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15 Authors like Jonathan Evison

Jonathan Evison is known for his engaging literary fiction that captures life's humor and complexities. His popular novels include The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving and West of Here, showcasing heartfelt stories with relatable characters.

If you enjoy reading books by Jonathan Evison then you might also like the following authors:

  1. Tom Perrotta

    Tom Perrotta writes witty, insightful novels about ordinary suburban life and the complexities beneath its surface. His books explore relationships, family dynamics, and modern anxieties with gentle humor and depth.

    His novel Little Children captures suburban tensions, hidden desires, and quiet desperation through a sharp, imaginative story.

  2. Nick Hornby

    Nick Hornby creates humorous, thoughtful narratives about flawed characters facing relatable problems. He blends comedy and emotional insight, exploring relationships, career struggles, and the joys and disappointments of everyday life.

    One book you'll enjoy is High Fidelity, a funny yet honest look at love, music obsession, and the challenges of adulthood.

  3. Maria Semple

    Maria Semple writes clever, funny novels with plenty of satire and wit. Her characters often struggle with the pressures and absurdities of modern life, family tensions, and societal expectations.

    In Where'd You Go, Bernadette, Semple shows the chaotic yet funny world of a quirky, misunderstood mother in Seattle whose sudden disappearance shakes up her entire community.

  4. Kevin Wilson

    Kevin Wilson's novels blend humor and sensitivity, exploring odd yet endearing family dynamics and ordinary people in unusual circumstances. His writing has warmth, depth, and a quirky charm that keeps the story moving.

    Nothing to See Here demonstrates Wilson’s unique approach—a story about friendship, family, and children who literally catch on fire, all told in a funny and surprisingly moving way.

  5. Fredrik Backman

    Fredrik Backman provides gentle, humorous stories filled with kindness and depth about people placed in challenging circumstances. With quirky but deeply human characters, he explores life's struggles, loneliness, and unexpected friendships that help us grow.

    His popular novel A Man Called Ove introduces readers to a curmudgeonly older man whose rough exterior hides vulnerability, warmth, and deep humanity.

  6. Patrick deWitt

    If you're a fan of Jonathan Evison's witty observations and colorful characters, you'll likely appreciate Patrick deWitt. His storytelling combines humor, clever dialogue, and quirky scenarios, often with characters who are flawed yet strangely likable.

    In The Sisters Brothers, deWitt offers an entertaining twist on the western genre. The novel follows two brothers, hired killers, as they wrestle with family loyalty and the absurdity of their occupation—a story told with both dark humor and surprising emotional depth.

  7. Carl Hiaasen

    Carl Hiaasen delivers satirical humor and biting social critique set firmly within the sunny weirdness of Florida. Like Jonathan Evison, Hiaasen creates memorable characters who often find themselves tangled in absurd situations.

    His novel Skinny Dip is a perfect introduction, featuring bizarre criminals, offbeat heroes, and sharp commentary on environmental corruption—all told with clever dialogue and a fast-paced plot.

  8. Jess Walter

    Jess Walter, similar to Jonathan Evison, has a knack for weaving humor and humanity into engaging stories about ordinary lives caught up in unusual circumstances.

    In his novel Beautiful Ruins, Walter explores themes of love, Hollywood glamour, and missed opportunities across decades and continents. His storytelling blends humor, emotional insight, and compelling characters into a narrative that's both heartwarming and thought-provoking.

  9. Gary Shteyngart

    Fans of Jonathan Evison's detailed characters and sharp social commentary would likely find Gary Shteyngart enjoyable. Shteyngart's novels cleverly highlight absurdities in contemporary life with humor, irony, and sharp cultural observations.

    In Super Sad True Love Story, he mixes romantic comedy and dystopian satire, skillfully commenting on society's obsession with technology, status, and appearances.

  10. Dave Eggers

    Dave Eggers shares Jonathan Evison's skill in capturing complex emotions and social issues with clarity and compassion. Eggers often tells stories focused on everyday individuals navigating uneasy territory.

    His novel The Circle explores themes of privacy, corporate power, and personal identity in our digital age. Eggers mixes gripping storytelling and thoughtful social critique in an accessible and engaging way.

  11. George Saunders

    George Saunders brings humanity and humor together in his engaging, insightful fiction. His stories often explore ordinary characters navigating strange and sometimes absurd situations, offering a unique take on modern life.

    Fans of Jonathan Evison's heartfelt portrayals of relatable individuals will enjoy Saunders's style in books like Tenth of December, a thoughtful collection that highlights both the richness and strangeness of everyday existence.

  12. Aimee Bender

    Aimee Bender creates imaginative and whimsical worlds that gently push the boundaries between reality and fantasy. Her prose is clear, thoughtful, and emotionally resonant, often exploring the hidden sides of relationships and human longing.

    Readers who appreciate Jonathan Evison's emotional depth will be drawn to Bender's book, The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, an unusual and moving story about a young girl's unique ability to perceive others' feelings.

  13. Richard Russo

    Richard Russo captures small-town life with warmth, humor, and empathy. His authentic characters feel real and relatable as they deal with life's challenges, conflicts, and quiet triumphs.

    If you enjoy Jonathan Evison's genuine and compassionate storytelling, Russo's novel Empire Falls is a wonderful read, bringing readers deep into the heart of an American community struggling with change and renewal.

  14. Stewart O'Nan

    Stewart O'Nan focuses on quietly powerful stories about ordinary people, their struggles, and their moments of grace. His style is clear and understated, allowing readers to connect deeply with his characters' inner lives.

    If you like Jonathan Evison's grounded, thoughtful approach, give O'Nan's novel Last Night at the Lobster a try. It's a subtle and moving book that offers a sensitive portrayal of dignity in the face of hardship.

  15. Curtis Sittenfeld

    Curtis Sittenfeld writes sharp and perceptive fiction, often exploring family, social dynamics, and private yearnings. Her clear, precise style brings her characters to vivid life, combined with a wry sense of humor and deep empathy.

    Readers drawn to Jonathan Evison's perceptiveness and relatable characters will find much to enjoy in Sittenfeld's Prep, a compelling novel about adolescence, identity, and the complexities of fitting in.