Summary: In this article, I have gathered 20 of the best books similar to Love and Other Words that blend emotional depth with unforgettable storytelling. Here are my top 3:
- Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
- Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino
- People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
TOP 20: Best Books Similar to Love and Other Words
- Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
- Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino
- People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
- Beach Read by Emily Henry
- Normal People by Sally Rooney
- One Day by David Nicholls
- Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
- The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo
- The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
- All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
- The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
- Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
- It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
- November 9 by Colleen Hoover
- Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
- Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel
- Landline by Rainbow Rowell
- A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
1. Every Summer After
- Author: Carley Fortune
- About: This debut novel tells the story of Persephone “Percy” Fraser, who returns to her childhood lake house after a decade to confront past mistakes and rekindle a lost love.
- Style of Writing: The narrative alternates between past and present, providing a nostalgic and heartfelt exploration of young love and second chances.
- Length: Approximately 320 pages.
- Year Written: Published in 2022.
- Emotional Impact: The novel leaves a lasting impression with its poignant depiction of love, regret, and forgiveness.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; suitable for most readers.
- Why Read It: It's a beautifully crafted story that captures the essence of summer romances and the enduring impact of first love.
2. Before We Were Strangers
- Author: Renée Carlino
- About: The novel follows Matt and Grace, former college lovers who reconnect 15 years later through a chance encounter, exploring themes of missed connections and enduring love.
- Style of Writing: Told through dual timelines, the story blends past memories with present realities, creating an emotional and engaging narrative.
- Length: Approximately 320 pages
- Year Written: Published in 2015.
- Emotional Impact: The story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, leaving readers contemplating the nature of love and timing.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; accessible to a wide audience.
- Why Read It: It's a compelling tale of second chances that resonates with anyone who's wondered about the “what ifs” in life and love.
3. People We Meet on Vacation
- Author: Emily Henry
- About: A story about Poppy and Alex, two best friends who used to take yearly vacations together until a falling out two years prior. Poppy tries to rekindle their bond with one last trip.
- Style of Writing: Witty, conversational, and heartfelt, blending humor with deep emotional moments.
- Length: Approximately 97,000 words (~360 pages).
- Year Written: Published in 2021.
- Emotional Impact: Leaves a lasting impression with its themes of friendship, love, and personal growth.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; a breezy, enjoyable read.
- Why Read It: It's a perfect mix of humor and emotion, exploring the thin line between friendship and love.
4. Beach Read
- Author: Emily Henry
- About: Two writers with opposing styles—romance and literary fiction—find themselves as neighbors during a summer getaway, challenging each other to step outside their creative comfort zones.
- Style of Writing: Light yet introspective, with witty banter and heartfelt moments.
- Length: Approximately 105,000 words (~384 pages).
- Year Written: Published in 2020.
- Emotional Impact: Offers a mix of lighthearted romance and deeper reflections on life and creativity.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; perfect for a relaxing read.
- Why Read It: A fun yet meaningful story about overcoming personal barriers and rediscovering joy.
5. Normal People
- Author: Sally Rooney
- About: This novel follows Marianne and Connell, two young people navigating their complex relationship from high school through university.
- Style of Writing: Spare and introspective, with a focus on character psychology and subtle emotional depth.
- Length: Approximately 101,000 words (~266 pages).
- Year Written: Published in 2018.
- Emotional Impact: Profoundly moving, exploring themes of love, class, and identity.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; the narrative style is understated and requires attention to detail.
- Why Read It: A deeply emotional exploration of love and personal growth that resonates universally.
6. One Day
- Author: David Nicholls
- About: The story of Dexter and Emma unfolds over 20 years, revisiting them on the same day each year, exploring their evolving relationship.
- Style of Writing: Warm, witty, and poignant, with sharp observations on life and love.
- Length: Approximately 134,000 words (~437 pages).
- Year Written: Published in 2009.
- Emotional Impact: A bittersweet and thought-provoking story that lingers long after reading.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; the narrative structure adds depth but remains accessible.
- Why Read It: It beautifully captures the ebb and flow of a lifelong connection.
7. Me Before You
- Author: Jojo Moyes
- About: The story of Louisa Clark, a quirky young woman, and her relationship with Will Traynor, a man left paralyzed after an accident, as they change each other’s lives.
- Style of Writing: Emotional and immersive, with a mix of humor and heartbreak.
- Length: Approximately 145,000 words (~480 pages).
- Year Written: Published in 2012.
- Emotional Impact: Heartbreaking and unforgettable, with themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; emotionally engaging and straightforward.
- Why Read It: It’s a touching and life-affirming story about finding purpose and love in unexpected places.
8. The Light We Lost
- Author: Jill Santopolo
- About: A love story spanning years, following Lucy and Gabe, who are brought together by tragedy but separated by life’s choices.
- Style of Writing: Poetic, introspective, and deeply emotional, with a reflective narrative.
- Length: Approximately 85,000 words (~336 pages).
- Year Written: Published in 2017.
- Emotional Impact: Profoundly moving, leaving readers questioning the nature of love and destiny.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; highly accessible with emotional depth.
- Why Read It: A compelling exploration of love, sacrifice, and the paths we choose in life.
9. The Time Traveler’s Wife
- Author: Audrey Niffenegger
- About: A unique love story between Henry, a man with a genetic condition that causes him to involuntarily time travel, and Clare, the woman who waits for him across time.
- Style of Writing: Imaginative and lyrical, blending science fiction with romance.
- Length: Approximately 155,000 words (~546 pages).
- Year Written: Published in 2003.
- Emotional Impact: Deeply emotional and thought-provoking, with themes of love and loss across time.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; the nonlinear timeline can be complex but rewarding.
- Why Read It: A beautifully crafted and unforgettable love story that defies time.
10. All the Bright Places
- Author: Jennifer Niven
- About: Two teens, Violet and Finch, form a deep connection while dealing with their own struggles, finding hope and healing in each other.
- Style of Writing: Emotional and poignant, with a strong focus on mental health and relationships.
- Length: Approximately 105,000 words (~388 pages).
- Year Written: Published in 2015.
- Emotional Impact: Heart-wrenching and impactful, leaving readers deeply moved.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; accessible with profound themes.
- Why Read It: A raw and honest portrayal of love, loss, and mental health that resonates with readers.
11. The Rosie Project
- Author: Graeme Simsion
- About: Don Tillman, a brilliant but socially awkward geneticist, embarks on a project to find a wife, only to meet Rosie, who challenges his rigid routines.
- Style of Writing: Lighthearted, witty, and charming with a unique protagonist.
- Length: Approximately 85,000 words (~295 pages).
- Year Written: Published in 2013.
- Emotional Impact: Uplifting and heartwarming, with moments of humor and tenderness.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; a delightful and engaging read.
- Why Read It: A quirky and endearing story about love and self-discovery.
12. Eleanor & Park
- Author: Rainbow Rowell
- About: A tender coming-of-age story about two misfit teens, Eleanor and Park, who bond over shared interests and navigate first love.
- Style of Writing: Sweet and lyrical, capturing the nuances of young love.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words (~336 pages).
- Year Written: Published in 2012.
- Emotional Impact: Heartfelt and bittersweet, evoking the magic and pain of first love.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; accessible for readers of all levels.
- Why Read It: A nostalgic and beautifully written tale of love and identity.
13. It Ends with Us
- Author: Colleen Hoover
- About: Lily Bloom navigates a complicated romance with Ryle, while grappling with her past and learning about the complexities of love and abuse.
- Style of Writing: Raw and emotional, with a focus on character development and tough themes.
- Length: Approximately 110,000 words (~384 pages).
- Year Written: Published in 2016.
- Emotional Impact: Deeply moving and unforgettable, tackling heavy yet important topics.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; emotionally intense but readable.
- Why Read It: A powerful story about resilience, love, and making difficult choices.
14. November 9
- Author: Colleen Hoover
- About: Fallon and Ben meet on the same day each year, creating a unique and intense love story that unfolds over time.
- Style of Writing: Emotional, engaging, and full of twists that keep readers hooked.
- Length: Approximately 90,000 words (~320 pages).
- Year Written: Published in 2015.
- Emotional Impact: Heart-wrenching and impactful, leaving readers thinking about love and destiny.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; a captivating and smooth read.
- Why Read It: A unique and unforgettable love story with a compelling narrative structure.
15. Ugly Love
- Author: Colleen Hoover
- About: Tate and Miles navigate a complicated, no-strings-attached relationship that becomes increasingly emotional and messy.
- Style of Writing: Raw, intense, and deeply emotional with alternating perspectives.
- Length: Approximately 105,000 words (~336 pages).
- Year Written: Published in 2014.
- Emotional Impact: Deeply poignant, evoking strong feelings of love, pain, and healing.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; accessible with some emotional depth.
- Why Read It: A gripping and realistic portrayal of love’s complexities.
16. Attachments
- Author: Rainbow Rowell
- About: Lincoln, who monitors company emails as part of his job, finds himself falling for a coworker through her witty and personal email exchanges.
- Style of Writing: Quirky, humorous, and charming with a feel-good tone.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words (~336 pages).
- Year Written: Published in 2011.
- Emotional Impact: Lighthearted and heartwarming, leaving readers smiling.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; a breezy and entertaining read.
- Why Read It: A sweet, unconventional love story full of humor and heart.
17. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
- Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
- About: Aging Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo tells her life story, including her seven marriages, to an unknown journalist, revealing secrets of love and ambition.
- Style of Writing: Intricate, compelling, and emotionally charged with a historical lens.
- Length: Approximately 105,000 words (~400 pages).
- Year Written: Published in 2017.
- Emotional Impact: Profoundly moving and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; immersive and richly detailed.
- Why Read It: A powerful exploration of love, fame, and identity through a captivating narrative.
18. This Is How It Always Is
- Author: Laurie Frankel
- About: A family navigates the challenges of raising a transgender child while learning about love and acceptance.
- Style of Writing: Tender, heartfelt, and thought-provoking with moments of humor.
- Length: Approximately 130,000 words (~336 pages).
- Year Written: Published in 2017.
- Emotional Impact: Deeply impactful and uplifting, addressing important social issues with grace.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible with thought-provoking themes.
- Why Read It: A moving and compassionate story about family, love, and acceptance.
19. Landline
- Author: Rainbow Rowell
- About: Georgie McCool, a struggling TV writer, discovers a magical phone that lets her communicate with her husband in the past, offering a chance to fix their relationship.
- Style of Writing: Quirky, emotional, and whimsical with a touch of magic.
- Length: Approximately 90,000 words (~320 pages).
- Year Written: Published in 2014.
- Emotional Impact: Sweet and reflective, leaving readers with a sense of hope.
- Difficulty Level: Easy; a charming and quick read.
- Why Read It: A unique and heartwarming tale about love, time, and second chances.
20. A Man Called Ove
- Author: Fredrik Backman
- About: Ove, a grumpy but lovable man, finds his life transformed by his quirky new neighbors and unexpected friendships.
- Style of Writing: Warm, humorous, and deeply touching with sharp observations on life.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words (~337 pages).
- Year Written: Published in 2012.
- Emotional Impact: Profoundly moving, evoking laughter and tears in equal measure.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; universally appealing.
- Why Read It: A heartwarming story about kindness, community, and the power of connection.
Conclusion
If you loved Love and Other Words, I think you’ll find plenty of heartfelt stories in this list that are just as captivating. My top three picks—Every Summer After, Before We Were Strangers, and People We Meet on Vacation—really stand out for their emotional depth, unforgettable characters, and the way they explore love and second chances. These books, along with the others, are perfect for anyone who enjoys romantic reads that stay with you long after you’ve finished. Happy reading!
