“Lessons in Chemistry” by Bonnie Garmus really resonated with so many readers. Elizabeth Zott, the chemist protagonist, and the book’s smart, witty voice captured attention.
If you loved the combination of humor and substance, and the way Garmus explored challenges faced by women in the mid-20th century, you likely want to discover authors with a similar appeal. Below are some writers you might find to your liking.
Taylor Jenkins Reid writes character-driven stories with emotional depth and vivid personalities at their core.
One of her standout books is “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” which tells the story of a Hollywood actress recounting her life and legendary career to a young journalist.
Evelyn shares not only her rise to fame but also the secrets behind her seven marriages and the love that truly defined her life. The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at old Hollywood, filled with glamour and complicated relationships.
Fredrik Backman is a Swedish author known for his heartfelt and deeply human stories. One of his most well-loved books, “A Man Called Ove,” follows a grumpy and solitary man named Ove whose life takes unexpected turns when a lively family moves in next door.
Ove’s rigid routines and strict rules clash with the chaos his new neighbors bring, but their interactions slowly uncover the pain and love tucked away in his past.
The book offers a rich mix of humor and emotion, letting readers see the beauty in little everyday moments and the connections that shape us.
Eleanor Brown is an author known for weaving stories about family, self-discovery, and relationships. One of her novels, “The Weird Sisters,” tells the story of three adult sisters who return to their childhood home, drawn back by their father’s illness and their own struggles.
The sisters, named after Shakespearean characters, each carry unique problems and secrets, and their return forces them to confront old tensions and shared memories. It’s a heartfelt story about the bonds and flaws of family, layered with a love for literature.
Katherine Center writes heartfelt stories that dig into life, love, and the complicated relationships that shape us. One of her books, “The Bodyguard,” is about Hannah, a professional bodyguard hired to protect a movie star. The twist?
He’s a down-to-earth guy who doesn’t want the world to know he’s being protected. To keep up appearances, they end up pretending to be a couple and staying at his family’s Texas ranch.
The story mixes humor with emotional depth, and the characters feel real and relatable in their struggles and growth.
Jenny Colgan writes stories that bring warmth and humor to everyday life. In her book “The Bookshop on the Corner,” she introduces Nina, a shy librarian who loses her job and decides to take a leap of faith by moving to a small village.
There, she transforms an old van into a mobile bookshop, connecting with the quirky locals in unexpected ways. It’s a story about change, finding your place, and the joy books can bring.
Fans of Bonnie Garmus might enjoy how Colgan creates characters who feel real and layered, with lives full of both challenges and charm.
Jojo Moyes is a writer known for creating heartfelt characters and emotional stories. One of her standout novels, “Me Before You,” follows Louisa Clark, a quirky young woman who takes a job as caregiver for Will Traynor, a successful man left paralyzed after an accident.
Their relationship begins with tension but grows into something that changes both of their lives. The book explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, drawing readers into the lives of two people brought together by unexpected circumstances.
Shelby Van Pelt is the author of “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” a heartwarming novel that weaves humor and emotion into an unexpected friendship.
The story revolves around Tova, a widow who works nights at the local aquarium, and an octopus named Marcellus, who has an extraordinary way of observing the world. Their connection brings light to Tova’s quiet life as she starts unraveling long-buried secrets.
Fans of Bonnie Garmus’ wit and heartfelt storytelling may find Van Pelt’s work equally engaging.
Annie Hartnett is an author who brings humor and heart to stories about life’s complexities. Her novel, “Rabbit Cake,” follows Elvis Babbitt, a young girl navigating the sudden loss of her mother while trying to uncover the mystery behind her death.
Elvis’s quirky family, including a sleepwalking sister and a father who wears his late wife’s bathrobe, creates a mix of chaos and tender moments.
Throughout the book, Elvis’s determination to complete her mother’s goal of baking 1,000 rabbit-shaped cakes adds a unique and bittersweet touch. Fans of Bonnie Garmus’s sharp and heartfelt storytelling may enjoy Annie Hartnett’s work.
Maria Semple writes humorous and heartfelt stories with quirky characters and clever plots.
Her book, “Where’d You Go, Bernadette,” follows Bernadette Fox, a brilliant yet troubled architect who vanishes, leaving her teenage daughter, Bee, to piece together clues from emails, letters, and documents.
The story uncovers family tensions and the reasons behind Bernadette’s disappearance while keeping things funny and deeply personal. Fans of Bonnie Garmus might enjoy the wit and unexpected turns in Semple’s writing.
Elizabeth Berg writes heartfelt stories that focus on the everyday moments of life and the connections between people. Her book “The Story of Arthur Truluv” follows an elderly widower named Arthur, who spends his days at the cemetery visiting his late wife.
There, he befriends a lonely teenage girl named Maddy and a bitter neighbor, Lucille. Together, they create an unusual but deeply caring family. The book explores themes of loss, second chances, and the way unexpected friendships can bring comfort and hope.
Camille Pagán writes stories that focus on life’s challenges and how people navigate them with heart and humor.
Her novel “Life and Other Near-Death Experiences” follows Libby Miller, a woman who, on the same day, learns she has a serious illness and discovers her husband has been keeping a huge secret.
Instead of falling apart, she decides to leave everything behind and escape to a tropical island. The way the story unfolds, with its mix of tough topics and lighter moments, keeps you turning the pages to see how Libby finds her way forward.
Abbi Waxman writes stories filled with humor, heart, and flawed but lovable characters. One of her books, “The Bookish Life of Nina Hill,” is about Nina, an introverted trivia lover who works in a bookstore.
Her quiet, organized life is upended when she finds out she has a whole family she never knew about. On top of that, she’s trying to navigate feelings for a rival trivia player.
It’s a warm and funny story that dives into relationships, self-discovery, and the quirks of everyday life.
Liane Moriarty is an author known for crafting stories about ordinary people whose lives take unexpected turns. Her book, “Big Little Lies,” is about three women whose children attend the same school.
Their seemingly perfect lives are disrupted by secrets, personal struggles, and a shocking incident that ties them together. The story blends drama and humor, while exploring themes of friendship and family.
If you enjoy characters with hidden layers and surprising connections, her books might be something you’d truly enjoy.
Laurie Frankel writes stories that often focus on family, relationships, and human connections. Her book “This Is How It Always Is” tells the story of a family raising a child who realizes she’s transgender.
Rosie and Penn, the parents of five children, try their best to support their youngest, Poppy, while also navigating how the world might respond.
The story explores the challenges and love in a family that wants to do right by their child, but it also shows how life is unpredictable and full of surprises. It’s heartfelt and warm, with moments that feel very real and honest.
Samantha Silberstein writes stories with heart and characters that feel real. One of her books, “Rain Before Sunrise,” focuses on a young woman trying to rebuild her life after a sudden personal loss.
As she navigates a new town and a new job, she uncovers secrets that connect her to people she never expected to meet. Silberstein creates moments that balance warmth and honesty, making her books a great choice for readers who enjoy Bonnie Garmus.