You know that moment when you’re in the middle of a good book and get a flash of déjà vu? You get the feeling that you’ve seen this somewhere before, and suddenly, it makes sense to you. It reminds you of a show or film that you’ve binged about 50 times.
Being the book-obsessed girl that I am, this has happened to me more times than I count. Here are some of my book recommendations that are similar to your favorite shows and movies.
If you love Knives Out, read The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes.
If you take the messy wealthy family drama from Knives Out including the random girl who gains the inheritance, throw in a love triangle and some riddles, you get the plot of The Inheritance Games.
In this book, you’re introduced to Avery Grambs whose only mission is to survive high school and get good enough grades to secure a scholarship to the university of her choice. That is until she learns she has inherited the entire fortune of billionaire Tobias Hawthorne. The one thing Tobias required of her in exchange for his money is to move in with the Hawthrone family, which thrusts her into the world of the wealthy, with all of its secrets and games.
It keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to know what happens next. If you’re a fan of the film like I am, make this your next read!
If you love Shameless, read Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Malibu Rising follows the life of four renowned siblings, the children of singer Mick Riva.
It takes place over the course of a single day, the day of their infamous end of summer party, while alternating between the past and present.
In the show Shameless, we watch all six Gallagher siblings as they grow up in the southside of Chicago, navigating their day to day lives with the absence of their parents.
You have these two female characters, Nina Riva and Fiona Gallagher who are the eldest daughters of their families and dedicate their lives to raising their brothers and sisters. These two women, their sibling dynamics and family problems are so identical that it’s hard not to think Nina wasn’t inspired by Fiona. If you don’t believe me when I say that then read these two quotes:
“It made Hud sad. The way Nina lost herself in always putting others first.” (Malibu Rising, Chapter “2:00 pm”)
“Fiona takes care of everyone, but no one takes care of Fiona.” (Shameless, Season 1, Episode 9)
I’m convinced Taylor Jenkins Reid sat down and watched all 11 seasons of this show just to write this book.
If you love Gossip Girl, read Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings.
Take the rich people drama, the cattiness, the jealousy, the scandals, heartaches, the toxicness of Chuck and Blair, the friend group and all the other things that make Gossip Girl one of the most popular teen shows, and you get Magnolia Parks.
You’re introduced to British bad boy BJ Ballentine and London socialite Magnolia Parks in this book, and follow them through their high-profile, tumultuous romance with all of its ups and downs.
If you’re looking for a book that will have you so hooked it plays like a show in your head, pick this one up right away! The drama definitely doesn’t disappoint.
If you love How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, read After The Kiss by Lauren Layne.
If you’re anything like me, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is one of those top-tier rom-com movies that you can watch multiple times without getting tired of it. In this film, Andie Anderson, a writer for a women’s magazine, is ordered to write an article about all the ways to get a man and have him leave you in 10 days, while Benjamin Barry makes a bet with some friends that he can make any woman fall in love with him in the same amount of days. Funny enough, they pick each other out without realizing it.
After the Kiss is about Julie Greene, the commitment-phobe who’s assigned an article about the development of a relationship including the first date, first kiss, and everything that comes after. Wall Street broker Mitchell Forbes, who’s a relationship kind of guy, makes a bet with his friends that he can have a fling with Julie without getting attached.
Who doesn’t enjoy a good bet trope? If you want a hilarious, lighthearted, fluffy read, After the Kiss is it!
If you love Pretty Little Liars, read Ivy by Willa Nash.
Ivy follows closest friends Elora and Ivy, as well as their new roommate Cassia, who moves into their mansion. Each of the girls are hiding secrets that they don’t want to reveal, and even when they do, there are always more to be uncovered.
Ivy gives off major Alison Dilarurentis vibes from Pretty Little Liars. These are two girls who loved testing their friends and had questionable morals that made people wonder if they were redeemable characters or not.
All of the secrets, lies, drama, and romances make Ivy a must-read.
All of the books I’ve mentioned are personal favorites of mine, especially Malibu Rising, The Inheritance Games, and After the Kiss. I could sit and talk about them all day (but then we’d probably be here awhile), so I hope you enjoyed my recommendations and found at least one to add to your TBR list today!