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Books like The Interestings

If you loved The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer, these books share its strongest themes, tone, pacing, or atmosphere.

Top Shelf Score83Cover of A Visit from the Goon Squad

A Visit from the Goon Squad

Jennifer Egan

Both books delve into the intricacies of friendships over time, highlighting how personal journeys and evolving identities affect relationships. The exploration of artistic ambition and life's harsh realities complements the themes present in *The Interestings*, creating a strong narrative resonance between the two.

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Shelf Score79Cover of The Goldfinch

The Goldfinch

Donna Tartt, Katia Benovich

Both "The Interestings" and "The Goldfinch" explore deep friendships and individual identity amidst the backdrop of growing up and artistic ambition. They reflect on how personal and professional aspirations shape characters' lives, underscoring complex relationships and emotional growth over time.

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Shelf Score77Cover of The Secret History

The Secret History

Donna Tartt

Both 'The Interestings' and 'The Secret History' explore the complexities of friendships and identity against a backdrop of ambition and moral ambiguity. They delve into how these relationships evolve over time and the impact of creative aspirations on personal choices, making them resonate with readers interested in deep interpersonal dynamics.

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Shelf Score76Cover of Normal People

Normal People

Sally Rooney

'Normal People' explores the deep complexities of friendship and identity, paralleling 'The Interestings' in how relationships evolve against life's challenges. Both books feature character arcs that detail the emotional ups and downs of intimate connections, particularly during formative years and the transition into adulthood.

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Shelf Score77Cover of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay

Michael Chabon

Both novels explore deep friendships and the complexities of adult life, showcasing how artistic ambitions can shape personal identities. The characters in both works face the challenges of their aspirations against the backdrop of changing circumstances, emphasizing the emotional weight of their relationships.

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Shelf Score77Cover of Mary Jane

Mary Jane

Jessica Anya Blau

Both 'Mary Jane' and 'The Interestings' explore coming-of-age narratives where young characters confront complex social dynamics and their aspirations. Mary Jane’s experiences with a star-studded household parallel the friendships and evolving identities depicted in Wolitzer’s novel, enriching their themes of self-discovery in changing environments.

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Shelf Score75Cover of One Day

One Day

David Nicholls

Both *One Day* and *The Interestings* deeply explore themes of complex relationships and the evolution of friendships over time, navigating the joys and challenges of adult life. Each story reflects on personal growth amid shifting identities, showcasing how past connections influence present selves.

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Shelf Score74Cover of The Group

The Group

Mary McCarthy

Both 'The Group' and 'The Interestings' explore complex friendships and the realities of adulthood. The characters navigate their identities and artistic aspirations within a rich narrative that highlights the impact of university experiences on lifelong relationships, making them resonate with themes of coming of age and interpersonal dynamics.

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Shelf Score73Cover of The Art of Fielding

The Art of Fielding

Chad Harbach

The Art of Fielding explores complex relationships among its characters, paralleling the intricate dynamics in The Interestings. Both texts delve into friendship, identity evolution, and confronting personal ambitions, highlighting the impact of choices on life trajectories, enhancing their emotional depth.

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Shelf Score72Cover of The Immortalists

The Immortalists

Chloe Benjamin

Both 'The Immortalists' and 'The Interestings' delve into complex relationships and the impact of friendships through different life stages. They explore how prophecies and personal ambitions shape identities and destinies, echoing themes of self-discovery and familial bonds as they progress through adulthood.

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Shelf Score69Cover of Asymmetry

Asymmetry

Lisa Halliday

Both 'Asymmetry' and 'The Interestings' delve into complex relationships, showcasing how personal aspirations intersect with friendships and adult realities. The intertwined stories in 'Asymmetry' mirror the evolving dynamics among friends in 'The Interestings', making both resonate with themes of artistic ambition and identity.

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