If you enjoy reading books by Raven Leilani then you might also like the following authors:
If you like Raven Leilani's honest examinations of relationships and modern anxieties, you'll probably enjoy Sally Rooney. Rooney's style is clear and direct, focusing on internal emotions and the small details of conversation.
Her novel Normal People captures the complexities of intimacy, class, and personal struggles through the evolving relationship between two young people.
Ottessa Moshfegh writes assertively about flawed characters wrestling with loneliness, identity, and society's pressures. Her style combines dark humor, unsettling honesty, and a close examination of uncomfortable truths.
One notable book, My Year of Rest and Relaxation, explores a woman's desire to escape her inner turmoil by sleeping away an entire year, pushing readers to reflect on isolation and self-awareness.
For fans of Raven Leilani looking for thought-provoking stories about identity, race, and belonging, Zadie Smith is an ideal choice. Smith writes vividly about multicultural experiences, often incorporating multiple perspectives into her novels.
White Teeth offers a witty and insightful look at intersecting cultures and family relationships set in modern London.
Candice Carty-Williams brings warmth, humor, and emotional honesty to her writing, similar to what draws readers to Raven Leilani.
Her novel Queenie addresses issues of mental health, racism, and identity through the eyes of a relatable protagonist navigating life and love in London. She writes openly and authentically, making Queenie's struggles feel familiar and real.
Like Raven Leilani, Kiley Reid's writing offers sharp insights into race, privilege, and young adulthood. Reid's style is engaging, conversational, and full of wit, inviting readers to connect deeply with her characters.
Her debut novel Such a Fun Age follows the story of a young Black babysitter and her complicated relationship with her white employer, exploring modern racial dynamics and the gray areas within conversations about privilege.
Brandon Taylor writes thoughtful stories about relationships, identity, race, and belonging. His style is insightful and quietly intense, often exploring subtle tensions in ordinary moments.
In his novel Real Life, Taylor tells the story of Wallace, a Black graduate student navigating the pressures of friendship, romance, academia, and loneliness in a mostly white university setting. It's a sensitive and honest portrayal of isolation and connection.
Halle Butler creates darkly funny stories that capture the absurdity and grim realities of everyday life, especially in the workplace. Her humor is sharp and sometimes uncomfortable, highlighting characters who feel trapped or disillusioned.
A great example is her novel The New Me. It follows Millie, a young office worker struggling with monotony, dissatisfaction, and the elusive hope of change. Butler wonderfully blends humor and existential dread in this relatable read.
Miranda July tells quirky stories filled with offbeat characters. Her style feels playful and sincere at once, with narratives that spotlight the humorous and strange sides of everyday human interactions.
In her novel The First Bad Man, July introduces readers to Cheryl, an eccentric character whose routine life is disrupted when a volatile younger woman moves in.
It's a unique exploration of loneliness, vulnerability, and human desire, all filtered through July's distinctively odd and heartfelt style.
Sheila Heti is known for her experimental and deeply personal narratives. She mixes fiction, memoir, philosophy, and dialogue, making her books feel intimate and honest. In her novel Motherhood, Heti explores the complicated decision of whether to have children.
Through a narrator who closely mirrors herself, Heti examines societal expectations, personal identity, and creativity with candor and thoughtful self-reflection.
Elif Batuman writes clever and engaging fiction that captures young adulthood and intellectual curiosity with wit and humor. Her narratives often center around academic settings, cultural exploration, and personal growth.
In her novel The Idiot, Batuman follows Selin, a Turkish-American freshman at Harvard, as she navigates awkwardness, crushes, friendship, and literary ambitions with delightful clarity and humor.
Batuman artfully conveys the confusion and excitement of stepping into adulthood in a way that's both funny and relatable.
Bryan Washington writes stories grounded in realism that explore complex human relationships, sexuality, race, and identity. His writing is raw but compassionate, capturing everyday experiences through honest dialogue and vivid scenes.
His debut novel, Memorial, follows an interracial gay couple navigating the complexity of love, family, and cultural expectations, making it great for those who appreciate Raven Leilani's candid portrayals of modern relationships.
Ling Ma offers insightful narratives set against unconventional backgrounds that examine contemporary anxieties, isolation, and the feeling of displacement.
Her novel Severance blends dark humor and sharp social commentary in a surreal yet believable story about a young woman navigating an apocalypse. If you appreciate Raven Leilani's sharp social insight, Ling Ma's work should resonate strongly.
Jia Tolentino writes sharp, thoughtful essays that examine popular culture, feminism, internet culture, and identity. Her essay collection, Trick Mirror, offers honest and sometimes uncomfortable reflections on contemporary life and self-awareness.
Readers who admire Raven Leilani's intelligent observations and fearless honesty will likely appreciate Tolentino's work as well.
Kristen Arnett creates darkly humorous fiction that delves into themes of family, identity, and queer experience, often set in quirky, vivid settings. Her novel Mostly Dead Things is an offbeat story about grief, taxidermy, and family drama in a distinctly Florida environment.
If you enjoy Raven Leilani's clever prose and unconventional characters, Kristen Arnett's books will likely speak to you.
Sayaka Murata's writing often features unconventional characters struggling to fit societal expectations, exploring themes of alienation, conformity, and the search for meaning.
Her novel Convenience Store Woman portrays the story of a woman who finds purpose and comfort in the routine of her convenience store job, despite constant societal pressure.
Murata's precise yet quirky storytelling pairs well with Raven Leilani's sharp-eyed critique of modern society and expectations.