If you’ve recently turned the last page of ‘It Starts With Us’, you might be experiencing that peculiar mix of satisfaction and longing that comes with finishing a good book. On one hand, there’s a sense of closure, but on the other, you might find yourself yearning to continue exploring the themes that resonated with you.
This blog post is for those who wish to delve deeper. We’ve carefully curated a list of books that echo the powerful themes found in ‘It Starts With Us’. Relationships, self-discovery, resilience – these are not just threads that weave through our lives, but also through the pages of some truly remarkable books.
In the following sections, we’ll introduce each book, compare their themes with ‘It Starts With Us’, and explain why they could be your next unforgettable read.
So, if you’re not quite ready to leave behind the emotive world you’ve just explored, join us on this literary journey.
‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’ by Gail Honeyman
Brief Overview of the Book
‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’ is a heartwarming yet thought-provoking novel that centers around the life of Eleanor Oliphant, a socially awkward woman who lives an isolated and rigid life, sticking to her routines. She struggles with social skills and tends to say exactly what she’s thinking.
Comparison of Themes with ‘It Starts With Us’
Like ‘It Starts With Us’, ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’ is a deep exploration of a character’s journey through life. Both novels deal with complex emotional traumas, exploring how the characters cope with their pasts while trying to find their own paths in life.
Why It’s Worth Reading Next
Eleanor’s journey towards healing, just like the protagonists’ journey in ‘It Starts With Us’, is both touching and inspiring. The novel will resonate with you if you appreciate intricate character development and exploration of themes like trauma, loneliness, friendship, and resilience. With its mix of humor, darkness, and redemption, ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’ can be a great follow-up read after ‘It Starts With Us’.
‘Normal People’ by Sally Rooney
Quick Summary of the Book
‘Normal People’ is an intimate and immersive tale of two individuals, Connell and Marianne, who weave in and out of each other’s lives. As they navigate their way from high school in a small Irish town to university in Dublin, the pair experience love, friendship, and the complexities of social and personal dynamics.
Comparison of Themes with ‘It Starts With Us’
Both ‘Normal People’ and ‘It Starts With Us’ delve into the intricacies of relationships and the impact of socio-economic factors on individuals’ lives. They both provide nuanced portraits of how personal experiences shape one’s relationships and self-understanding.
Reasons to Delve Into This Book
‘Normal People’ is a captivating exploration of love, life, and the complexities of human relationships, much like ‘It Starts With Us’. If you appreciate a deep, introspective look at characters and relish in understanding the subtleties of their interactions, this book will undoubtedly speak to you. Its raw portrayal of human connection and the complexities of class, power, and desire make it a compelling follow-up read.
‘An American Marriage’ by Tayari Jones
Brief Description of the Book
‘An American Marriage’ is a stirring love story set against the backdrop of racial injustice. The novel centers on a newlywed African American couple, Celestial and Roy, whose lives are ripped apart when Roy is wrongfully convicted of a crime he didn’t commit.
How It Resonates with Themes from ‘It Starts With Us’
Just like ‘It Starts With Us’, ‘An American Marriage’ explores the resilience of human relationships in the face of extreme adversities. Both narratives delve into how personal and societal pressures can shape and reshape the dynamics within relationships.
Justification for Its Inclusion in the List
‘An American Marriage’ is an emotionally gripping and thought-provoking read, offering readers a deeper insight into the impact of racial injustice on personal lives and relationships. It’s a powerful exploration of love, loss, and perseverance, echoing the emotional depths and complexities found in ‘It Starts With Us’. The story’s exploration of heartbreak, love, and resilience make it an essential next read for those who appreciated the emotional depth in ‘It Starts With Us’.
‘Educated’ by Tara Westover
Overview of the Book
‘Educated’ is a riveting memoir by Tara Westover that recounts her journey from a secluded life in the Idaho mountains to earning a PhD from Cambridge University. Raised in a strict and abusive household with no formal education, Westover’s thirst for knowledge led her to experiences and opportunities far beyond her isolated upbringing.
Parallels Between Themes of This Book and ‘It Starts With Us’
Just as ‘It Starts With Us’ explores the character’s journey through a labyrinth of emotional complexities, ‘Educated’ is a true story of self-discovery and resilience. Both stories depict a struggle to overcome difficult circumstances and confront the influence of one’s upbringing.
Explanation of Its Place in the Reading Journey
‘Educated’ offers a profound exploration of how we can break free from the constraints of our past and redefine our futures. The compelling narrative of self-discovery, courage, and the transformative power of education makes it an inspiring next read after ‘It Starts With Us’. If you found the themes of personal growth and resilience impactful in ‘It Starts With Us’, you’ll be deeply moved by Tara Westover’s journey.
‘The Nightingale’ by Kristin Hannah
Summary of the Book
‘The Nightingale’ is an evocative novel set during World War II that tells the story of two French sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, each embarking on her own path of survival during the war. It’s a tale of bravery, sacrifice, and the strength of women in the face of tremendous hardship.
Discussion on How Themes Align with ‘It Starts With Us’
Similar to ‘It Starts With Us’, ‘The Nightingale’ is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Both narratives follow characters who must navigate immense challenges, making difficult decisions that ultimately shape their destiny. They emphasize the potential within us all to confront adversity and chart our own path.
Reasons for Recommending This Read
‘The Nightingale’ is a powerful exploration of love, war, courage, and female strength, making it an impactful follow-up to ‘It Starts With Us’. If you were moved by the emotional depth and resilience of the characters in ‘It Starts With Us’, you’ll be captivated by the journeys of Vianne and Isabelle in ‘The Nightingale’. This book promises a poignant narrative that leaves a lasting impression.
‘The Light We Lost’ by Jill Santopolo
Brief Sketch of the Book
‘The Light We Lost’ is a compelling love story about Lucy and Gabe, who meet as students at Columbia University on a day that changes both of their lives forever. Their journey takes them in different directions, and the novel unfolds as a series of memories and moments that reflect the choices we make in love and life.
Comparison of Themes with ‘It Starts With Us’
Much like ‘It Starts With Us’, ‘The Light We Lost’ explores the complexities of love and the sacrifices we make for it. Both books delve into the concept of fate, destiny, and how our decisions shape our lives.
Why It’s an Essential Next Read
‘The Light We Lost’ is a beautifully written, emotionally resonant novel that, like ‘It Starts With Us’, explores love in all its complexity. Its exploration of passion, destiny, and the different forms of love make it a compelling choice for those who appreciated the emotional journey in ‘It Starts With Us’. If you found yourself engaged in the relationship dynamics and emotional depth of ‘It Starts With Us’, you’ll find similar themes to appreciate in ‘The Light We Lost’.
Additional Recommendations
‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ by Delia Owens
This atmospheric and touching novel set in the marshes of North Carolina explores themes of isolation, resilience, and the power of nature. Like ‘It Starts With Us’, it’s a poignant tale of a young woman navigating life’s challenges with courage.
‘Big Little Lies’ by Liane Moriarty
A compelling exploration of relationships, secrets, and the facades we maintain, this novel is a gripping examination of the complexities of life and friendship, much like ‘It Starts With Us’.
‘The Great Alone’ by Kristin Hannah
Set in the wilds of Alaska, this story of survival, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit resonates with the themes of courage and personal growth found in ‘It Starts With Us’.
‘Before We Were Strangers’ by Renée Carlino
A beautiful love story about second chances and destiny, this novel will appeal to fans of ‘It Starts With Us’ who appreciate romance intertwined with deeper life themes.
‘Little Fires Everywhere’ by Celeste Ng
This novel expertly intertwines themes of motherhood, identity, and the burden of secrets, reflecting the exploration of personal identity and complex relationships in ‘It Starts With Us’.
‘The Book Thief’ by Markus Zusak
A unique and moving narrative set in WWII Germany, this book’s themes of resilience and the power of words resonate with the emotional depth and personal struggle found in ‘It Starts With Us’.
‘All the Light We Cannot See’ by Anthony Doerr
A touching story of survival during WWII, this novel’s exploration of fate, free will, and the resilience of the human spirit aligns with the emotional journey in ‘It Starts With Us’.
‘The Hate U Give’ by Angie Thomas
A powerful commentary on racism and social injustice, this book reflects the courage to stand up for one’s beliefs, a theme that echoes in ‘It Starts With Us’.
‘A Man Called Ove’ by Fredrik Backman
A heartwarming tale of unexpected friendship and the transformative power of relationships, this book’s exploration of love, loss, and healing complements the journey in ‘It Starts With Us’.
‘Room’ by Emma Donoghue
Told from the perspective of a five-year-old boy held captive in a single room with his mother, this book’s portrayal of resilience, survival, and the power of hope is reminiscent of the resilience shown in ‘It Starts With Us’.
Concluding Thoughts
We’ve traversed a diverse landscape of human experiences and emotions through these six books: ‘Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine’, ‘Normal People’, ‘An American Marriage’, ‘Educated’, ‘The Nightingale’, and ‘The Light We Lost’. Each narrative, in its own unique way, reflects some of the powerful themes found in ‘It Starts With Us’, exploring love, resilience, self-discovery, and the complex dynamics of human relationships, as well as additional recommendations.
The Importance of Continuing to Explore the Themes of ‘It Starts With Us’
The themes of ‘It Starts With Us’ continue to resonate in these books, reminding us that literature offers a powerful means to deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Just as ‘It Starts With Us’ left a profound impact, each of these books provides a compelling exploration of the human spirit, capable of moving us and prompting reflection.
Encouragement for Readers to Share Their Thoughts and Additional Recommendations
We hope this curated list guides you on your next literary journey. But remember, the beauty of literature lies in its diversity, and every reader’s journey is unique. We encourage you to share your thoughts on these books and recommend others that you think belong on this list. Let’s continue the conversation and explore together the many dimensions of the human experience.
