6 Literary Fiction Books When You Need an Emotional Read
If you have ever enjoyed a story focused on the character's feelings over the plot, you will enjoy the literary fiction genre. Lit fic books are about the growth, the way the protagonist develops over the course of the story. Take Gabrielle Zevin's Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, for example.
Below, we've gathered even more literary fiction novels we enjoy, featuring spooky undertones, family drama and more.
Bunny by Mona Awad
Samantha Heather Mackey is perfectly content with her introversion, far away from her wacky fiction writing cohort of women who call each other Bunny. One day, Samantha gets the invitation to the Bunnies meeting place, leaving her only friend, Ava, behind. As a new recruit, Samantha will learn the darkest secrets behind this cult as her friendship with the women and Ava intertwine.
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
The only thing Eleanor Bennett leaves behind for her two kids, Byron and Benny, is a recipe for a black cake and a voice recording. To their surprise, Eleanor's message tells the story of a woman who flees her home to escape her murder conviction. Byron and Benny must put their history of differences aside to piece together the mystery. Or, could it push them further apart?
Also read about: The Best Poetry Books to Romanticize Your Life
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Dressed in a glamorous emerald number, Phoebe Stone obviously looks like one of the "wedding people" at Newport's Cornwall Inn. But what the other numerous attendees don't know is that she is here for a last hurrah as a newly single woman. Unexpectedly, the bride forms a bond with her wedding crasher, and it sounds like this bond will benefit both of them.
Chlorine by Jade Song
Ren Yu takes the idea of "let's play mermaids" a little too serious. The high school student spends her days training as a member of the swim team. Sure, she might be concerned with receiving a life-changing scholarship, but why focus on that when she can be totally free as a mermaid?
In Chlorine, you will discover what lengths Ren will go to, simply to make her dreams come true.
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
The four Blue sisters are polar opposites. Eldest daughter Avery is a recovering addict who found stability in her law career. Former boxing star Bonnie is coming to terms with her new life as a bartender. The youngest, Lucky is a budding model who probably needs to make a few lifestyle changes. And their fourth sister Nicky? Well, she's dead.
Watch the trio of siblings confront the grief and questionable life choices from childhood to adulthood. Maybe, just maybe, their bond will grow stronger.
The Secret Life of Albert Entwistle by Matt Cain
Albert Entwistle enjoys his little life. He spends time with his cat Gracie. He gets out of the house by working as postman, until England's government forces him into retirement. Albert's life is instantly uprooted, and he must relearn the ropes of "living." In this magical novel, you'll watch him find purpose and love to make his world spin again.
Searching for even more book recommendations? Click HERE to discover five energetic basketball romances to try in 2025.