Discover books similar to "A Boy's Own Story"

J.D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye

This classic novel follows the story of 16-year-old Holden Caulfield as he leaves his prep school and wanders around New York City. The book explores themes of teenage angst, alienation, and loss of innocence, much like 'A Boy's Own Story'. Fans of White's novel will appreciate Salinger's honest and raw portrayal of adolescence.

James Baldwin

Another Country

Set in Greenwich Village, Harlem, and France, 'Another Country' tells the story of interracial relationships, bisexuality, and the search for identity in the 1950s. The novel's frank and unapologetic exploration of sexuality and identity makes it a good fit for readers of 'A Boy's Own Story', as both books challenge societal norms and expectations.

Edmund White

The Beautiful Room Is Empty

This novel is the second in White's autobiographical trilogy, following 'A Boy's Own Story'. The book continues the story of the protagonist, now in his twenties, as he navigates his identity as a gay man in the 1960s. Fans of 'A Boy's Own Story' will appreciate the continuation of the protagonist's journey and the exploration of similar themes.

James Baldwin

Giovanni's Room

Set in Paris, 'Giovanni's Room' tells the story of an American man's relationship with an Italian bartender. The novel explores themes of sexuality, identity, and the search for love and acceptance. Like 'A Boy's Own Story', the book challenges societal norms and expectations, making it a good fit for fans of White's novel.

Graham Greene

The End of the Affair

This novel tells the story of a love affair between a writer and a married woman during World War II. The book explores themes of love, loss, and faith, and features a complex and introspective protagonist. Fans of 'A Boy's Own Story' will appreciate the novel's exploration of identity and the protagonist's internal struggles.

Gore Vidal

The City and the Pillar

This novel tells the story of a young man's journey from adolescence to adulthood as he comes to terms with his sexuality. The book was groundbreaking in its frank and unapologetic portrayal of homosexuality, and features a protagonist who, like the narrator of 'A Boy's Own Story', struggles to find his place in the world.

Michael Cunningham

The Hours

This novel tells the story of three women connected by Virginia Woolf's novel 'Mrs. Dalloway'. The book explores themes of identity, mental illness, and the search for meaning and purpose. Fans of 'A Boy's Own Story' will appreciate the novel's introspective protagonists and exploration of identity.

Alan Hollinghurst

The Line of Beauty

Set in the 1980s, this novel tells the story of a young man who moves into a wealthy London household and becomes involved in the city's gay scene. The book explores themes of sexuality, class, and identity, and features a complex and introspective protagonist. Fans of 'A Boy's Own Story' will appreciate the novel's exploration of identity and the protagonist's internal struggles.

Michael Chabon

The Mysteries of Pittsburgh

This novel tells the story of a young man's coming-of-age as he navigates his relationships with his friends and family. The book explores themes of identity, sexuality, and the search for meaning and purpose. Fans of 'A Boy's Own Story' will appreciate the novel's introspective protagonist and exploration of identity.

Larry Kramer

Faggots

This novel tells the story of a group of gay men in New York City in the 1970s. The book explores themes of sexuality, identity, and the search for love and acceptance. Like 'A Boy's Own Story', the book challenges societal norms and expectations, making it a good fit for fans of White's novel.

Alan Hollinghurst

The Swimming-Pool Library

This novel tells the story of a young gay man in 1980s London who becomes involved with an older man. The book explores themes of sexuality, identity, and the search for meaning and purpose. Fans of 'A Boy's Own Story' will appreciate the novel's introspective protagonist and exploration of identity.