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Curtis Sittenfeld’s latest novel, Romantic Comedy hit shelves this month. It was also selected as Reese’s Book Club pick for April 2023. As we swoon over the perfect cover, we’re also sharing a curated list of books that embody Sittenfeld’s noteworthy exploration of human behavior and social dynamics. These books also embody the same engaging and witty dialogue that captures the nuances of everyday life.

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

Fans of Dear Edward will rejoice. Hello Beautiful is a heart rendering novel of a family who grapples with the question: Can love make a broken person whole? William and Julia couldn’t be more different, but their lives illustrate how our past experiences determine our future. William grew up around tragedy and yearned for love while Julia comes from a tightknit family bursting with ambition. When William’s past threatens to resurface and infringe on Julia’s perfectly made plans, a family rift ensues testing their once unshakeable bond.

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

The Kiss Quotient follows Stella Lane, a successful econometrician determined to improve the romance in her life. Only this is Stella cannot imagine herself French kissing anyone since it reminds her of a shark getting its teeth clean. Unwilling to give up, she hires an escort to teach her about intimacy and hopefully doing more than just kissing. This novel is bound to give you a good laugh as the two embark on their romance journey.

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

Homegoing is a powerful and sweeping historical fiction novel that spans three centuries and explores the intricately woven lives of two half-sisters, Effia and Esi, and their descendants in Ghana and the United States. Through vivid imagery and complex characters, Gyasi illustrates the lasting effects of slavery, racism, and colonialism in both African and African American communities and the interconnectedness of family, identity, love and belonging.

On Beauty by Zadie Smith

This novel follows two families, the Belseys and the Kipps as they navigate the complexities of human relationships – family dynamics, race, and identity. Digging deep into the tensions between and within the families. Readers will be captivated by the entanglements, the institution of marriage, the allure of deception.

Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Half of a Yellow Sun is a captivating novel that follows the lives of three characters as they navigate through the Biafran War – a struggle to gain independence in Nigeria in the 1960s. Their lives are irrevocably changed and each character encounters personal and political challenges, their loyalties are tested and so are their relationships.

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

A Little Life is an emotionally moving novel that follows the lives of four friends as they navigate their relationships, careers, and personal struggles in New York City. She paints a vivid and gut-wrenching portrayal of how one character, Jude, is challenged by his past and his experiences define his present and future.

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

This workplace enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy follows the intense rivalry between Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman. The two are up for the same promotion and both are convinced that the position is rightfully theirs. But things take an unexpected turn that catches both Lucy and Joshua off guard.

Maame by Jessica George

A deeply moving novel that follows Maddie, her father’s primary caregiver and a young woman attempting to find her footing in the world. When her mother returns from Ghana, Maddie is jumps at the opportunity of a change of scenery and experience new things. Maame brilliantly explores family obligations, gender roles, and the complexities of love.

Curtis Sittenfeld shared some of her favorite reads with us in this exclusive She Reads article >>