From Eleanor and Park to Fangirl, Rainbow Rowell’s novels have a way of blending the humor, the heartfelt exploration of young love, and the trials of growing up all into one. It’s a combination of genuine and poignant storytelling that has us all hooked.
Her newest release, Slow Dance, hits shelves this week, so if it’s already an auto-buy for you check out these similar reads that also bring their own version of relatable characters, witty dialogue, and stories that celebrate individuality.
Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell
Everyone was certain Cary and Shiloh would end up together. They were best friends through high school with big plans. But now, they are adults, and things haven’t gone exactly as they’d imagined, but when there is a chance to see each other again after years apart, they might just find what everyone saw in them since childhood.
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Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram
Darius Kellner is more familiar with Klingon than Farsi. He faces his first trip to Iran, struggling with clinical depression and a strained relationship with his dad. In Iran, he connects with his grandparents and meets Sohrab, the boy next door who changes his life. Sohrab helps Darius feel truly Persian and become Darioush. As their friendship grows, Darius finds a sense of belonging. Returning to America, he must figure out how to keep this newfound identity.
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Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
Frustrated by his family’s doubts, Yadriel, a young brujo, attempts to prove himself by summoning a spirit. But instead, he gets Julian, the school bad boy’s restless ghost. Julian refuses to pass on until he uncovers the truth behind his death. Yadriel reluctantly helps, and an unlikely bond forms. As they solve the mystery, Yadriel finds himself wishing Julian could stay.
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The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar
Caught between her family’s expectations and her true self, Nishat grapples with being a lesbian. A charismatic friend reignites old feelings, but a stolen cultural tradition strains their connection. As competition and confusion swirl, Nishat must navigate love, identity, and the complexities of cultural appropriation.
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Dumplin’ by Julie Murphy
Plus-size Willowdean, known as Dumplin to her pageant-obsessed mom, is fine with fitting the mold. But self-doubt creeps in at Harpy’s, where she meets dreamboat Bo. Their connection throws her for a loop. Determined to reclaim confidence, Willowdean does the unthinkable: she enters the Miss Clover City pageant with a ragtag group of outsiders. They aim to prove that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and that they may surprise themselves.
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To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
Love letters were Lara Jean’s secret outlet, hidden in a box beneath her bed. But when the unthinkable happens — they get mailed — Lara Jean’s past crushes, including her sister’s ex, come face-to-face with her hidden feelings. Navigating awkward encounters and unexpected connections, Lara Jean might discover that true love bloomed from a box of unforeseen confessions.
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Juliet Takes a Breath by Gabby Rivera
New city, new identity. Fresh off a Bronx goodbye, Juliet embarks on a Portland summer internship with her lesbian idol, Harlowe Brisbane. But will Harlowe, the self-love guru, hold the answers Juliet desperately seeks? Navigating a fractured family after coming out, Juliet blossoms alongside Portland’s vibrant scene, both personally and metaphorically.
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Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Ari and Dante are opposites: Ari struggles with words and self-doubt, while Dante is confident and artistic. Ari’s dark features contrast with Dante’s fair skin. Despite their differences, they form a deep bond that helps them learn life’s important truths and shapes their identities. Together, they face significant challenges, but their belief in each other and their friendship help them overcome obstacles and emerge stronger.
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Secrets for the Mad: Obsessions, Confessions, and Life Lessons by Dodie Clark
Overwhelmed thoughts spill onto the page when anxiety grips. The world didn’t end when my worst fears materialized. Instead, resilience bloomed, teaching kindness and strength lessons only hardship reveals. This is for the overthinkers, the ones who feel everything intensely. You’re not alone, and within the chaos lies growth.
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The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli
Molly Peskin-Suso, seventeen, has faced unrequited love twenty-six times. Unlike her confident twin sister, Cassie, she keeps her crushes secret, fearing rejection. When Cassie falls for a new girl, Molly meets Will, a cute hipster and potential crush. However, Molly’s coworker Reid, an awkward Tolkien fan, complicates things. Despite thinking she could never fall for Reid, Molly’s journey through love and self-discovery might surprise her and redefine her relationships.
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Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake by Alexis Hall
Single mom Rosaline juggles a failing job and a crumbling house. Salvation arrives as a spot on the beloved national baking show. Winning secures her daughter’s future, but the pressures is on. Can Rosaline stick to the recipe while navigating charming contestants and her own budding feelings? As the competition heats up, she learns the sweetest victories from following her heart.
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