10 Books Like If He Had Been With Me
Looking for your next book after ‘If He Had Been With Me’?
Dive into our curated list of books that share the same heart-wrenching romance and compelling storytelling.
Are you ready to embark on another emotional journey through the pages of these gripping novels?
Check them out now.
Books Like If He Had Been With Me
1. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
“Eleanor & Park” is a novel set in the 1980s, telling the story of two misfit teenagers, Eleanor, a chubby, red-haired girl with a difficult home life, and Park, a half-Korean boy who feels out of place in his own community.
Over time, they bond over comic books and mixtapes of ’80s music, slowly falling in love in a world that seems determined to keep them apart. The book is celebrated for its honest portrayal of first love, the struggles of teenage life, and its memorable, well-developed characters.
Major Similarities:
Both “If He Had Been With Me” and “Eleanor & Park” delve into the complexities of young love and the challenges of adolescence.
They share a focus on character-driven storytelling, exploring the emotional depths of their protagonists as they navigate relationships and personal growth. Each book offers a nuanced look at how external circumstances, such as family dynamics and social pressures, impact the young characters’ romantic lives and sense of self.
2. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
“We Were Liars” is a suspenseful, twisty novel centered around a privileged family, the Sinclairs, and a group of four friends—the Liars—who spend every summer together on the family’s private island.
The story is narrated by Cadence, who struggles to remember the events of Summer Fifteen, when a mysterious accident leaves her suffering from amnesia and migraines. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, family secrets, and the destructive power of greed and ambition.
Major Similarities:
Like “If He Had Been With Me,” “We Were Liars” focuses on the emotional turmoil and complexities of young relationships, with a significant emphasis on the impact of family dynamics.
Both novels are characterized by a compelling narrative voice and a plot that builds to a dramatic conclusion, revealing the profound effects of past events on the characters’ present lives.
3. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
“The Fault in Our Stars” is a poignant novel about Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters, two teenagers who meet in a cancer support group and develop a deep and transformative relationship.
The book explores themes of love, loss, and the human experience with humor, grace, and honesty. Through Hazel and Augustus’s journey, readers are invited to contemplate the beauty and tragedy of life.
Major Similarities:
Both novels explore the intensity and complexity of young love under the shadow of impending tragedy. “If He Had Been With Me” and “The Fault in Our Stars” offer deep emotional insights into their protagonists’ experiences, making the reader feel deeply connected to their joys and sorrows.
The themes of dealing with loss and the inevitable challenges of life are central to both stories, providing a poignant examination of love and mortality.
4. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
“My Life Next Door” follows the story of Samantha Reed, who spends her summer observing the Garrett family from her balcony. The Garretts are everything her own family is not—loud, messy, affectionate.
When Samantha finally meets one of the Garrett boys, Jase, she is quickly drawn into his world, sparking a sweet and intense summer romance that forces her to question her family’s values and her own desires.
Major Similarities:
This novel, like “If He Had Been With Me,” focuses on a romance that blossoms from a close, personal connection, highlighting the impact of family and societal expectations on young love. Both books feature protagonists dealing with the challenges of navigating relationships in the face of external pressures and internal growth.
The exploration of family dynamics, alongside the development of the romantic relationships, plays a crucial role in shaping the characters’ journeys.
5. Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
“Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” is a heartwarming and humorous novel about Simon Spier, a not-so-openly gay sixteen-year-old, who prefers to save his drama for the school musical. However, when an email falls into the wrong hands, his secret is at risk of being thrust into the spotlight.
Simon must find a way to step out of his comfort zone before he’s outed against his will, or worse, the chance at happiness with the anonymous classmate he’s fallen for online is ruined.
Major Similarities:
Both “If He Had Been With Me” and “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” explore themes of identity, love, and the fear of being truly seen by those around us.
The novels address the importance of authenticity in relationships and the courage it takes to be oneself in the face of societal and personal pressures. While their tones may differ, with “Simon” often leaning towards humor and optimism, both books offer poignant insights into the complexities of coming of age and finding one’s place in the world.
6. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” is a lyrical novel that explores the friendship and eventual romance between two Mexican-American boys, Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza and Dante Quintana, in the 1980s in El Paso, Texas.
As they navigate the complexities of identity, family, and belonging, their relationship transforms them in profound ways. The novel is celebrated for its beautiful prose, emotional depth, and insightful exploration of themes such as masculinity, cultural identity, and the journey of self-discovery.
Major Similarities:
Like “If He Had Been With Me,” this novel deeply explores the themes of friendship turning into love, and the struggles that come with growing up and understanding one’s place in the world.
Both books delve into the emotional complexities of their protagonists, offering readers a rich, character-driven narrative. The exploration of personal and cultural identity is central to both stories, providing a backdrop for the characters’ emotional and relational development.
7. The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson
“The Sky Is Everywhere” tells the story of Lennie Walker, a seventeen-year-old bookworm and band geek who is grappling with the sudden death of her older sister.
As Lennie finds herself torn between two boys—Joe, the new guy in town who shares her passion for music, and Toby, her sister’s grieving boyfriend—she embarks on a journey of sorrow, healing, and self-discovery. Nelson’s novel is celebrated for its lyrical writing, vibrant characters, and the poignant way it deals with loss and love.
Major Similarities:
Both novels are poignant explorations of grief, love, and the journey toward healing. Like “If He Had Been With Me,” “The Sky Is Everywhere” features a protagonist dealing with the complexities of first love amidst profound personal loss.
The emotional depth, the exploration of family dynamics, and the impact of grief on relationships are central themes that resonate in both stories.
8. Looking for Alaska by John Green
“Looking for Alaska” follows Miles Halter as he enrolls in a boarding school in search of what he calls the “Great Perhaps.” There, he meets Alaska Young, a beautiful and enigmatic girl who captivates him.
The novel is divided into “before” and “after” segments, centered around a pivotal event that changes everything. John Green’s novel is a study of love, loss, and the search for meaning, told with humor, poignancy, and depth.
Major Similarities:
Similar to “If He Had Been With Me,” “Looking for Alaska” explores the intensity of teenage friendships and romantic relationships, and how they are impacted by tragedy.
Both books deal with themes of searching for one’s identity and coping with grief.
The rich, emotionally driven narrative and the development of complex characters facing pivotal life moments are key similarities between the two novels.
9. I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
“I’ll Give You the Sun” is a novel about twins Noah and Jude, who are incredibly close until a tragedy drives them apart.
Told from the alternating perspectives of Noah and Jude at different ages, the book explores the complexities of sibling relationships, first love, and the power of art and personal expression as mechanisms for coping with grief and guilt.
Nelson’s vibrant prose and the way she captures the intensity of adolescence have been widely praised.
Major Similarities:
Like “If He Had Been With Me,” “I’ll Give You the Sun” focuses on the themes of love, loss, and the process of coming to terms with one’s identity and desires.
Both novels offer a deep dive into the emotional landscapes of their protagonists, presenting a nuanced portrayal of relationships—both romantic and familial—that shape and redefine the characters’ lives.
10. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han
“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” is the first book in a trilogy that follows Lara Jean Song Covey, a high school junior who writes secret love letters to all of her past crushes for her eyes only.
However, her life is turned upside down when the letters are mysteriously sent out, causing her to confront her feelings and embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth.
The novel combines elements of romance, comedy, and family dynamics, offering a light-hearted yet insightful look into teenage love and relationships.
Major Similarities:
Both novels explore the complexities of teenage romance and the unexpected consequences that arise from it.
While “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” has a lighter tone, both novels address the impact of personal growth on relationships and the importance of understanding oneself in the context of love and friendship.
The portrayal of strong familial relationships and the challenges of navigating love in high school are themes that resonate in both stories.
