Literary Fiction Books That Will Get You Reading
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Literary fiction gets a bad rap for being “serious” or too slow—but the truth? Some of the most moving, addictive, and unforgettable books live in this genre. If you’re an adult looking to reignite your reading habit, this list is your starter pack. These are the books that made us feel things. That reminded us why we read in the first place.
If you’ve ever said, “I want to get into literary fiction but don’t know where to start,” this is your guide. Whether you’re drawn to family sagas, queer coming-of-age journeys, speculative timelines, or introspective character studies, this list has something to offer. Curated with heart (and a little pop culture flair) by Jason from the Gays Reading podcast, these books are accessible, thought-provoking, and anything but boring.
Find Me by André Aciman
This sequel to Call Me By Your Name revisits beloved characters while exploring themes of love, time, and memory.
Why You’ll Love It: Perfect for readers who enjoy lyrical prose and stories that balance romance with reflection.
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
The unforgettable love story of Elio and Oliver, set against an Italian summer, comes to life even more vividly on the page.
Why You’ll Love It: If you loved the film, the novel offers a richer, more intimate view of the characters’ inner lives.
A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, this novel weaves together interconnected stories about music, memory, and how time shapes our lives.
Why You’ll Love It: Great if you like books that experiment with structure but still feel emotionally grounded.
The Nix by Nathan Hill
A sprawling novel about family secrets, politics, and the cultural divides that shape modern America.
Why You’ll Love It: Ideal for readers who enjoy ambitious novels that mix humor, heartbreak, and sharp social commentary.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
This multigenerational story follows the descendants of two sisters—one sold into slavery, one married to a British colonizer—across centuries and continents.
Why You’ll Love It: Perfect for fans of historical fiction who want a novel that’s as educational as it is deeply moving.
Audition by Katie Kitamura
Jason called this book “brain-breaking” in the best way.
Why you’ll love it: Introspective, challenging, and unforgettable.
Intimacies by Katie Kitamura
Another Kitamura hit. Jason appreciated the quiet tension.
Why you’ll love it: A haunting story of translation and personal ambiguity.
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
Jason was captivated by the speculative elements of time travel.
Why you’ll love it: Literary sci-fi with emotional weight.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Jason interviewed the author and loved the emotional core of the story.
Why you’ll love it: Explores creativity, love, and ambition in a totally fresh way.
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
Jason interviewed the author and enjoyed the peek into NYC wealth.
Why you’ll love it: A stylish and juicy family drama with substance.
Death of the Author by Aidan Marchine
Jason appreciated how sharp and current this thriller was.
Why you’ll love it: Meta, fast-paced, and packed with smart commentary.
Even more Literary Fiction Recommendations:
- 4 Queer Literary Fiction Books that Will Wreck You
- 5 Soapy Literary Fiction: Engaging Reads for your TBR
- Want to Read Booker Prize Longlist books but are Intimidated? We got you!
- Approachable Literary Fiction for Romance Readers
- Millennial Immigrant Stories: Discover The Magnificent Ruins by Nayantara Roy
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to fall back in love with books, these titles are an excellent place to start. Each one offers something unique: emotional depth, inventive structure, or sweeping history. As Jason’s story proves, all it takes is the right book at the right time to turn you into a reader again.✨ Want more recommendations? Subscribe to our Substack for weekly book picks—or drop your favorite literary fiction starter book in the comments!
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