If you enjoy reading books by Maria Semple then you might also like the following authors:
Books by Helen Fielding offer the same sharp wit and clever humor that Maria Semple fans appreciate. Helen Fielding created the popular character Bridget Jones, whose adventures first unfold in “Bridget Jones’s Diary.”
Bridget is a single woman in her thirties who juggles career stress, quirky friends, and messy romantic situations.
Through Bridget’s hilarious diary, readers see her navigate awkward social encounters, obsession with self-help books, and her amusing attempts at self-improvement. It’s funny, relatable, and full of charm, just the sort of engaging voice Maria Semple readers often enjoy.
Readers who enjoy the witty humor and quirky characters of Maria Semple may appreciate Nick Hornby’s writing style. Hornby’s novel “About a Boy” is a charming, funny, and sometimes touching story.
It revolves around Will Freeman, a carefree bachelor who avoids responsibilities at all costs. His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Marcus, a socially awkward young boy coping with a difficult home life.
Their unusual friendship develops into something heartfelt and sincere, filled with Hornby’s trademark humor and sharp, relatable insights about modern life.
Fans of Semple’s clever storytelling and memorable characters are likely to enjoy Hornby’s lively narrative and emotional honesty.
Sophie Kinsella is an author known for humor and sharp observations about modern life, similar to Maria Semple’s style. In her novel “I’ve Got Your Number,” Kinsella introduces readers to Poppy Wyatt, who loses her engagement ring just before her wedding.
To make things worse, her phone gets stolen the same day. When she finds an abandoned mobile phone, Poppy starts using it temporarily but soon gets involved in the private life of its owner.
The story takes funny twists and turns with text message mishaps, secrets revealed through emails, and some hilarious sparring over whose life is more chaotic.
If you love character-driven stories filled with humor, misunderstandings, and relatable situations, Sophie Kinsella’s work might be just what you’re looking for.
If you enjoy Maria Semple’s sharp humor and keen observations of everyday chaos, you’ll probably appreciate Lolly Winston. Her book “Good Grief” tells the story of Sophie Stanton, a young widow who struggles to find her way after an unexpected loss.
Rather than being weighed down by sorrow, Sophie faces life’s unpredictability with humor, resilience, and warmth. The author creates situations and scenes that are both funny and touching.
For instance, Sophie’s attempt at joining a grief support group leads to unexpected comedic moments that balance the sadness with light-hearted charm.
Lolly Winston’s style blends humor and genuine emotional depth, making her novels accessible and enjoyable for those drawn to stories filled with quirky characters and honest insights.
Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney has a talent for crafting humor and charmingly flawed characters, similar to what readers enjoy in Maria Semple’s novels.
Her debut novel “The Nest” follows the Plumb family: four adult siblings whose relationships are strained in the wake of their dwindling inheritance.
Set against the lively backdrop of New York City, the story offers clever observations about family dynamics, privilege, and the real meaning of security.
Sweeney blends humor and warmth, giving readers an authentic look at family tensions, personal ambition, and the unexpected turns life can take.
If you’re drawn to Maria Semple’s wit and insightful storytelling, Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney’s engaging narratives and sharp character development may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Joshilyn Jackson writes novels full of relatable characters, humor, and sharp dialogue. Her book “The Almost Sisters” blends family secrets, small-town charm, and a quirky sense of humor.
Leia Birch, a comic book artist, unexpectedly discovers she’s pregnant after a one-night stand at a comic book convention. Returning to her grandmother’s Southern hometown, she soon uncovers some family secrets.
Readers who enjoy Maria Semple’s “Where’d You Go, Bernadette” will find similar wit and warmth in Jackson’s writing.
Emily Giffin writes witty, relatable stories about friendship, romance, and life’s complex decisions, perfect for readers who enjoyed Maria Semple’s humor and depth.
In her novel “Something Borrowed,” Rachel finds herself in a messy situation when she falls for her best friend Darcy’s fiancé. As Rachel navigates the blurred lines between loyalty and desire, readers explore the emotional struggle of wanting what you shouldn’t.
With humor, sharp dialogue, and well-crafted characters, Giffin captures the complicated layers of friendship and love in a smart, engaging style.
David Nicholls is a British novelist known for his witty and relatable writing style. If you’re a fan of Maria Semple’s humorous yet insightful novels, you might enjoy Nicholls’ “Us.”
This novel follows Douglas Petersen, a mild-mannered scientist whose marriage is suddenly in trouble. To reconnect with his wife Connie and teenage son Albie, Douglas plans a sightseeing trip across Europe. However, the carefully organized vacation does not go as planned.
What was supposed to be a trip of family bonding quickly becomes full of mishaps and comedic misunderstandings. Nicholls skillfully explores family dynamics, love, and the hilarious complexities of everyday life.
Rebecca Serle is an author known for her witty and heartfelt stories, which should resonate with readers who enjoy Maria Semple’s “Where’d You Go, Bernadette”.
Serle’s novel “In Five Years” introduces us to Dannie Kohan, a meticulous planner whose life is going just as she’d envisioned. She nails her most important job interview and accepts a marriage proposal on the very same day.
But when she wakes up the next morning, she finds herself five years in the future, beside a man who is definitely not her fiancé. When Dannie returns to her regular timeline, she becomes determined to keep the strange vision from becoming her reality.
Yet, years later, when she meets the mysterious man again under surprising circumstances, Dannie begins questioning everything she thought she knew about her fate and desires. Serle offers readers a clever blend of humor, heartache, and unexpected twists.
Tina Fey is a writer, comedian, and actress with a witty, sharp narrative style that readers of Maria Semple may easily relate to. Her memoir, “Bossypants,” explores Fey’s path from her awkward early years to her success on TV shows such as Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock.
She shares lively anecdotes about the challenges of comedy writing and offers humorous insights into the entertainment business and everyday life’s absurd moments.
Fans of the quick wit and humorous observations that fill Semple’s stories will find plenty of laughs in Fey’s engaging storytelling style.
Marian Keyes is an Irish author known for stories full of sharp humor and relatable characters. Her style blends comedy, tenderness, and honesty in a way that readers who appreciate Maria Semple’s work will enjoy greatly.
In her novel “Rachel’s Holiday,” Keyes introduces Rachel Walsh, a woman convinced her partying is nothing unusual—until an accidental overdose brings her reluctant family into the picture.
They send her off to a rehab center, which Rachel imagines as glamorous but finds to be anything but.
Through humor, misunderstandings, and a strong dose of self-reflection, Rachel’s perception of her life and relationships slowly transforms, offering readers laughs and insight side by side.
Books by Jennifer Weiner offer smart humor, sharp observations, and characters you’ll recognize from everyday life.
Her novel “Good in Bed” introduces us to Cannie Shapiro, a witty and relatable journalist who unexpectedly finds herself in the spotlight after her ex-boyfriend publishes a revealing article titled “Loving a Larger Woman.”
Cannie’s life takes surprising turns as she copes with public attention, family drama, professional ups and downs, and unexpected romance. The story blends humor, warmth, and insight, making it an enjoyable read for anyone who appreciates Maria Semple’s style.
Aimee Bender is an author whose quirky, imaginative novels and sharp storytelling could appeal to readers fond of Maria Semple.
Her novel, “The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake,” tells the story of Rose Edelstein, a young girl who discovers she has a strange gift: she feels the emotions of people in the food they cook.
What might seem like a delicious talent quickly turns tricky, as Rose tastes unexpected sorrows and secrets from her own family.
Bender mixes emotional insight with a pinch of the magical, creating a story that explores family relationships and the hidden feelings we all keep tucked away.
Readers who appreciate Semple’s precise humor and relatable characters might find Bender’s stories equally captivating.
Readers who enjoy Maria Semple’s witty explorations of contemporary life will likely appreciate Jane Green. Green writes engaging novels filled with humor, warmth and relatable characters facing everyday challenges.
One standout novel is “Jemima J,” a lively story about Jemima Jones, whose life feels ordinary and overlooked until she decides to reinvent herself through an online persona.
As Jemima navigates love, friendship and her own self-image, readers follow a heartfelt and funny journey toward self-acceptance. Jane Green’s approachable style and charming characters resonate well with fans of Maria Semple’s smart, humorous storytelling.
Readers who enjoyed Maria Semple’s witty and sharp storytelling might find a great match in Elin Hilderbrand. Known for her engaging novels set in Nantucket, Hilderbrand captures personal relationships, family drama, and life’s unexpected turns with warmth and humor.
In “The Identicals,” she tells the story of twin sisters, Harper and Tabitha Frost, separated by family conflict and physical distance until circumstances force them back together.
When life pushes them to switch islands—and lives—the twins must confront not only old grudges but also secrets buried deep in their past.
Hilderbrand skillfully portrays the family dynamics, misunderstandings, humor, and tender moments of reconciliation, making it very hard to put the book down.