If You Liked My Brilliant Friend, Try These...
This summer at The New York Public Library, Reading Is Lit.
Everything starts with a great story! If you love pop culture hits from HBO, you can go even deeper by reading the books that inspired the shows and discovering more great titles that strike similar chords. Meet unforgettable characters and explore new authors with these expert recommendations from our librarians.
If you're in New York, use your library card to get these books, the HBO shows, and everything NYPL has to offer! Borrow books and ebooks, download digital media, access online databases, and more. Click here for more information and to apply for your NYPL card. You can also get these books on your smartphone with our free e-reader app, SimplyE, available for iPhone/iPad and Android.
If you’re outside the New York area, the Library still has a lot of offer. Browse our recommendations online and find a library near you to check out these books and more.
For fans of My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante, here are more character-driven, reflective novels, with a strong sense of place:
The Round House by Louise Erdrich [ebook]
A lyrical, culturally diverse coming-of-age story about a 14-year-old boy who sets out with three friends from his North Dakota reservation to find the person who attacked his mother.
Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson [ebook]
A bittersweet novel about a girl struggling to overcome haunting family memories in a small town in Idaho.
Swimming to Elbaby Silvia Avallone [ebook]
Travel back to Italy for another lush novel depicting the sometimes-volatile relationship between two teenage girls who have grown up together.
The Pearl that Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi [ebook]
Set in Kabul in 2007, this novel tells the story of Rahima, who must dress as a boy if she wants to leave the house.
The Years that Followed by Catherine Dunne
Noir fiction spanning from the 1960s to the 1980s and across Europe. Two wronged women plot revenge, and their schemes send shockwaves through generations to come.
Summer is the perfect time to discover the power of reading. This year, the New York Public Library is partnering with HBO to spotlight great stories and introduce readers to their new favorites. With over 55 million items in its collections, The New York Public Library is one of three public library systems providing New Yorkers with free access to books, online resources, and programming.
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Have trouble reading standard print? Many of these titles are available in formats for patrons with print disabilities.
Staff picks are chosen by NYPL staff members and are not intended to be comprehensive lists. We'd love to hear your ideas too, so leave a comment and tell us what you’d recommend. And check out our Staff Picks browse tool for more recommendations!