One of my favorite things to do as a librarian is make book lists. Just ask any of my co-workers. I am making lists all the time. And one of my favorite things about it is making connections between books. Because book recommendations are the best part of the job! Helping people discover new books is the best, and that’s partly what I am hoping to do with this series. Today, we are focusing on Loveless by Alice Oseman (because I already did Heartstopper and wanted to celebrate the new season coming out next week).
Loveless follows the story of Georgia, who loves the idea of love. The only problem? She’s never experienced it. Never had a crush, never been kissed, never been on a date. When she starts university, she knows that this is her time. But the more she tries, the more she realizes maybe she was looking for the wrong thing all along.
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Loveless Read-a-Likes
Looking for a book with an asexual/aromantic main character?
Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann
Alice already knows she’s asexual (and biromantic) and has her summer all planned out. But when her girlfriend breaks up with her, everything changes. This rom-com gives all the romance vibes with a main character ready to get what she wants.
Planning Perfect by Haley Neil
Felicity is a planner. The bigger event the better! When she has to plan her mom’s wedding on the fly, her long distance friend Nancy offers her family’s orchard. Now, Felicity has to confront her feelings about Nancy and figure out–will Nancy ever like her back? This is an adorable book with a wedding, and a girl who stumbles into a relationship.
Summer Bird Blue by Akemi Dawn Bowman
After her sister dies suddenly, Rumi goes to live with her aunt in Hawaii to help get over her grief. Rumi uses music to get back to her happy place, learning things about herself along the way. A bit more on the melancholy side than the other books, but still a journey of identity.
Maybe a book about the first year of college?
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Cath is great at writing fanfic, something she did with her sister for years. But college means they might both go in different directions, and Cath isn’t sure how to feel about it. At least, until she meets Levi. A book about finding yourself, about adapting to college, with a few great friendships.
Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu
Eric Bittle is about to start college, which also means he’s about to start hockey. Moving from figure skating to hockey is going to be a big change, made even more complicated when he falls for the captain. An adorable graphic novel about college, hockey, and a little bit of baking.
See You Yesterday by Rachel Lynn Solomon
Barrett Bloom is at her first day of college, ready for a fresh start from high school. But everything seems to go wrong. When she wakes up in the same day again, she realizes she gets another chance. Until she realizes she’s stuck living the same day over and over again. A new college adventure with a little bit of a twist.
Nope, it’s the friend group that keeps you coming back.
As You Walk on By by Julian Winters
Theo has his future all planned out. Now all he has to do is lock down the perfect prom date. But when his promposal goes epically wrong, he’ll find an unsuspecting group of people help him find a new one.
The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner
Dill’s father was a cult leader, making him a bit of a loner except for his best friends, Travis and Lydia. And together, they’re all going to get out of their small town. The friendships in this are great, even if there’s a bit of a tragedy by the end. Is it a Jeff Zentner book if you don’t cry?
They Hate Each Other by Amanda Woody
Jonah and Dylan are sworn enemies. But when they’re found in the same bed on New Years Eve, they quickly make up a fake dating story. They’ll date a few months, and then split up. No one will be none the wiser. And they won’t fall for each other, right? There are so many great friends in this, you will love it!
Let’s focus on that self-acceptance game.
Every Body Looking by Candace Iloh
When Ada leaves for college, everything is about to change. As she gets more into the dance community, she’s able to explore her own sexuality and her identity–away from her family. Who does she really want to be? With similar vibes to Loveless, you’ll hit on that identity storyline immediately.
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
All Felix Love wants is to be in love. When he starts getting transphobic messages online, he decides to catfish the person doing it. What he doesn’t expect? The catfish to land him in a love triangle. Along with the romance aspect, Felix is also trying to figure out his identity and what words fit him best.
The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta
Michael has never really known where he belongs. As a mixed-race gay teen in London, there never seemed to be a place where he fit in. But when he finds the Drag Society in college, he finally feels like he’s home. A wonderful novel in verse all about finding your place in the world.
Or look for a book about putting on a production!
Kate in Waiting by Becky Albertalli
Kate and Andy have been best friends forever, and they are inseparable. However, when their mutual crush shows up to be in their latest school show, it might put a strain on their relationship. Will they make it through? All the drama vibes in this one, seriously!
Between Perfect and Real by Ray Stoeve
Dean Foster knows he’s a trans guy. But everyone else at his school just thinks he’s a lesbian. When he’s cast as Romeo in the school play, he thinks this is the best opportunity to come out. All kinds of theater and acting, great if you were in high school drama productions.
Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales
Ollie thought he met the love of his life over the summer. When the school year starts, Will ghosts him. Disappears without a trace. A family emergency uproots Ollie and puts him in the same school as will, and drama ensues.