20 Must-Read Books Like “Every Summer After”
“Every Summer After” by Carley Fortune is a beautifully written narrative that tugs at the heartstrings of its readers. It embodies the nostalgia of summertime, first loves, and the complexities of navigating through life’s ups and downs.
The book takes you on a profound journey filled with emotions, making readers reminisce about their own past loves and what-ifs. For those who fell in love with the poignant storytelling and are craving similar evocative narratives, We’ve compiled a list of 20 books that will resonate with the themes and emotions found in “Every Summer After.”
The best 20 Books Like “Every Summer After” by Carley Fortune
1. “One Day” by David Nicholls.
This novel captures the essence of a complicated relationship over two decades, sharing the nostalgia factor with “Every Summer After.”
Elements in common with Every Summer After:
- Spanning over years, reflecting on past and present.
- Complex romantic dynamics.
- The nostalgia of what could have been.
2. “Love and Other Words” by Christina Lauren.
A tale of reconnecting with a first love, filled with emotional depth and heartache similar to “Every Summer After.”
Elements in common with Every Summer After:
- Flashbacks to childhood and growing up together.
- A powerful connection between the characters.
- Exploring the reasons behind a painful separation.
3. “The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han.
This summary read focuses on evolving relationships and coming-of-age, akin to the poignant emotions in “Every Summer After.”
Elements in common with Every Summer After:
- A summer backdrop enriching the narrative.
- A love triangle that adds depth to the story.
- The journey of self-discovery and maturing emotions.
4. “Call Me By Your Name” by André Aciman.
An intense and passionate summer romance, laden with longing and introspection, captures a similar essence of yearning as “Every Summer After.”
Elements in common with Every Summer After:
- A summer that changes everything.
- Deep emotional and physical connection.
- Reflecting on the impact of a fleeting relationship.
5. “November 9” by Colleen Hoover.
This novel’s unique structure, following two characters meeting on the same date each year, mirrors the emotional depth and timeline intricacy of “Every Summer After.”
Elements in common with Every Summer After:
- A story unfolding over the years.
- The theme of fate and timing.
- Deep-seated love with complicating factors.
6. “Second Chance Summer” by Morgan Matson.
Focusing on family, love, and second chances during a critical summer, this book evokes similar feelings of nostalgia and emotional growth.
Elements in common with Every Summer After:
- A summer of growth and change.
- Dealing with past mistakes and reconciliation.
- Complex family dynamics adding to the character’s development.
7. “Beach Read” by Emily Henry.
Two writers find love over a summer, sharing a tale of self-discovery and facing one’s past, much like the protagonists in “Every Summer After.”
Elements in common with Every Summer After:
- Opposites attracting in a summery setting.
- Overcoming personal obstacles.
- A deep dive into past wounds and healing.
8. “This Is How It Always Is” by Laurie Frankel.
This novel delves into family secrets and the lengths we go to protect those we love, resonating with the deep emotional narratives similar to “Every Summer After.”
Elements in common with Every Summer After:
- Exploration of family dynamics and acceptance.
- The impact of keeping secrets.
- A journey through the complexities of love and life.
9. “The Light We Lost” by Jill Santopolo.
A devastatingly beautiful story of love found, lost, and the choices that shape our lives, echoing the poignant and bittersweet tones of “Every Summer After.”
Elements in common with Every Summer After:
- A love story interwoven with life’s pivotal moments.
- Reflection on past relationships and their impact.
- The heartache of love lost and the hope for second chances.
10. “You and Me on Vacation” by Emily Henry.
Two friends with nothing in common but a love for travel embark on yearly trips, leading to an unforgettable story of friendship and love, similar to the dynamics in “Every Summer After.”
Elements in common with Every Summer After:
- Friends-to-lovers trope.
- A backdrop of yearly getaways.
- Navigating through complicated emotions and timing.
11. “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr.
A beautifully written novel set against the backdrop of World War II, exploring the themes of survival, love, and the unseen connections between individuals from different worlds.
Elements in common with Every Summer After:
- Heartbreakingly beautiful narrative.
- Love that transcends difficult circumstances.
- The poignant interplay between past and future.
12. “It Ends with Us” by Colleen Hoover.
This powerful narrative delves into difficult choices, strength, and the complexity of relationships, mirroring the emotional depth found in “Every Summer After.”
Elements in common with Every Summer After:
- Exploration of past and present relationships.
- The raw emotional pull of first love and its lasting impact.
- Faced with challenging choices that define the future.
13. “Summer of ’69” by Elin Hilderbrand.
A nostalgic trip to a transformative summer in Nantucket, weaving together family dynamics, historical events, and personal growth.
Elements in common with Every Summer After:
- A story enriched by a vivid summer setting.
- Complex family relationships influencing personal development.
- The backdrop of a pivotal moment in history adding depth to the narrative.
14. “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah.
Two sisters face the horrors of World War II in France, offering a tale of resilience, sacrifice, and the endurance of love against the backdrop of war.
Elements in common with Every Summer After:
- Themes of love, loss, and bravery.
- The strength of characters when faced with profound challenges.
- A narrative that spans years, revealing the lasting effect of past events.
15. “The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger.
A unique love story that defies time, focusing on a couple’s enduring love despite an uncontrollable element that keeps them apart.
Elements in common with Every Summer After:
- A love story challenged by extraordinary circumstances.
- The significant impact of time on relationships.
- Deeply emotional storytelling.
16. “The Rosie Project” by Graeme Simsion.
A heartwarming and humorous look at love, life, and the unexpected paths to happiness, echoing the serendipitous and complex nature of relationships found in “Every Summer After.”
Elements in common with Every Summer After:
- Eccentric and endearing characters.
- A journey of self-discovery and change.
- The unexpected nature of love.
17. “We Were Liars” by E. Lockhart.
A suspenseful, gripping tale of family, love, and the search for truth, set against a summer that would change everything.
Elements in common with Every Summer After:
- A story revolving around summers and secrets.
- The impact of family dynamics on the individual.
- A twist that challenges the reader’s perceptions.
18. “The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah.
Set against the wild backdrop of Alaska, this novel explores the themes of survival, love, and the effects of war on a family, promising an unforgettable emotional journey.
Elements in common with Every Summer After:
- The exploration of a family’s endurance amidst challenges.
- A setting that is almost a character itself, influencing the narrative.
- A poignant examination of love and sacrifice.
19. “Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon.
A mix of historical fiction, romance, and adventure, this novel takes the reader on a journey through time, offering a passionate and epic love story.
Elements in common with Every Summer After:
- A timeless and epic love story.
- The blurring of past and present to tell a captivating tale.
- Rich historical settings adding depth to the narrative.
20. “The Last Thing He Told Me” by Laura Dave.
A suspenseful and moving story of a woman piecing together her husband’s secrets, exploring themes of trust, love, and family.
Elements in common with Every Summer After:
- Unraveling past secrets with significant implications for the present.
- Strong themes of love and family.
- A compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged till the end.
If you’re looking for more books that explore the complexities of first loves, friendships, and the journey of self-discovery after reading “Every Summer After,” then this list is for you. Each book offers a rollercoaster of emotions, delving into human connections and the nostalgic memories of summers past.
So, pick up your next read and allow yourself to get lost in these captivating stories. Happy reading, fellow book lovers!
