"Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman

A story of a socially awkward woman whose carefully ordered life changes after an unexpected event.

"The Lonely City" by Olivia Laing

An exploration of loneliness through the lives of famous artists who grappled with the feeling.

"A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman

A heartwarming tale about a grumpy old man whose life is transformed by unlikely friendships.

"Olive Kitteridge" by Elizabeth Strout

A series of connected short stories centered around a retired schoolteacher in a small town.

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky

– A coming-of-age story about a high school freshman dealing with complex emotions and friendships. –

"Normal People" by Sally Rooney

A deep dive into the complicated relationship between two young adults from different social backgrounds.  –

"My Year of Rest and Relaxation" by Ottessa Moshfegh

The protagonist seeks to escape her feelings of emptiness and loneliness through sleep. –

"The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath

A semi-autobiographical novel about a young woman's descent into mental illness.