Books like Symptoms of Being Human

A tense, big-hearted exploration of identity, anxiety, and the terrifying leap from internet anonymity to real-world vulnerability. These 12 books are the closest matches in mood, pace and themes, with what each one shares with Symptoms of Being Human.

tense
empathetic
hopeful
claustrophobic

01
The art of starving
Sam J. Miller
A visceral, surreal exploration of trauma and control where a bullied teen's destructive hunger blurs the line between delusion and supernatural power.
Shares:
- tense
02
I Wish You All the Best
Mason Deaver
A tender, emotionally raw exploration of healing, found family, and the quiet courage it takes to let yourself be loved.
Shares:
- earnest
- vulnerable
03
Eliza and her monsters
Francesca Zappia
A tender exploration of the clash between a safely curated online existence and the messy, terrifying reality of offline connection.
Shares:
- earnest
- vulnerable
04
Highly illogical behavior
John Corey Whaley
An intimate, anxiety-laced exploration of a complicated friendship built on a secret motive.
Shares:
- empathetic
- hopeful
- earnest
- anxious
05
Almost Perfect
Brian Katcher
A messy, emotionally turbulent exploration of teenage heartbreak, prejudice, and the rocky road to genuine understanding.
Shares:
- tense
- earnest
- vulnerable
06
Luna
Julie Anne Peters
A poignant, secretive exploration of sibling bonds and the tense, beautiful journey of a transgender teen preparing to show her true self to the world.
Shares:
- tense
- empathetic
- hopeful
- earnest
07
The Art of Being Normal
Lisa Williamson
A tender, big-hearted exploration of friendship, secrets, and the terrifying thrill of finally showing the world who you really are.
Shares:
- empathetic
- hopeful
- earnest
- the weight of secrets
08
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda
Becky Albertalli
A warm, witty, and deeply relatable exploration of the terrifying thrill of letting yourself be truly seen.
Shares:
- hopeful
- earnest
- vulnerable
- wry
09
I Am Not Okay With This
Charles Forsman
A stark, deadpan exploration of teenage alienation where repressed trauma manifests as uncontrollable, destructive power.
Shares:
- claustrophobic
10
Sad girls
Lang Leav
A heavy, poetic plunge into the messy, guilt-ridden depths of teenage angst and ill-advised first love.
Shares:
- earnest
11
Geography Club
Brent Hartinger · 2003
A funny, heartfelt exploration of the secret lives of queer teenagers navigating the treacherous social terrain of high school.
Shares:
- hopeful
- earnest
- wry
- anxious
12
You Should See Me in a Crown
Leah Johnson (Young adult author)
A joyful, anxiety-laced, and ultimately triumphant celebration of queer Black girlhood and the courage it takes to take up space.
Shares:
- hopeful
- earnest
- anxious

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