If you enjoy reading books by Tao Lin then you might also like the following authors:
Ottessa Moshfegh writes stories that explore characters who often feel isolated or disconnected. In “Eileen,” she tells the story of a young woman working at a juvenile prison, caught in the bleak routine of her life until she gets tangled up in something dark.
“My Year of Rest and Relaxation” focuses on a woman trying to escape her reality by putting herself into a year-long drug-induced sleep. Her books have a mix of humor and discomfort, with characters that feel raw and flawed.
Fans of Tao Lin might find her work intriguing for its honest, pared-down approach to human struggles.
Sheila Heti is known for her unique approach to storytelling. In “How Should a Person Be?”, she explores questions about identity, friendship, and art through a blend of fiction and memoir.
“Motherhood” looks at the decision whether or not to have children, touching on freedom and self-discovery. These books often feel personal and thought-provoking.
Ben Lerner writes books that mix personal reflection with sharp observations about modern life. His novel “Leaving the Atocha Station” follows a young poet in Spain, exploring his insecurities and artistic struggles.
“10:04” focuses on a writer dealing with success, health issues, and relationships, set against the backdrop of a changing New York City. If you enjoy writers like Tao Lin, Lerner’s style might catch your interest.
Miranda July wrote “No One Belongs Here More Than You” and “The First Bad Man”. “No One Belongs Here More Than You” is a collection of stories about loneliness, strange connections, and the quirks of human relationships.
“The First Bad Man” is a novel about a woman learning to navigate her odd and sometimes messy life, as well as the unexpected bonds she forms along the way.
Bret Easton Ellis writes stories that explore the cold and detached side of modern life. His novel “Less Than Zero” follows a group of wealthy and aimless teens in Los Angeles, showing their disconnection and moral decay.
“American Psycho” takes a darker turn, focusing on a Wall Street banker who hides violent urges beneath a polished surface. If you’re into observing flawed, drifting characters, his books might catch your interest.
Jenny Offill writes books that are thoughtful and unique. Her novel “Dept. of Speculation” looks at the ups and downs of marriage and family life. Another book, “Weather,” focuses on a librarian worrying about the future while navigating everyday concerns.
Both are filled with short, punchy observations that stick with you.
Lydia Davis writes in a way that’s minimal and sharp, often zooming in on small moments or thoughts. Her book “The End of the Story” explores memory and the complexities of a breakup.
In “Varieties of Disturbance,” she uses short pieces to capture strange, everyday observations and emotions. Fans of Tao Lin’s direct style and focus on inner life might find her work fascinating.
Frederick Barthelme writes books that often explore ordinary life and human connections. In “Second Marriage,” he tells a story about relationships and the challenges of starting over.
“The Brothers” follows two siblings as they navigate loss and unexpected changes in their lives. His work tends to focus on small moments that reveal bigger truths about people.
Rachel Cusk writes in a way that feels direct and stripped down. Her novel “Outline” follows a writer teaching in Greece while having conversations that reveal more about others than herself.
“Transit” focuses on changes in a woman’s life as she renovates her house and navigates her relationships. If you like Tao Lin’s introspective approach, you might find her work interesting too.
David Foster Wallace wrote books that explore complex ideas and human experiences. His novel “Infinite Jest” is about addiction, entertainment, and relationships in a surreal future.
“The Pale King” looks at boredom, work, and the small struggles of life through the lens of IRS employees. These books are known for their depth and unique style.
Dennis Cooper writes in a raw and minimalist style that gets right to the point. His novel “Closer” is a dark story about obsession and the complexities of teenage relationships. “Frisk” pushes boundaries with its exploration of violence and desire.
If you’re into personal, unfiltered narratives like Tao Lin’s, Cooper’s work might grab your attention.
Kathy Acker wrote bold and unconventional novels that often broke traditional storytelling rules. “Blood and Guts in High School” explores themes of power, identity, and rebellion through a fragmented narrative.
“Empire of the Senseless” combines punk energy with dystopian elements, focusing on societal collapse and resistance. Her work challenges readers with its rawness and experimental style.
Sam Pink writes stories that feel raw and close to real life. His novel “Person” is about a man drifting through loneliness and weird connections in Chicago. Another one, “The Garbage Times/White Ibis,” dives into jobs, relationships, and moments of dark humor.
If you like Tao Lin’s stripped-down style and focus on everyday experiences, you might find his work interesting.
Megan Boyle wrote “Liveblog” and “Selected Unpublished Blog Posts of a Mexican Panda Express Employee”. “Liveblog” is a long, unfiltered account of her daily life over a few months, covering thoughts, feelings, and moments in real time.
“Selected Unpublished Blog Posts of a Mexican Panda Express Employee” is a mix of personal writings, looking at experiences and emotions with honesty and humor. Both books explore raw and personal themes.
Chris Kraus is a writer known for blending fiction and memoir to explore art, relationships, and identity. Her book “I Love Dick” focuses on a woman, Chris, who becomes obsessed with a man named Dick.
She writes him a series of letters that reveal her struggles with love, self-worth, and creative expression. The story flips between her personal life, her crumbling marriage, and her intense fixation, pulling the reader into her emotional world.
It’s raw and deeply personal, with sharp observations about desire and independence.