His novels typically deal with common topics like loss, love, mental health, and illness.
These universal themes have caused him to become beloved across the world, with millions of copies sold thus far.
Green’s style is characterized by its unique blend of humor and positivity that blends with the different subjects he tackles within his stories.
This, combined with characters that are both quirky and complex at the same time, has created a huge fanbase of all ages that adore his novels.
However, Green’s bibliography is not as long as some other authors, leading those same fans to struggle to find similar books to follow his novels.
If you find yourself searching for novels similar to John Green, then you should check out other authors like Rainbow Rowell, David Levithan, Jandy Nelson, Sally Rooney, and Jenny Han.
Books By John Green
John Green’s ascent to popularity was a slow incline that began in 2005 with the release of his debut novel Looking For Alaska.
This is a great starting point for new readers, telling the story of a teenage boy named Miles Halter who enrolls in a boarding school in search of existential meaning.
When he arrives, he meets the enigmatic and quirky Alaska, and the two strike up a friendship that lasts the rest of the novel.
Green’s career continued with his 2006 sophomore novel An Abundance of Katherines, which tells the story of a child genius trying to find love in the world.
His next novel Paper Towns was released to critical acclaim, and in 2010 he co-wrote a novel called Will Grayson, Will Grayson, which I will cover in more detail below.
It wasn’t until 2012 that John Green really rose to international fame, with the release of what many believe to be his masterpiece.
The Fault In Our Stars is a novel that follows two teenagers who fall in love at a cancer support group.
The novel is a common starting point for fans of Green, as it is a great example of his talent and unique storytelling skills.
I’ve decided to start with Rainbow Rowell, whose coming-of-age novels mirror many aspects of Green’s writing style and choice of themes.
With a captivating style and emotionally resonant characters, Rowell creates compelling stories about the importance of growing up and falling in love.
Her most popular book is one you may have heard of, titled Eleanor & Park which tells the story of two outsider teenagers who fall in love during the 1980s.
Although this is set in a different time period from John Green, it follows a similar narrative structure; exploring important issues like domestic violence, poverty, and bullying, all the while celebrating the transformative powers of love.
Another popular novel by Rowell is Fangirl, which follows the story of a woman named Cath who is a dedicated fan of a popular fantasy book series.
As she struggles to adjust to changes in her life, including attending college and navigating new relationships, she discovers the joys and pitfalls of writing fanfiction, using it as a way for her to forge her own path through life.
You can also check out her novels written for adults including, Attachments and Landline.
Pros
Rowell’s writing is witty and engaging in the same way as John Green’s.
The characters in her novels feel realistic and grounded.
Her books tackle important modern issues.
Cons
Some readers find the depiction of romantic relationships within her novels overly sentimental or unrealistic, especially if they are searching for more complex portrayals of love and relationships.
David Levithan is an author who has carved out his own unique niche in the world of YA literature.
Known for his inventive writing style and unconventional narratives, Levithan has become a favorite among readers who are looking for stories that push the boundaries of the genre.
One of Levithan’s most popular works is Every Day, a novel that follows the story of a teenager named A who wakes up each morning in a different body.
As A navigates the challenges of life, love, and self-discovery, they must grapple with questions of identity, gender, and what it means to be human.
With its inventive premise and emotionally resonant themes, this novel has become a beloved novel among YA readers.
Another popular work by Levithan is Will Grayson, Will Grayson, a novel that he co-wrote with John Green, which makes it a perfect transitional novel if you’re looking for a bridge between the two authors.
The book tells the story of two teenagers named Will Grayson who cross paths one fateful night, setting off a series of events that change their lives forever.
With its exploration of themes such as friendship, sexuality, and self-acceptance, Will Grayson, Will Grayson has become a seminal work in contemporary YA literature.
Levithan’s writing style is often experimental and inventive, pushing the boundaries of traditional YA narratives
His books often explore themes of identity, self-discovery, and the complexities of love and relationships, offering readers a nuanced and thought-provoking look at these issues.
Cons
Some readers may find Levithan’s writing style too unconventional or challenging, particularly if they are looking for more straightforward YA narratives.
Jandy Nelson is a master of weaving intricate and emotionally rich stories that resonate deeply with readers.
Her novels are known for their poetic prose, multi-layered characters, and exploration of themes such as family, grief, love, and self-discovery.
One of Nelson’s most important works is I’ll Give You the Sun, a novel that tells the story of twins Jude and Noah, who are both struggling to find their place in the world.
The novel is a great choice if you’re looking for something that alternates between the perspectives of the two siblings, exploring their complicated relationships with each other, their family, and the world around them.
Another popular work by Nelson is The Sky is Everywhere, which outlines the story of a teenager named Lennie who is struggling to cope with the sudden loss of her sister.
As she navigates her grief, Lennie must also grapple with the complexities of love, friendship, and growing up.
With its raw and honest depiction of grief and its exploration of the power of love and community, The Sky is Everywhere is a moving and unforgettable novel, and has since become a fan-favorite.
Pros
Her books explore complex emotions and themes with sensitivity and nuance, offering readers a rich and satisfying reading experience
Nelson’s characters are multi-dimensional and realistic, making it easy for readers to connect with and empathize with their struggles.
Cons
Some readers call Nelson’s writing style too dense or flowery, making it difficult to follow the plot at times.
Although there might not be many authors exactly like John Green, many have followed since the success of his novels, looking to create similar stories that capture themes of growing up, love, relationships, grief, and loss.
I hope that this list of authors has given you some ideas for the next book for your shelf and that you find something that grips you soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Popular Is The Fault In Our Stars?
The Fault In Our Stars is a remarkably popular novel, one that became a cultural phenomenon.
It’s one of the most popular YA novels of all time, spawning a new wave of YA fiction with similar themes.
Is John Green A Youtuber?
John Green is a Youtuber, along with his brother Hank Green.
The two of them have used their YouTube channel as a way to introduce their work to a wider audience, as well as to educate with videos about novels and history.
Noah Burton works as a Librarian full time, and is a blogger in his spare time. His goal is to write compelling recommendations for all of the most popular books he can find, from science fiction to romance.
With a passion for books, a drive to find new reads to get stuck into, and a love for sharing book recommendations with others, Noah can help you find the next novel for your bucket list.
