Sometimes, unearthing your next favourite book is only a simple measure of connecting the dots between what you have loved previously and what you might enjoy next. Whether it is similar vibes, shared themes or a fresh perspective you are in the quest for, we have got you covered. Here are five book pairings to guide your upcoming reading adventure.

If you like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, read The Collected Regrets of Clover by Mikki Bramer

Fans of quirky, emotionally complex protagonists would adore this pairing. In Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine (HarperCollins GB, 2018), we follow Eleanor, a socially awkward and deeply isolated woman whose structured existence is–unfortunately, but fortunately–disrupted by serendipitous friendships that ultimately help her confront the trauma of her past. Similarly, in Mikki Bramer's The Collected Regrets of Clover (Penguin, 2023), Clover Brooks, a death doula, guides others through their final moments while carefully negating emotional attachments in her own life. When a terminally ill woman tasks her with uncovering her greatest regret, Clover embarks on a transformative journey to reconnect with the living and rediscover her potential for happiness. Both books offer a heart-warming and profound sense of human connections and healing.

If you like Normal People by Sally Rooney, read Talking at Night by Claire Daverley

Quiet explorations of love, class and the inevitable chaos of 'right person, wrong time' are the meandering themes of Sally Rooney's Normal People (Crown, 2019). If you relished its nuanced portrayal of relationships, then Talking at Night (Pamela Dorman Books, 2023) by Claire Daverley would be a perfect follow-up. The story centres around Will and Rosie, two people who share an undeniable connection but are pulled apart by life's complexities and their own, misguided, decisions. Spanning decades, this novel explores intimacy, regret and moments that define us, our consequences. Daverley's poignant writing captures the intensity, frailty of love, making it a fitting comparison to Rooney's masterpiece. And if Will-Rosie are not Marianne-Connell in a nutshell, who is anyway?

If you like Pather Pachali by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, read Ma Baba Bhai Bon by Sunil Gangopadhyay

Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay's Pather Pachali (UPL, 2012) is the cornerstone of Bangla literature that chronicles the lives of Apu and his family in rural Bengal. Its vivid descriptions of nature, intricate family dynamics, and deeply humane portrayal and resilience have made it a timeless classic. In a similar vein, Sunil Gangopadhyay's Ma Baba Bhai Bon (Dey's Publishing, 2001) is an evocative exploration of family dynamics in contemporary Bengal. This novel examines generational conflicts, shifting societal norms, and the emotional bonds that hold families together. If you appreciated Pather Pachali's detailed look at human relationships and socio-economic struggles, with a side of picturesque imagery, Ma Baba Bhai Bon is just for you.

If you like The Overstory by Richard Powers, read How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu

The Overstory (W. W. Norton & Company, 2019) by Richard Powers captures the integrated alliance between humans and the natural world. Through the lives of a diverse cast, this book explores themes of activism, ecological destruction and resilience. Sequoia Nagamatsu's How High We Go in the Dark (William Morrow, 2022) offers a similarly intricate tapestry of interconnected stories but expands its scope to include science fiction. The novel begins with a thawing Siberian permafrost that releases an ancient virus, leading to a series of narratives spanning centuries. It is a haunting, beautiful exploration of human resilience, environmental catastrophe, and the enduring ties that connect us across space and time.

If you like The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty, read The Bee Sting by Paul Murray

A dark yet compassionate exploration of the lives of residents in a downtrodden Indiana apartment complex, Tess Gunty's The Rabbit Hutch (Knopf, 2022) is deeply empathetic and multi-faceted. There is a permeating sense of loneliness, community and longing carved in the story, making your heart sting in the process of reading. Paul Murray's The Bee Sting (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2023) offers an aptly layered and emotionally resonant narrative. This Booker Prize-shortlisted novel follows the Barnes family, whose lives unravel in the wake of financial collapse. Combining biting humour and heart-wrenching tragedy, Murray crafts a textured odyssey of family, societal expectations and belonging. If you loved the vivid characterisation and wistful story-telling of The Bee Sting, then The Rabbit Hutch is a must-read! 

Nur-E-Jannat Alif is a gender studies major and part-time writer who dreams of authoring a book someday. Find her at @literatureinsolitude on Instagram or send her your book/movie/television recommendations at nurejannatalif@gmail.com.