11 of the Best Heartfelt Books like Every Last Word

Are you a fan of Tamara Ireland Stone’s heartwarming exploration of mental health, friendship, and self-discovery in “Every Last Word”? If you’ve been touched by this compelling novel, get ready to embark on a literary adventure as we present you with 11 handpicked books like Every Last Word that share the same themes and emotional depth. From captivating coming-of-age stories to heartwarming tales of personal growth and resilience, these novels promise to keep you engaged and inspired, just like your favorite read.

Books like Every Last Word

Join us on this journey as we introduce you to the perfect companions for your next captivating reading experience!

Challenger Deep (2015)

by Neal Shusterman

This is a YA novel that, like ‘Every Last Word,’ offers a poignant exploration of mental illness. The story revolves around Caden Bosch, a high school student, who alternates between his real life and a surreal, maritime journey called Challenger Deep.

In his real life, Caden’s struggles with paranoia, hallucinations, and his disjointed thoughts become increasingly overwhelming. He’s admitted to a psychiatric hospital where he starts to confront his mental illness. Through Caden’s perspective, the novel provides an intimate portrayal of the challenges, confusion, and isolation that come with schizophrenia.

Caden’s alternate reality aboard a ship, Challenger Deep, symbolizes his internal turmoil. The crew members and their interactions mirror the people and situations in his real life, offering readers a metaphorical glimpse into the complexities of his mind.

As Caden begins to engage in therapy and forge connections with others in the hospital, his journey toward understanding his condition and himself takes shape. The novel sensitively addresses the stigma surrounding mental illness while emphasizing the importance of empathy and support in the recovery process.

A Quiet Kind of Thunder (2017)

by Sara Barnard

‘A Quiet Kind of Thunder’ by Sara Barnard is a heartfelt contemporary novel that centres around the lives of Steffi and Rhys. Steffi, a selective mute due to her severe social anxiety, finds solace in the silence and communicates primarily through sign language. Rhys, a new student at her school who is deaf, becomes her lifeline as they discover a unique way to communicate through sign language and text messages. Their bond grows deeper as they navigate the challenges of high school, friendship, and family dynamics.

The novel beautifully portrays their evolving relationship, showcasing the power of understanding and acceptance. Steffi’s journey towards finding her voice and overcoming her fears is heartwarming, as is Rhys’s unwavering support. The story also delves into themes of mental health, friendship, and the importance of communication. Through their shared experiences, Steffi and Rhys inspire each other to embrace their differences and create a safe space where they can truly be themselves. ‘A Quiet Kind of Thunder’ is a touching exploration of love, self-discovery, and the transformative effect of genuine connections.

Starfish (2017)

by Akemi Dawn Bowman

A coming-of-age novel, ‘Starfish’ is the story of Kiko Himura, a biracial Japanese-American teenager with a passion for art. Struggling with low self-esteem and a tumultuous relationship with her mother, Kiko dreams of attending an art school in New York to escape her suffocating small-town life. However, she is rejected by the school, intensifying her feelings of inadequacy. Amid her personal turmoil, Kiko’s abusive uncle returns to the family, further complicating her emotional struggles.

As Kiko navigates the challenges of her senior year, she meets Jamie, a childhood friend who offers her a lifeline of support and encouragement. Their growing connection helps Kiko find her voice and embrace her identity, allowing her to confront her past traumas and envision a more hopeful future. Through art and self-discovery, Kiko begins to rebuild her shattered self-confidence and find her place in the world.

Both the books “Every Last Word” and “Starfish” share several similarities in their exploration of mental health, coming-of-age themes, family dynamics, narrative structure, and the impact of external environments.

Girl in Pieces (2016)

by Kathleen Glasglow

‘Girl in Pieces’ paints a vivid and emotional portrait of a young woman’s battle with adversity, highlighting the importance of empathy, understanding, and the journey toward self-acceptance. It tackles sensitive topics with honesty and compassion, shedding light on the struggles that many individuals face while striving to overcome their past and find hope amidst darkness.

Charlie Davis is a young girl grappling with self-destructive tendencies and a troubled past, who will remind you of Samantha from ‘Every Last Word.’ After a series of traumatic experiences, including self-harm and institutionalization, Charlie finds herself homeless on the streets of Tucson, Arizona. As she struggles to survive, she becomes part of a group of friends also battling their own demons. Through their relationships and shared struggles, Charlie begins to piece together her shattered sense of self.

The novel navigates the complexities of mental health, trauma, and the healing process. Charlie’s story is a raw and poignant exploration of how trauma can shape a person’s life and the challenges of rebuilding it. With the support of a therapist, friends, and her own determination, Charlie embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning to confront her pain, forgive herself, and find the strength to envision a better future.

Made You Up (2015)

by Francesca Zappia

‘Made You Up’ by Francesca Zappia is a young adult novel that follows the life of Alex Ridgemont, a high school senior who battles schizophrenia. The story is narrated from Alex’s perspective, and her struggles with distinguishing between reality and her delusions are at the heart of the narrative.

As Alex navigates the challenges of her senior year, she encounters Miles, a boy she believes she met in a psychiatric hospital when they were children. Their developing friendship becomes a focal point of the story, blurring the lines between Alex’s perceptions and actual events. She grapples with her own doubts about her sanity and her relationships with those around her.

The novel, much like ‘Every Last Word,’ delves into the complexities of mental illness, exploring how Alex copes with her condition, her efforts to manage her hallucinations, and her determination to lead a normal life. The narrative unravels the mystery of her past and her connection to Miles, while also questioning the reliability of memory and perception.

What to Say Next (2017)

by Julie Buxbaum

Like ‘Every Last Word,’ this novel explores themes of grief, friendship, and acceptance. If these are the reasons why you liked ‘Every Last Word,’ this one is for you.

‘What to Say Next’ follows the lives of two teenagers, Kit Lowell and David Drucker. Kit is a popular and outgoing girl trying to navigate the complexities of high school after her father’s death in a car accident. David, on the other hand, is a brilliant but socially awkward boy with autism who struggles to connect with his peers.

Their lives intersect unexpectedly when Kit seeks solace in the school cafeteria next to David, who is known for his honesty and unique perspective. The two form an unlikely friendship as Kit finds comfort in David’s straightforwardness, and David appreciates Kit’s genuine interest in him.

As their friendship deepens, they both learn valuable life lessons about empathy, understanding, and the power of true friendship. Kit helps David understand the nuances of social interactions, while David provides Kit with the authenticity she craves in a world of superficial relationships.

It’s Kind of a Funny Story (2006)

by Ned Vizzini

This novel by Ned Vizzini follows the story of 16-year-old Craig Gilner, a talented and driven student living in New York City. Struggling under the pressure of academic expectations, he spirals into depression and anxiety. Feeling overwhelmed by the competitiveness of his school and his fear of failure, Craig contemplates suicide.

In a moment of desperation, Craig checks himself into a psychiatric hospital’s adult psychiatric ward, seeking help. There, he meets a cast of diverse characters, each battling their own mental health challenges. Through his interactions with them, Craig gains new perspectives on life and begins to understand that he is not alone in his struggles.

The novel navigates themes of mental health, friendship, and self-discovery, just like ‘Every Last Word.’ With a blend of humour and honesty, it portrays Craig’s journey towards healing and self-acceptance. Over the course of his five-day stay at the hospital, Craig learns coping mechanisms and finds connections that help him find hope for his future.

The Wicker King (2017)

by K. Ancrum

‘The Wicker King’ is about the intense and complex friendship between two high school boys, August and Jack. Jack’s mental health deteriorates, causing him to see a fantastical world within their own. August, determined to help his friend, gets pulled into Jack’s delusions, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. As Jack’s condition worsens, August struggles to balance his loyalty to Jack with his own well-being. The two embark on a dangerous journey to “fix” the magical world, which mirrors Jack’s mental state.

The story is presented through a mix of prose, documents, and illustrations, enhancing the emotional intensity. It delves into themes of friendship, mental health, and the consequences of untreated psychological struggles. As August grapples with his own growing doubts and fears, the narrative explores the limits of his devotion to Jack. The book portrays the complexity of mental illness and the impact it has not only on the person experiencing it but also on those who care deeply. ‘The Wicker King’ is a dark and emotionally charged exploration of the intersection of friendship and mental health and is sure to remind you of ‘Every Last Word.’

Finding Audrey (2015)

by Sophie Kinsella

A heartwarming young adult novel, ‘Finding Audrey’ follows the story of Audrey Turner, a teenage girl who struggles with severe social anxiety after a traumatic incident at her previous school. As a result of her anxiety, Audrey rarely leaves her home, wearing dark sunglasses even indoors.

The novel explores Audrey’s journey towards recovery and self-discovery with the support of her quirky family, including her gaming-obsessed brother, Frank, and her often comically overbearing mother. Audrey’s life takes a positive turn when she meets Linus, her brother’s friend, who gradually becomes a source of comfort and understanding.

As Audrey navigates her way through therapy sessions, family dynamics, and her growing friendship with Linus, the story beautifully illustrates the challenges of dealing with mental health issues, the importance of a strong support system, and the power of genuine connections. If these themes are what made you love ‘Every Last Word,’ you must check this book out.

My Heart and Other Black Holes (2015)

by Jasmine Warga

Aysel Seran is a teenager grappling with depression and a sense of isolation after a family tragedy. She becomes fixated on the concept of suicide and seeks a partner for a suicide pact on a website called “Suicide Partners.” She connects with Roman, a boy dealing with his own dark past. As they spend time together, Aysel begins to question her own intentions and her growing bond with Roman.

The novel delves into themes of mental health, grief, and the power of human connection. Aysel and Roman’s evolving relationship becomes a source of hope and healing as they confront their inner demons together. Throughout the story, the characters learn that they can find solace in shared pain and that life holds unexpected possibilities even in the face of despair, which is sure to remind you of ‘Every Last Word.’

When We Collided (2016)

by Emery Lord

The intertwining lives of Jonah Daniels and Vivi Alexander. Set in a coastal town, the story portrays the emotional journey of these two teenagers. Jonah is struggling to hold his family together after his father’s death, taking care of his younger siblings and working at his family’s restaurant. Vivi is a vibrant and unpredictable girl who moves to town for the summer, carrying her own emotional baggage.

As their lives intersect, Jonah and Vivi’s relationship develops from an unexpected friendship to a deep and complicated romance. Their connection brings light into Jonah’s world, allowing him to slowly heal from his grief, while Vivi finds stability and acceptance with Jonah’s family. However, their individual struggles and personal issues threaten to overshadow their blossoming relationship.

The novel navigates themes of mental health, grief, love, and family dynamics. Just like ‘Every Last Word,’ it paints a realistic portrait of how two young people, each dealing with their own emotional challenges, can find solace and understanding in each other.

Conclusion to Books like Every Last Word

And that concludes the list for books like Every Last Word!

If “Every Last Word” has touched your heart and you’re eager for more books that explore similar themes of self-discovery, friendship, and personal growth, you’re in for a real treat with these 11 handpicked books like Every Last Word.

Each of these novels offers its own unique and heartfelt perspective, ensuring there’s something to resonate with every reader. Whether you’re drawn to contemporary romance, coming-of-age stories, or tales that dive deep into the complexities of the human experience, this curated list has something special waiting for you. So, why wait? Dive into these captivating reads and let their stories continue to inspire and move you. Happy reading!

However, if you want more books like Every Last Word beyond the list above, you should consider-

1.  Holding Up the Universe by Hans Fallada
2. When We Collided by Emery Lord
3. The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith
4. The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan
5. All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
6. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
7. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
8. Say What You Will by Cammie McGovern
9. Echoes Between Us by Katie McGarry
10. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
11. When We Collided by Emery Lord
12. Call It What You Want by Brigid Kemmerer