Discover books similar to "The Interestings"
Meg Wolitzer
The Interestings
"The Interestings" by Meg Wolitzer is a compelling novel that explores the complexities of friendship, ambition, and identity over the course of several decades. The story begins at a summer camp in 1974, where a group of teenagers first meet and bond over their shared love of the arts. The novel then follows these characters, known as the "Interestings," as they navigate the challenges and triumphs of adulthood. At the heart of the novel is the character of Jules Jacobson, a talented but insecure teenager who feels out of place among the wealthy and privileged campers. Over the course of the novel, Jules's relationships with her fellow Interestings are tested by success, failure, and personal tragedy. Wolitzer skillfully portrays the shifting dynamics of these friendships, as well as the ways in which the characters' youthful ideals are shaped and sometimes shattered by the realities of adult life. One of the strengths of "The Interestings" is its rich and evocative depiction of New York City in the 1970s and 1980s. Wolitzer brings to life the gritty, vibrant energy of the city during this time, and she uses the city as a backdrop for the characters' personal and professional struggles. The novel also explores themes of class, privilege, and ambition, as the Interestings grapple with the consequences of their choices and the limitations placed on them by society. "The Interestings" is a thought-provoking and deeply moving novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world. Wolitzer's writing is sharp, insightful, and often funny, and she has a gift for creating complex, fully realized characters that readers will care about deeply. This is a novel that will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page.
List of books similar to "The Interestings":
Mary McCarthy
The Group
Meg Wolitzer has cited 'The Group' as an inspiration for 'The Interestings'. This classic novel follows a group of eight Vassar College graduates as they navigate their way through love, work, and life in the 1930s. A sharp and insightful look at the lives of young women during this time period.
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Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney
The Nest
In 'The Nest', four siblings must come to terms with the fact that their inheritance, known as 'the nest', is in jeopardy. As they grapple with their own personal and financial problems, they must also confront their complicated family dynamics. A witty and insightful novel that, like 'The Interestings', explores the bonds of family and the secrets we keep.
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Chad Harbach
The Art of Fielding
Fans of 'The Interestings' will enjoy this sweeping novel about baseball and the American dream. The story follows Henry Skrimshander, a small-town shortstop with a golden arm, as he rises to fame at a prestigious liberal arts college. But as Henry's star rises, he must confront the pressures of fame and the expectations of those around him. A thoughtful and engaging novel that explores themes of ambition, identity, and the American dream.
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Jeffrey Eugenides
The Marriage Plot
In 'The Marriage Plot', three Brown University graduates navigate love, literature, and mental illness in the 1980s. The novel explores the complexities of relationships and the power of literature to shape our understanding of the world. A thoughtful and engaging novel that, like 'The Interestings', delves into the lives of young, creative professionals.
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Jeffrey Eugenides
The Virgin Suicides
In 'The Virgin Suicides', the Lisbon sisters become a local obsession in a suburban town after one of them commits suicide. The story is narrated by a group of neighborhood boys who are fascinated by the sisters and their tragic fate. A haunting and lyrical novel that, like 'The Interestings', explores the complexities of adolescence and the power of memory.
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Curtis Sittenfeld
Prep
Fans of 'The Interestings' will enjoy this coming-of-age story about a young girl's experiences at a prestigious boarding school. The novel explores themes of class, privilege, and identity as the protagonist, Lee Fiora, navigates the social hierarchy of the school and the challenges of growing up. A thoughtful and engaging novel that, like 'The Interestings', delves into the lives of young, creative professionals.
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