If you were captivated by the raw intensity and heart-wrenching beauty of “Girl in Pieces,” get ready to dive into a literary rabbit hole with our carefully curated list of the Best Books like Girl in Pieces. These reads aren’t just stories; they’re emotional rollercoasters that will grip your soul and refuse to let go. From tales of resilience to narratives that explore the complexities of life, love, and self-discovery, these books are your next obsession. Brace yourselves for a journey through the depths of human experience as we unveil the perfect companions for those who can’t get enough of the poignant storytelling in “Girl in Pieces.”
Books Like Girl In Pieces
Girl, Interrupted (1993)
by Susanna Kaysen
This book is a memoir by the author of the 18 months that she spent in a mental institution. The story begins when 18-year-old Susanna Kaysen is admitted to McLean Hospital in Massachusetts after a suicide attempt. Diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, she finds herself surrounded by a diverse group of young women with various mental illnesses.
While in the institution, Susanna develops relationships with the other patients, each of whom has their own unique struggles. Throughout the memoir, Kaysen reflects on her own internal battles, questioning the definitions of sanity and madness imposed by society. She explores the blurred boundaries between normality and insanity and challenges the conventional understanding of mental illness.
This book, like ‘Girl in Pieces,’ also deals with mental health issues. It sheds light on the struggles of young women in a society that often fails to understand and support those with mental illness.
Total Pages– 169 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.93
Amazon Rating– 4.4
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 5 hours and 38 minutes to finish Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen.
Suicide Notes (2008)
by Michael Thomas Ford
‘Suicide Notes’ follows the life of a teenager named Jeff, who finds himself in a psychiatric ward after a failed suicide attempt. Through a series of journal entries, Jeff candidly shares his experiences, thoughts, and interactions with other patients during his stay.
As Jeff navigates the world of the psychiatric ward, he encounters a diverse group of individuals with their own struggles and stories. There’s the sarcastic and rebellious Sadie, the obsessive-compulsive obsessive Hunter, the self-harming Lucy, and others who add depth to the narrative. Together, they form an unlikely support system, allowing Jeff to develop new friendships and confront his inner demons.
‘Suicide Notes’ deals with the same themes as ‘Girl in Pieces’ does; those of mental health, depression, and suicide, but it does so with a touch of humour and sensitivity.
Total Pages– 295 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.82
Amazon Rating– 4.6
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 9 hours and 50 minutes to finish Suicide Notes by Michael Thomas Ford.
Every Last Word (2015)
by Tamara Ireland Stone
Samantha McAllister is a high school girl who appears to have it all- a popular group of friends, a good-looking boyfriend, and a seemingly perfect life. However, Samantha struggles with a secret that she keeps hidden from everyone: she has Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Samantha’s OCD manifests in the form of intrusive thoughts and a constant need for order and control.
One day, Samantha stumbles upon a hidden room in her school’s basement, where she discovers a group of misfit students who call themselves “Poet’s Corner.” They share their innermost thoughts and feelings through poetry. Intrigued, Samantha decides to join their group, and for the first time, she finds a safe space where she can be her true self without judgment.
Through her poetic expressions, Samantha finds solace, self-acceptance, and healing.
However, Samantha’s newfound happiness is threatened when her secret is at risk of being exposed. She must confront her fears and make difficult choices to protect her true self and her newfound friendships. In doing so, Samantha learns the importance of authenticity, the power of friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Total Pages– 295 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.82
Amazon Rating– 4.6
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 9 hours and 50 minutes to finish Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone.
All The Bright Places (2015)
by Jennifer Niven
‘All the Bright Places’ is the story of two troubled teenagers, Theodore Finch and Violet Markey, who meet unexpectedly and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and love.
Theodore Finch, known as Finch, is a misunderstood and eccentric boy with a reputation for being unstable. He struggles with an undiagnosed mental illness, often experiencing episodes of intense sadness and despair. Violet Markey, on the other hand, is a popular and seemingly content girl, but she secretly battles with guilt.
The lives of Finch and Violet intersect on the ledge of their school’s bell tower, where they contemplate suicide. Finch manages to talk Violet down from the ledge, saving her life. This encounter sparks a connection between them as they embark on a school project together, wandering around their state to explore and discover unique places.
‘All the Bright Places’ tackles difficult topics such as mental illness, grief, and suicide. If you like to read plots dealing with these topics with a touch of love and human connection, this novel is a must-read for you.
Total Pages– 378 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.13
Amazon Rating– 4.6
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 12 hours and 36 minutes to finish All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven.
How To Make Friends with The Dark (2019)
by Kathleen Glasgow
The story revolves around a teenager named Tiger Tolliver, who finds herself grappling with grief and loss after the sudden death of her mother, after which her life is turned upside down as she is placed in foster care.
Struggling to navigate her overwhelming emotions, Tiger embarks on a journey of self-discovery, trying to come to terms with her grief. Her journey towards healing is a difficult one, but it also reveals her strength and resilience. As she begins to understand and accept her own darkness, she learns to make peace with her past and the pain she carries. Through these experiences, Tiger discovers that she can forge her own path and find her own light in the midst of darkness, again, just like Charlie.
Similar to “Girl in Pieces,” “How to Make Friends with the Dark” by Kathleen Glasgow takes readers on intense journeys of self-discovery, tackling themes of mental health and resilience with raw honesty. Both novels feature strong female protagonists—Charlie and Tiger—navigating the complexities of their struggles, be it self-harm in “Girl in Pieces” or grief in “How to Make Friends with the Dark.” Additionally the nonlinear storytelling in both books weaves realistic and gritty narratives, exploring family dynamics and emphasizing the power of resilience amidst adversity.
Total Pages– 421 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.10
Amazon Rating– 4.7
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 14 hours and 2 minutes to finish How to make Friends with the Dark by Kathleen Glasgow.
Wintergirls (2009)
by Laurie Halse Anderson
Lia and Cassie had been close since they were young, but their friendship becomes complicated. Cassie eventually dies from complications related to her disorder, leaving Lia devastated and guilt-ridden. The novel explores Lia’s journey as she grapples with her own inner demons, haunted by Cassie’s memory and battling her own unhealthy relationship with food.
Throughout the book, Lia becomes increasingly isolated, distancing herself from her family, friends, and school. She constantly hears Cassie’s voice in her head, encouraging her destructive behaviors.
Amidst her struggle, Lia forms a complex relationship with Elijah, a boy from her school who understands her pain but is also battling his own demons. Their connection offers a glimmer of hope and a source of support for both of them.
Some of the themes of ‘Wintergirls’ are similar to ‘Girl in Pieces.’ It majorly centres around eating disorders, traumas and destructive behaviours.
Total Pages– 278 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.96
Amazon Rating– 4.5
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 9 hours and 16 minutes to finish Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson.
A Little Life (2015)
by Hanya Yanagihara
A Little Life delves into the lives of four college friends—Jude St. Francis, Willem Ragnarsson, JB, and Malcolm Irvine—who navigate their careers and relationships in New York City. However, the heart of the story revolves around Jude, a complex and tormented character haunted by a traumatic past.
The narrative follows Jude from his early childhood, where he endures severe abuse, leading to lasting physical and emotional scars. Despite the horrors he experienced, Jude manages to excel academically and becomes a successful lawyer. His friends, Willem, JB, and Malcolm, form a strong support system as they witness Jude’s struggles.
As the story progresses, the depth of Jude’s trauma and the extent of his self-destructive behaviour become increasingly evident. While his friends try to provide love and support, Jude’s deep-seated shame and feelings of unworthiness make it difficult for him to fully accept their care. He remains trapped in a cycle of self-hatred and self-sabotage, often pushing those who care about him away.
This book can be a difficult read (caution is advised) because of the disturbing content and the themes of trauma, friendship, and the enduring impact of abuse on individuals. It delves into the complexities of identity, self-harm, and the search for love and acceptance. Lesser-known themes include the exploration of art as a means of coping and the societal expectations placed on success and happiness.
Total Pages– 720 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.34
Amazon Rating– 4.5
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 24 hours and 0 minutes to finish A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara.
How To Murder Your Life (2017)
by Cat Marnell
The book is a memoir written by a former beauty editor and writer known for her candid and chaotic lifestyle. The book dives into Marnell’s troubled journey, chronicling her struggles with drug addiction, mental health issues, and the destructive patterns that ultimately led to her downfall.
Marnell begins by recounting her upbringing in an affluent family, discussing her early fascination with beauty products and her dreams of working in the fashion and beauty industry. However, behind the glossy facade, she battles with various personal demons, including an eating disorder, self-harm, and a relentless quest for validation.
As Marnell navigates her professional life, she finds success as a beauty editor at major magazines such as Lucky and xoJane. Yet, her personal life spirals out of control as she becomes increasingly dependent on drugs, particularly prescription medications, to cope with the pressures and insecurities she faces.
Like ‘Girl in Pieces’ this book also highlights the importance of mental health, self-care, and the challenging process of rebuilding one’s life after hitting rock bottom.
Total Pages– 720 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.34
Amazon Rating– 4.5
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 12 hours and 48 minutes to finish How to Murder your Life by Cat Marnell.
The Way I Used to Be (2016)
by Amber Smith
The story revolves around Eden McCrorey, a teenage girl whose life is forever altered by a traumatic event. The book spans four years, following Eden’s journey through adolescence and the profound impact of her experience.
The story begins when Eden, only fourteen years old, goes through a traumatic event. Fearful and confused, she chooses to remain silent, trapped in her own pain. As the years go by, Eden finds herself caught in a downward spiral, grappling with the aftermath of the assault.
Eden’s once-happy relationship with her family deteriorates as she withdraws from them, fearing their judgment and the potential destruction of their lives if the truth were revealed. She turns to self-destructive behaviors, seeking solace in drugs, alcohol, and casual sexual encounters to escape her emotional turmoil.
Similar to Charlie’s journey in Girl in Pieces, Eden’s journey, serves as a reminder of the power of self-acceptance and the importance of seeking help in the face of adversity.
Total Pages– 385 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.17
Amazon Rating– 4.6
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 12 hours and 50 minutes to finish The Way I Used to Be by Amber Smith.
Girl In the Woods (2015)
by Aspen Matis
A coming of age story, a survival story, and a triumphant story of overcoming emotional devastation.
The story begins with Aspen’s freshman year in college, where she falls in love with a charismatic young man. However, their relationship takes a dark turn when Aspen becomes the victim of a sexual assault. Overwhelmed by shame, guilt, and a sense of isolation, she decides to embark on a solo adventure along the PCT, seeking solace and attempting to reclaim her identity.
Aspen’s vivid and descriptive writing brings the trail to life, as she navigates the physical challenges of long-distance hiking while also confronting her emotional demons. Through her arduous journey, Aspen gradually finds the strength to confront her past and rebuild her sense of self. Along the way, she discovers her own inner strength and learns to trust herself again.
The book is more inclined towards the healing process and the importance of finding one’s voice, which is what makes it different from ‘Girl in Pieces.’
Total Pages– 384 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.50
Amazon Rating– 4.2
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 12 hours and 48 minutes to finish Girl in the Woods by Aspen Matis.
They Both Die at The End (2017)
by Adam Silvera
The book is about two teenage boys, Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio, who receive a phone call from a mysterious organization known as Death-Cast. Death-Cast informs them that they will both die within the next twenty-four hours.
Struggling with the news, Mateo and Rufus find each other through an app called Last Friend, which connects people who are facing their imminent deaths. They decide to spend their last day together, forming an instant and intense bond.
Throughout the day, Mateo and Rufus encounter various people and situations that challenge them emotionally and help them come to terms with their mortality. They confront their regrets, make amends with their loved ones, and try to find a sense of closure before their time runs out.As their day progresses, Mateo and Rufus develop a deep love for each other, realizing that they have found someone truly special.
Total Pages– 389 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 3.78
Amazon Rating– 4.6
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 12 hours and 58 minutes to finish They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera.
Conclusion to Books like Girl in Pieces
And that concludes the list for books like Girl in Pieces!
Our handpicked selection of the Best Books like Girl in Pieces guarantees that your literary journey doesn’t end with the last page of that unforgettable novel. Whether you’re seeking more tales of resilience, love, or profound self-discovery, these reads are your passport to an emotional rollercoaster that you won’t want to disembark. Let the echoes of the heart-wrenching narratives linger, and may each book leave you with the same lasting impact as “Girl in Pieces.” Grab your next obsession, cozy up with a warm blanket, and prepare to be transported into the profound realms of human experience. Happy reading, and may your bookshelf be forever filled with stories that tug at your heartstrings!
However, if you want more books like Girl in Pieces beyond the list above, you should consider-
- My Mad Fat Diary by Rae Earl
- Whispers and the Roars by K. Webster
- Go Ask Alice by Beatrice Sparks
- The Glass Castle & Half Broke Horses both by Jeanette Walls
- North of Normal by Cea Sunrise Person
- A Million Little Pieces by James Frey
- The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay
- Teach Me to Forget by Erica M. Chapman
- Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll
- Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
- Crank by Ellen Hopkins
- My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
- The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
- Heroine by Mindy McGinnis
- Faking Normal by Court Stevens
- Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs
- Elena Vanishing by Elena Dunkle
- What to Say Next by Julie Buxbaum