If you enjoy reading books by Kevin Wilson then you might also like the following authors:
Fredrik Backman is a Swedish author known for creating heartfelt stories with quirky, unforgettable characters. One of his books, “A Man Called Ove,” tells the story of a grumpy old man who seems set in his ways but slowly reveals a deeply caring heart.
Ove’s daily life is interrupted by new neighbors who bring chaos to his carefully ordered world, leaving him more involved in their lives than he ever wanted to be.
The book blends humor and warmth, with moments that show how connections with others can change even the most stubborn people.
Maria Semple is an author with a talent for writing stories that mix humor with heartfelt moments. One of her books, “Where’d You Go, Bernadette,” follows the life of Bernadette Fox, a brilliant but quirky architect who vanishes shortly before a family trip to Antarctica.
Her teenage daughter, Bee, pieces together emails, letters, and other documents to figure out what happened. The book is filled with colorful characters and mishaps, showing the ups and downs of family life and personal ambition.
Tom Perrotta has a knack for writing about the everyday struggles of suburban life in ways that feel both relatable and unexpected.
One of his standout books, “Little Children,” dives into the lives of a group of parents navigating relationships, parenthood, and personal dissatisfaction. It’s not really about the kids but about the choices and secrets of the adults.
There’s humor, heartbreak, and a real sense of tension as their lives start to overlap in surprising ways. Fans of Kevin Wilson might find Perrotta’s characters and their flaws fascinating.
Karen Joy Fowler writes with a sharp sense of humor and a knack for exploring family dynamics in unusual ways.
In her novel “We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves,” she tells the story of Rosemary, a young woman whose family falls apart after a surprising and life-changing event. The book is part mystery, part deeply personal exploration of identity and memory.
Fowler’s focus on quirky yet heartfelt relationships might remind readers of Kevin Wilson’s way of blending the strange with the deeply human.
Andrew Sean Greer is an author known for his sharp wit and heartfelt storytelling. His novel, “Less,” follows Arthur Less, a failing novelist who decides to accept a series of random invitations to literary events around the world to avoid attending his ex-boyfriend’s wedding.
As Arthur travels, he stumbles into awkward encounters and reflects on his life, career, and love in ways that are both funny and touching. Fans of Kevin Wilson’s quirky and emotional characters may enjoy Greer’s thoughtful approach to human flaws and relationships.
Liane Moriarty is an Australian author known for creating stories about ordinary people whose lives take unexpected turns. In her novel “Big Little Lies,” the story revolves around three women—Madeline, Celeste, and Jane—whose lives intersect in a wealthy coastal community.
Beneath the glamour of their lives, secrets bubble to the surface, leading to tension that builds toward a mysterious death at a school event.
The book blends dark humor with surprising twists, pulling readers into the messy, complicated friendships and family dynamics of the characters. If you enjoy character-driven stories with sharp observations about relationships and modern life, this might be one to pick up.
Jenny Offill writes in a style that feels sharp and intimate, with stories that focus on everyday chaos and quiet moments of reflection. One of her books, “Dept. of Speculation,” is about a woman navigating marriage, motherhood, and her own creative ambitions.
The story is told in fragments, creating a raw but relatable portrait of a life unraveling and coming back together. It’s full of small, vivid details, like the strange advice from self-help books and fleeting memories of early love.
If you enjoy Kevin Wilson’s focus on flawed but heartfelt characters, you might find Offill’s work engaging too.
Jonathan Tropper is known for writing novels that mix humor with emotion, creating deeply personal stories. One of his standout books, “This Is Where I Leave You,” follows Judd Foxman, a man whose life is falling apart.
After his father’s death, Judd is forced to sit shiva with his dysfunctional family. Over the course of seven days, old wounds resurface, secrets come out, and the siblings clash in ways that are messy and heartfelt.
The book handles the chaos of family and grief with sharp dialogue and moments that will stick with you. Fans of quirky but sincere storytelling may feel right at home.
Elizabeth Strout is an author who captures the quiet moments that shape lives, writing about everyday people with depth and care. Her novel “Olive Kitteridge” follows a retired schoolteacher in a small coastal town in Maine.
Olive is sharp-tongued and often blunt, but through her interactions with neighbors, family, and friends, you get a glimpse into her vulnerabilities and regrets.
The book is structured as interconnected stories, each illuminating relationships and private struggles in the community. It’s the kind of book that makes you feel like you’re peeking into lives that could be real.
Anne Tyler is an author known for writing about family relationships and ordinary lives in a way that feels both intimate and meaningful. In her book “Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant,” she tells the story of the Tull family, led by the tough and stoic matriarch, Pearl.
After being abandoned by her husband, Pearl raises her three children on her own, and the book weaves through their lives as they grow up, face their own struggles, and return to the family home.
Each family member has their own version of events, and the narrative shifts between their perspectives. The story feels personal, filled with moments that bring out the complexities of family bonds.
Aimee Bender writes stories filled with strange, magical elements set against ordinary life. Her novel “The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake” tells the story of a girl who starts tasting people’s emotions in the food they prepare.
When her mother bakes a cake, she discovers a sadness hidden beneath her cheerful exterior. Bender’s writing blends emotional depth with the unexpected, creating worlds that are both surreal and intimate.
If you like how Kevin Wilson plays with the unusual in everyday settings, you might enjoy her books.
David Sedaris is known for his humor and sharp observations about everyday life. In “Me Talk Pretty One Day,” he writes about his experiences growing up, living in New York, and adjusting to life in France.
One story describes his struggle to learn French and how his teacher would humiliate him and his classmates in ways that are both cruel and hilarious.
Another explores his childhood speech therapy sessions, where students were assigned to separate rooms based on their accents or conditions. These stories are personal and unusual, pulling you into his world with honesty and wit.
Nick Hornby writes stories about ordinary people caught in life’s messy moments. His book “High Fidelity” follows Rob, a record store owner who looks back at his failed relationships after being dumped again.
The story dives into his obsession with music and how it shapes his view of love and life. It’s full of humor, heartbreak, and awkward conversations, with characters who feel real and flawed. If you enjoy quirky-but-relatable characters, you might find Hornby’s style appealing.
Colson Whitehead is an author known for his creative storytelling and unique approaches to familiar themes. One of his books, “The Intuitionist,” is set in a world where elevator inspectors wield unexpected power and influence.
The story follows Lila Mae Watson, the first Black female inspector, as she navigates a mystery full of political schemes and rivalries between two competing factions of inspectors.
The book mixes a vivid urban setting with thoughtful commentary on race and progress, creating a memorable journey through a strange yet fascinating world. Fans of Kevin Wilson might find Whitehead’s sharp attention to character and inventive plotlines interesting.
Curtis Sittenfeld writes stories that explore relationships and personal struggles in a way that feels very real. Her book “Eligible” is a modern retelling of “Pride and Prejudice,” set in Cincinnati.
Liz and her sister Jane are caught up in family drama, romantic tension, and the chaos of a reality TV show, all while trying to navigate their own lives. Sittenfeld’s ability to update familiar characters and situations makes the story fresh and fun to read.