20 Heartfelt Books Like “Call Me By Your Name” To Stir Your Soul
“Call Me By Your Name” by André Aciman has etched itself into the hearts of readers with its poignant exploration of desire, intimacy, and the aching beauty of first love. Set against a lush Italian backdrop, this novel captures the exhilarating and often heart-wrenching journey of Elio and Oliver’s summer romance.
If you’ve been captivated by their story and are yearning for more books that delve into complex emotions and the nuances of human relationships, then you’re in the perfect spot. Here’s a handpicked list of 20 books that resonate with themes similar to “Call Me By Your Name,” each promising a deep dive into the facets of love, loss, and self-discovery.
Top 20 best books to read if you liked “Call Me By Your Name” by André Aciman
1. “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller
In this breathtaking retelling of the Iliad, the bond between Achilles and Patroclus is explored with tender depth and devastating beauty.
Elements in common with Call Me By Your Name:
- A powerful depiction of love between two men.
- A coming-of-age journey amidst historical drama.
- Evocative prose that captures the intensity of feelings.
2. “Lie With Me” by Philippe Besson
A spellbinding narrative of a clandestine relationship between two boys in 1980s France, echoing themes of memory and longing.
Elements in common with Call Me By Your Name:
- Forbidden love and societal constraints.
- A poignant exploration of first love and heartbreak.
- A reflective, deeply emotive narrative style.
3. “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Two boys with seemingly nothing in common embark on a journey of friendship and self-discovery that blooms into love.
Elements in common with Call Me By Your Name:
- The complexities and beauty of young love.
- A vividly painted coming-of-age story.
- Themes of identity and acceptance.
4. “Giovanni’s Room” by James Baldwin
Set in 1950s Paris, this novel delves into the turmoil and passions of an American man caught between his fiancée and his love for an Italian bartender.
Elements in common with Call Me By Your Name:
- A deep examination of forbidden desire.
- Internal conflict and societal pressures.
- Lush, evocative writing that captures longing and existential angst.
5. “Less” by Andrew Sean Greer
Arthur Less embarks on a global adventure to avoid an ex-boyfriend’s wedding, finding laughter and tears along the way.
Elements in common with Call Me By Your Name:
- A journey of self-discovery linked with past loves.
- A humorous yet touching narrative.
- Themes of aging, love, and belonging.
6. “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong
A son writes to his mother in a letter that becomes a powerful exploration of race, class, and sexuality.
Elements in common with Call Me By Your Name:
- Lyrical prose contemplating love and identity.
- A deeply personal exploration of family and heritage.
- The pain and beauty of first love.
7. “Call Me By Your Name” Sequel: “Find Me” by André Aciman
Revisit the lives of Elio, Oliver, and their families years after the summer in Italy, exploring the enduring power of love.
Elements in common with Call Me By Your Name:
- Continuation of Elio and Oliver’s story.
- Reflections on love, time, and fate.
- Aciman’s signature evocative and lush prose.
8. “What Belongs to You” by Garth Greenwell
An American teacher in Bulgaria is drawn into an intense relationship with a young hustler, exploring the themes of desire and alienation.
Elements in common with Call Me By Your Name:
- The complexities of a consuming love.
- A narrative that delves deep into the protagonist’s psyche.
- A beautifully written contemplation on longing and belonging.
9. “Carol” by Patricia Highsmith
In this classic love story, the lives of two women intersect with profound consequences, reflecting on the constraints of society and gender.
Elements in common with Call Me By Your Name:
- Forbidden love in a time of societal norms.
- An intense, emotional connection.
- Themes of longing and self-discovery.
10. “Swimming in the Dark” by Tomasz Jedrowski
Set in 1980s Poland, two men find love in a society where their relationship is forbidden, leading to a heartrending dilemma.
Elements in common with Call Me By Your Name:
- A powerful, forbidden love story.
- The struggle against societal and political boundaries.
- Lush, immersive storytelling.
11. “The Heart’s Invisible Furies” by John Boyne
Born out of wedlock in a conservative Irish society, Cyril Avery’s journey is marked by identity, acceptance, and an unrequited love.
Elements in common with Call Me By Your Name:
- The protagonist’s lifelong journey of self-discovery.
- The evolving understanding of love and sexuality.
- A sweeping narrative filled with humor and heartbreak.
12. “Normal People” by Sally Rooney
Connell and Marianne navigate the complexities of intimacy and class differences as they weave in and out of each other’s lives.
Elements in common with Call Me By Your Name:
- An intricate exploration of young love and miscommunication.
- Characters with a deep, almost gravitational pull towards each other.
- A keen observation of social dynamics and personal growth.
13. “Norwegian Wood” by Haruki Murakami
Toru Watanabe’s quiet life is shaken by the emotional turmoil of love and loss, set against the backdrop of 1960s Tokyo.
Elements in common with Call Me By Your Name:
- A deeply affecting tale of love and grief.
- The poignant journey of coming of age.
- Prose that beautifully captures nostalgia and longing.
14. “Autoboyography” by Christina Lauren
Tanner Scott’s final semester turns unforgettable when he falls for the bishop’s son in his class, challenging both their realities.
Elements in common with Call Me By Your Name:
- The exhilaration and challenges of a hidden romance.
- Coming-of-age under societal and familial pressure.
- A heartfelt portrayal of first love’s intensity.
15. “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” by Emily M. Danforth
After losing her parents, Cameron Post grapples with her identity and the conservative views of her small town, especially upon falling for a beautiful girl.
Elements in common with Call Me By Your Name:
- A coming-of-age story that deftly handles identity and loss.
- The tension between desire and societal expectations.
- A poignant narrative about finding one’s self.
16. “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker
Through letters, Celie narrates her life of oppression in the South, the profound connections with other women, and her journey to empowerment and love.
Elements in common with Call Me By Your Name:
- A powerful exploration of love and resilience.
- The transformative journey of self-discovery.
- Vivid, moving prose that captures the essence of characters’ lives.
17. “This Is How You Lose the Time War” by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone
Two time-traveling agents on opposite sides of a war fall in love through letters, defying the bounds of time and space.
Elements in common with Call Me By Your Name:
- A unique, poignant love story.
- The themes of forbidden love and defiance.
- Evocative writing that stretches across time and space.
18. “If I Was Your Girl” by Meredith Russo
Amanda Hardy’s fresh start at a new school includes falling for Grant, but she fears how the truth about her past might change everything.
Elements in common with Call Me By Your Name:
- The anxieties and joys of revealing one’s true self in love.
- A heartwarming coming-of-age romance.
- Themes of acceptance and being true to oneself.
19. “Fingersmith” by Sarah Waters
In Victorian England, a thief and a lady find their lives entangled in a complicated plot of deceit, betrayal, and unexpected love.
Elements in common with Call Me By Your Name:
- A gripping narrative with twists and deep emotional connection.
- The exploration of forbidden love and societal boundaries.
- Richly detailed, atmospheric storytelling.
20. “Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston
Alex Claremont-Diaz’s rivalry with Prince Henry turns into a secret romance, challenging traditions and international relations.
Elements in common with Call Me By Your Name:
- A love story that transcends societal expectations.
- The complexities and sweetness of hidden relationships.
- Charismatic characters on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
In summary, all of these books present a distinctive outlook on love, identity, and human relationships, similar to the emotional expedition depicted in “Call Me By Your Name.”
Whether you are interested in stories about first loves, societal difficulties, or the heartrending beauty of self-exploration, these novels are guaranteed to touch your heart and move your soul. Enjoy your reading!
