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What Books Are Similar To Self Made Boys?
2026-03-09 14:29:10
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If you loved 'Self-Made Boys' for its witty reimagining of classic literature with a modern twist, you might find 'The Chosen and the Beautiful' by Nghi Vo equally captivating. It’s a retelling of 'The Great Gatsby' from Jordan Baker’s perspective, infused with magic and queer themes, much like how 'Self-Made Boys' breathes new life into Fitzgerald’s world. Vo’s prose is lush and immersive, and the way she subverts the original narrative while staying true to its spirit is downright brilliant. I couldn’t put it down, and it left me with that same bittersweet ache I got from 'Self-Made Boys.'
Another gem is 'The Davenports' by Krystal Marquis, which explores Black high society in early 1900s Chicago. While it’s not a retelling, it shares that same vibe of ambitious characters navigating love, class, and identity in a glamorous but restrictive era. The dialogue crackles with tension, and the romance threads are swoon-worthy. It’s got that mix of historical depth and contemporary sensibility that made 'Self-Made Boys' feel so fresh. Plus, if you’re into found family dynamics and sharp social commentary, this one’s a must-read.
For something with a bit more fantasy flair, 'Last Night at the Telegraph Club' by Malinda Lo hits similar notes. Set in 1950s San Francisco, it follows a Chinese-American girl discovering her sexuality amid the Red Scare. The historical setting is meticulously researched, and the emotional stakes are sky-high. Like 'Self-Made Boys,' it balances personal struggles with broader societal pressures, and the love story is tender yet fierce. I finished it in one sitting and immediately wanted to reread—it’s that kind of book.
And if you’re after more Gatsby-esque vibes but with a darker edge, 'Bunny' by Mona Awad might intrigue you. It’s a surreal, satirical take on academia and female friendship, dripping with the same sharp wit and stylistic daring as 'Self-Made Boys.' The tone’s wildly different (think horror-comedy), but the thematic depth and unapologetic queerness resonate. It’s like if Gatsby’s parties were hosted by a coven of grad students—utterly bonkers and impossible to forget. Honestly, my bookshelf feels richer just having these alongside 'Self-Made Boys.'
Another gem is 'The Davenports' by Krystal Marquis, which explores Black high society in early 1900s Chicago. While it’s not a retelling, it shares that same vibe of ambitious characters navigating love, class, and identity in a glamorous but restrictive era. The dialogue crackles with tension, and the romance threads are swoon-worthy. It’s got that mix of historical depth and contemporary sensibility that made 'Self-Made Boys' feel so fresh. Plus, if you’re into found family dynamics and sharp social commentary, this one’s a must-read.
For something with a bit more fantasy flair, 'Last Night at the Telegraph Club' by Malinda Lo hits similar notes. Set in 1950s San Francisco, it follows a Chinese-American girl discovering her sexuality amid the Red Scare. The historical setting is meticulously researched, and the emotional stakes are sky-high. Like 'Self-Made Boys,' it balances personal struggles with broader societal pressures, and the love story is tender yet fierce. I finished it in one sitting and immediately wanted to reread—it’s that kind of book.
And if you’re after more Gatsby-esque vibes but with a darker edge, 'Bunny' by Mona Awad might intrigue you. It’s a surreal, satirical take on academia and female friendship, dripping with the same sharp wit and stylistic daring as 'Self-Made Boys.' The tone’s wildly different (think horror-comedy), but the thematic depth and unapologetic queerness resonate. It’s like if Gatsby’s parties were hosted by a coven of grad students—utterly bonkers and impossible to forget. Honestly, my bookshelf feels richer just having these alongside 'Self-Made Boys.'
2026-03-10 17:15:22
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