelling read because it chronicles the experiences of twelve diverse British women, offering a rich exploration of their lives and relationships, with innovative storytelling and detailed character development. It's engaging and thought-provoking.
