If you enjoy reading books by Kiley Reid then you might also like the following authors:
Brit Bennett writes stories that explore family, identity, and the choices that shape lives. Her novel “The Vanishing Half” follows the lives of twin sisters who grow up in a small Black community in the South.
One sister stays rooted in their hometown, while the other passes for white and builds a new life without looking back. The story spans decades, showing how their decisions ripple across generations and affect those around them in ways they never expected.
Taylor Jenkins Reid writes character-driven stories that focus on relationships, fame, and personal struggles. One of her popular novels, “Daisy Jones & The Six,” tells the story of a fictional 1970s rock band as they rise to stardom and then fall apart.
The book is written as an oral history, with interviews from the band members and those close to them. You get to see the complicated dynamic between Daisy, a wild and talented singer, and Billy, the disciplined frontman with his own demons.
Their chemistry—and conflict—feels alive on the page, making you curious about why their band broke up at the height of their success. It feels like you’re reading a behind-the-scenes documentary.
Celeste Ng writes stories that explore families, relationships, and the secrets people keep from one another.
Her book, “Little Fires Everywhere,” takes place in a tight-knit suburban community where an artist and her daughter move in, stirring up questions about privilege, race, and motherhood.
The story focuses on two families and how their lives become deeply intertwined, as unspoken truths and long-held choices lead to intense conflict.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian author known for her vivid storytelling and nuanced characters. One of her acclaimed works, “Americanah,” follows the journey of Ifemelu, a young Nigerian woman who moves to America for university.
The novel explores her experiences with race, identity, and love as she navigates life in a new country and reflects on her past in Nigeria. Ifemelu eventually starts a blog where she shares her sharp observations about race in America.
The story offers a fresh perspective on cultural clashes and what it means to belong.
Sally Rooney writes stories about young adults finding their way through complicated relationships and modern life.
Her novel, “Normal People,” follows Marianne and Connell, two Irish teens from different social backgrounds, as their lives weave together through high school and college.
The story looks at how their connection shifts over time, shaped by misunderstandings, unspoken feelings, and societal pressures. Rooney’s style feels intimate, with characters who are flawed but deeply relatable.
Brittainy C. Cherry writes emotional stories that focus on human relationships and life’s challenges. In her book “The Air He Breathes,” she tells the story of Elizabeth and Tristan, two people struggling with grief after losing loved ones.
When they meet, their pain brings them together in unexpected ways, creating a connection that feels raw and real. It’s a story about healing, forgiveness, and finding hope in the darkest moments.
Cherry has a talent for exploring the layers of love and loss in a way that feels deeply personal.
Curtis Sittenfeld writes stories that explore relationships, social dynamics, and the complexities of modern life. Her novel “Eligible” is a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice.”
It follows Liz Bennet, a magazine writer who returns to her family home in Cincinnati, where her parents are eager to fix her and her sisters up with wealthy suitors.
The story introduces a sharp, witty version of Mr. Darcy, a neurosurgeon who clashes with Liz before sparks eventually fly. With its lively adaptation of familiar characters, the book captures both humor and heart.
Zadie Smith writes with sharpness and humor, creating stories that explore relationships, identity, and the complexities of where we come from. In her novel “White Teeth,” she tells the story of two families in London, the Joneses and the Iqbals.
The book spans generations, showing how their histories collide in unexpected ways. From war-torn Jamaica to suburban England, the novel captures the messiness of family life and cultural clashes.
Characters like Archie, with his impulsive decisions, and Samad, who struggles to hold onto tradition, bring the story to life. Smith balances serious themes with moments of wit, making her characters feel real and their struggles relatable.
Tayari Jones is an author known for writing novels that explore complex relationships and societal challenges with a clear, heartfelt voice.
Her book “An American Marriage” tells the story of a young Black couple, Celestial and Roy, whose lives are disrupted when Roy is wrongfully imprisoned. The story examines how their bond is tested over time, especially as Celestial begins to find success in her career.
The emotional depth and realistic characters make it easy to get immersed in their lives.
Jasmine Guillory writes romantic comedies that feel grounded in real life, with characters who are easy to connect with. Her book “The Wedding Date” begins when Alexa and Drew meet in a stalled elevator.
Drew needs a date for a wedding, so Alexa agrees to go as his fake girlfriend. What starts as a convenient arrangement turns into something more as they navigate the ups and downs of balancing their personal and professional lives.
It’s filled with charm, relatable challenges, and sparks that make the story feel alive. If you enjoy books with smart dialogue and modern relationships, you might enjoy her work.
Raven Leilani writes stories that are sharp and vivid, with characters who feel real and flawed. Her novel, “Luster,” is about a young Black woman named Edie, who stumbles into an unusual relationship with an older married man and his wife.
Edie moves into their home, where she connects with their adopted Black daughter while grappling with her own struggles. The book is bold and messy in a way that makes it hard to ignore.
If you enjoy Kiley Reid’s focus on race, relationships, and generational divides, Leilani’s work might catch your interest.
Angie Thomas is an author who writes stories rooted in real-life struggles, told through voices that feel genuine and relatable.
Her book “The Hate U Give” follows Starr Carter, a sixteen-year-old girl who witnesses the fatal shooting of her unarmed best friend, Khalil, by a police officer.
As the event gains national attention, Starr finds herself caught between the world of her mostly white prep school and her home in a poor Black neighborhood. The story explores how Starr navigates the pressure to speak out while trying to protect herself and her family.
Kevin Kwan is an author known for writing stories about the extravagant lives of the wealthy. His book “Crazy Rich Asians” offers a peek into the world of ultra-rich families in Singapore.
The story follows Rachel Chu, a professor who travels to Singapore with her boyfriend, Nick Young, only to discover that he comes from one of the richest families in Asia.
The book is filled with lavish parties, family drama, and unexpected secrets, set against a backdrop of luxury and tradition.
Lisa Taddeo is an author known for exploring human desires and relationships with a level of honesty that feels raw and real. Her book, “Three Women,” is a non-fiction account of the intimate lives of three women from different backgrounds.
It dives into their experiences with passion, love, and power dynamics. One woman struggles in a marriage where her desires go ignored. Another becomes involved with her high school teacher. A third fights to reclaim a sense of control after a toxic relationship.
The book reads almost like fiction because of how closely Taddeo follows their inner lives. It captures emotions that are both specific and universal.
Lauren Groff is an author known for her richly written stories that often explore relationships and the complexities of human behavior. Her novel, “Fates and Furies,” looks at a marriage from two sharply contrasting perspectives.
The husband’s view paints a vibrant, dreamy life, while the wife’s lens reveals hidden truths and buried emotions that reshape the entire story. It’s the kind of book where every detail feels intentional, leaving you curious about what’s not immediately obvious.
If you’re drawn to sharp character studies and nuanced storytelling, Groff might be worth checking out.