Books like It Had to Be You

A deliciously voyeuristic plunge into the scandalous, brand-obsessed lives of Manhattan's teenage elite. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with It Had to Be You.

glitzy
indulgent
dramatic
intoxicating

01
Gossip Girl
Cecily von Ziegesar
A deliciously toxic, brand-name-dropping plunge into the scandalous lives of Manhattan's teenage elite.
Shares:
- glitzy
- indulgent
- snarky
- voyeuristic
02
Nothing Can Keep Us Together
Cecily von Ziegesar
A deliciously dramatic plunge into the designer-clad, backstabbing world of elite Manhattan teenagers on the brink of graduation.
Shares:
- glitzy
- indulgent
- dramatic
- wealth and privilege
03
How to Be Popular
Meg Cabot
A bubbly, laugh-out-loud exploration of high school social climbing that proves the best version of yourself is usually the one you left behind.
Feels:
- lighthearted
- nostalgic
- bubbly
04
The Clique
Lisi Harrison
A glossy, cutthroat plunge into the hyper-exclusive, brand-obsessed warfare of middle school social climbing.
Shares:
- dramatic
- snarky
- wealth and privilege
- social hierarchy
05
The Carrie diaries
Candace Bushnell
A youthful, observant journey through the social labyrinth of high school and the spark of creative ambition.
Feels:
- formative
- energetic
- nostalgic
06
Pretty Little Liars
Sara Shepard · 2006
A deliciously soapy, paranoia-fueled plunge into the dark secrets hiding behind manicured suburban lawns.
Shares:
- dramatic
- cynical
- glamorous
- toxic friendships
07
Perfect
Sara Shepard · 2007
A glossy, paranoia-fueled descent into the dark secrets hiding behind manicured lawns and designer labels.
Shares:
- cynical
08
Princess in Love
Meg Cabot
A hilarious, diary-format deep dive into the agonizing, swoon-worthy chaos of teenage crushes and holiday stress.
Shares:
- dramatic
09
P.S. I Loathe You
Lisi Harrison
A gossipy, fast-paced dive into the cutthroat world of middle school cliques and cheer-pyramid power struggles.
Shares:
- dramatic
- snarky
- playful
- social hierarchy
10
Cross my heart and hope to spy
Ally Carter
A brisk, energetic adventure that proves navigating sophomore year and ex-boyfriends is just as complex as clearing your name in a top-secret spy academy.
Feels:
- secretive
- energetic
- intrigue-filled
11
Evernight
Claudia Gray
A moody, atmospheric dive into forbidden romance and hidden identities set against the backdrop of a chillingly perfect boarding school.
Feels:
- eerie
- gothic
- shadowy
12
Secrets
Kate William · 1983
A deliciously soapy plunge into 1980s high school royalty, where lip gloss and vicious gossip are the ultimate weapons.
Shares:
- social hierarchy

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