What Books Are Similar To Trouble And Her Friends?

If you loved the gritty, fast-paced world of 'Trouble Is My Business', you might want to dive into Raymond Chandler’s other works like 'The Big Sleep' or 'Farewell, My Lovely'. Marlowe’s sharp wit and the seedy underbelly of LA are just as captivating there. But if you’re craving something fresh, Dashiell Hammett’s 'The Maltese Falcon' is a must—Sam Spade’s no-nonsense attitude and the twisty plot will hook you. For a modern twist, Paul Auster’s 'The New York Trilogy' plays with detective tropes in a surreal, meta way. It’s less about fistfights and more about existential puzzles, but the noir vibe is strong. And if you’re into morally gray protagonists, James Ellroy’s 'L.A. Confidential' is a brutal, stylish ride through corruption and crime. I still think about its dialogue weeks after finishing it.

If you enjoyed 'I Ran Into Some Trouble', you might love 'The Art of Getting By'—it’s got that same blend of dry humor and existential dread wrapped in a seemingly simple plot. The protagonist’s voice feels so authentic, like they’re whispering their chaotic life straight into your ear. Another gem is 'How to Disappear Completely', which tackles similar themes of self-sabotage and redemption, but with a surreal twist that keeps you guessing. For something lighter but equally sharp, 'Things You Save in a Fire' balances wit with heartfelt moments, perfect if you crave emotional depth without melodrama. And if you’re into unconventional narratives, 'Convenience Store Woman' delivers that quirky, slice-of-life vibe with a protagonist who defies societal expectations in the most quietly rebellious way. Honestly, any of these could scratch that itch for relatable yet offbeat storytelling.

If you loved 'Friends with the Monsters' for its quirky blend of dark humor and supernatural friendships, you might want to check out 'The Monster Baru Cormorant' by Seth Dickinson. It’s got this incredible mix of political intrigue and monstrous entities that feel almost human—or maybe it’s the other way around. The way Dickinson writes about power and identity through the lens of something not quite human reminds me of the same vibes in 'Friends with the Monsters.' Another title that comes to mind is 'The Girl with All the Gifts' by M.R. Carey. It’s a bit more dystopian, but the relationship between the girl and her 'monsters' is so nuanced and heartbreakingly beautiful. It’s like the author took the idea of monstrous friendships and cranked it up to eleven with a side of existential dread. Both books have that same ability to make you question who the real monsters are—and maybe laugh a little while you’re at it.

If you enjoyed 'The Trouble with Anna' for its blend of psychological tension and dark humor, you might love 'Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine' by Gail Honeyman. Both books center around quirky, socially awkward female protagonists who navigate life with a mix of absurdity and hidden trauma. Anna's sharp wit and gradual unraveling reminded me so much of Eleanor's journey—except Eleanor's story leans more into heartwarming redemption. Another great pick is 'Convenience Store Woman' by Sayaka Murata. It’s got that same offbeat charm, but with a quieter, almost surreal vibe. Keiko, the protagonist, is like Anna if she’d leaned into her strangeness instead of fighting it. The deadpan humor and societal critique hit similar notes, though Murata’s style is more minimalist. For something darker, 'My Year of Rest and Relaxation' by Ottessa Moshfegh explores self-destructive isolation with a biting,Anna-esque voice.

If you loved 'The Catastrophic Friendship Fails of Lottie Brooks' for its hilarious yet relatable middle-school chaos, you might enjoy 'Dork Diaries' by Rachel Renée Russell. It’s packed with doodles, drama, and cringe-worthy moments that feel like they were ripped straight from a tween’s diary. Nikki Maxwell’s misadventures with friendships, crushes, and school rivalries have the same vibe—awkward, sweet, and painfully real. Another gem is 'Awkward' by Svetlana Chmakova, a graphic novel that nails the middle-school social minefield. The protagonist, Peppi, accidentally shoves the school’s biggest nerd on her first day and spends the rest of the story digging herself out of that hole. It’s got heart, humor, and a cast of characters so authentic you’ll swear you’ve met them in real life. For something with a bit more British flair, 'My Life series' by Liz Rettig captures the same blend of cringe and charm as Lottie’s escapades.

If you loved the dynamic friendships and rivalries in 'Friends and Enemies,' you might enjoy 'The Selection' series by Kiera Cass. It blends romance and political intrigue with a strong focus on relationships—both friendly and antagonistic. The protagonist navigates a competitive environment while forming deep bonds, much like the themes in 'Friends and Enemies.' Another great pick is 'The Gilded Wolves' by Roshani Chokshi, where a found family trope meets high-stakes heists. The banter and tension between characters feel similar, and the way alliances shift keeps you hooked. For something more contemporary, 'Tweet Cute' by Emma Lord captures rivalries turning into something deeper, with witty dialogue and heartwarming moments.

If you loved 'Friends Like These' for its mix of sharp humor, complex friendships, and the messy reality of adulthood, you're in for a treat with a few other gems that hit the same notes. One that immediately comes to mind is 'The Interestings' by Meg Wolitzer. It follows a group of friends who meet at a summer camp and traces their lives over decades, exploring how their bonds shift with time, success, and envy. The way Wolitzer digs into the dynamics of lifelong friendships—how they can be both sustaining and suffocating—feels so real, much like 'Friends Like These.' There’s also this undercurrent of nostalgia and the tension between who you were and who you become, which I think resonates deeply. Another fantastic pick is 'Conversations with Friends' by Sally Rooney. While it’s often compared to 'Normal People,' I actually think it’s closer in spirit to 'Friends Like These' because of how it unpacks the intricacies of friendship and the blurred lines between platonic and romantic connections. Rooney’s writing is so raw and observant, especially when she delves into the power imbalances and unspoken tensions between friends. If you enjoyed the way 'Friends Like These' portrayed friendships as these living, evolving things that aren’t always pretty, this one’s a must-read. Plus, the dialogue is just chef’s kiss—so natural and biting. For something with a darker edge, 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt might scratch that itch. It’s about a tight-knit group of college students whose bond is forged (and eventually fractured) by a shared secret. The way Tartt explores loyalty, obsession, and the toxicity that can lurk beneath seemingly ideal friendships is chillingly good. It’s more intense than 'Friends Like These,' but if you’re into stories where friendships are both the salvation and the downfall of the characters, this is a masterpiece. I still think about certain scenes years after reading it—that’s how much it sticks with you. Lastly, if you’re after something lighter but still packed with heart and humor, 'The Group' by Mary McCarthy is a classic worth revisiting. It follows eight female friends after their graduation from Vassar in the 1930s, and while the setting’s different, the themes—how friendships change as life pulls people in different directions—feel timeless. McCarthy’s wit and keen eye for social dynamics make it a joy to read, even when it’s cutting deep. It’s like watching a beautifully crafted drama unfold among people who know each other too well, flaws and all.

Oh, if you loved 'Unfortunate Friends', you're in for a treat! There's a whole world of emotionally complex, character-driven stories out there that scratch that same itch. I recently stumbled upon 'The Lightness of Hands' by Jeff Garvin, which has that same blend of raw vulnerability and dark humor. It follows a bipolar teen grappling with her father's failing magic act, and wow, does it hit hard. Another gem is 'The Serpent King' by Jeff Zentner—three misfit friends in small-town Tennessee navigating family trauma, religion, and dreams bigger than their circumstances. The way Zentner writes about friendship feels so painfully real, like he reached into my high school memories. For something more surreal but equally moving, 'We Are Okay' by Nina LaCour is a quiet storm of grief and healing that lingers long after the last page.

The charm of 'Trouble with Trolls' lies in its whimsical adventure and the way it blends folklore with a cozy, mischievous tone. If you loved that, you might enjoy 'The Hobbit'—it’s got that same mix of lighthearted danger and mythical creatures, though with a grander scale. For something closer to the picture book vibe, 'The Gruffalo' by Julia Donaldson is perfect; it’s got clever protagonists outsmarting fantastical beasts in a forest setting. Another gem is 'Where the Wild Things Are'—it captures that wild, imaginative energy with creatures that feel both scary and endearing. And if you’re into Scandinavian folklore, 'East of the Sun, West of the Moon' retellings often feature trolls in enchanting, slightly eerie tales. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve reread these, and they never lose their magic.

If you enjoyed the raw, unfiltered energy of 'Trouble', you might find 'Go' by Kazuki Kaneshiro equally gripping. Both dive deep into the lives of young protagonists navigating societal pressures, but 'Go' adds a cross-cultural romance that gives it a unique flavor. The protagonist’s struggle with identity and belonging resonates in a way that feels both personal and universal. Another title that comes to mind is 'Out' by Natsuo Kirino. While darker in tone, it shares 'Trouble’s' gritty realism and exploration of marginalized lives. The way Kirino portrays women trapped in desperate circumstances is hauntingly similar to how 'Trouble' handles its characters. For something lighter but still edgy, 'Blue Flag' by Kaito tackles adolescence with a mix of tenderness and rebellion.