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10 Books Like Call Me by Your Name To Read if You Love Romance

September 16, 2022
books like call me by your name

The critically acclaimed LGBTQ+ fiction book Call Me by Your Name (2007) by American writer André Aciman has gained huge popularity in recently following the Academy award-winning movie adaptation directed by Luca Guadagnino. If you loved reading it, here is a list of books like Call Me by Your Name that you might like. 

In this book, the story centers on a romantic relationship that develops between a young French-Italian Jewish boy named Elio Perlman, a precocious and curious, 17-year-old and Oliver, a 24-year-old American Jewish graduate student who comes to stay with the Perlman family in the summer of the early 1980s. The story is set in Northern Italy and the novel belongs to the genre of romance, drama, and coming-of-age. 

This young adult fiction follows the summer romance and presents an honest account of love and desire through Elio’s point of view and reminds the reader of how strong the emotions are. André Aciman through his powerful narrative creates a very honest and heart-wrenching story. Call Me by Your Name has a universal relatability where the readers are reminded of their own journey of falling in love.

For your consideration, we have compiled this amazing list of books that are a must read if you are looking for books similar to Call Me by Your Name.

List of Books like Call Me by Your Name

  1. Find me by André Aciman
  2. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
  3. Normal People by Sally Rooney
  4.  Maurice by E. M. Foster 
  5. Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
  6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
  7. Carol by Patricia Highsmith
  8. Lie with me by Philippe Besson
  9. My Policeman By Bethan Roberts
  10. Simon vs. the Homo sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Reasons why these books are like Call Me by Your Name

1. Find Me by André Aciman

If you can’t help but wonder what happens between the time jump at the end of Call me by your name: 

Find me is the second book in the same canonical world as Call Me by Your Name, it begins by following the life of Elio’s father, Sami Perlman. Nearly a decade after Elio and Oliver’s summer romance. This reminds the reader of the same melancholy felt in the last chapter of Call Me by Your Name as it tries to answer the reader’s questions on what happens to the characters of Sami, Elio and Oliver between the drastic time jump of the first novel.

The story is told in four parts, each after a short time jump. Samuel goes on a trip from Florence to Rome to meet Elio, who’s in his late 20s and has become a gifted pianist. Sami has an encounter with a woman which changes his life forever. Find Me goes further to reveal more than we would anticipate (before we reach the moment of Sami’s inevitable demise). Andre’s words translate a special reminiscence of nostalgia for this world and these characters and so if you want to read books similar to  Call Me by Your Name, Find Me has to be your next read. 

Buy Find Me on Amazon

2. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

A perfect next read- Another LGBTQ+ coming of age romance between two boys set in the 1980s but with a more hopeful story and ethnic representation.

Set in El Paso, Texas, this is one of the most critically acclaimed LGBTQ+ books in recent decades. Receiving various awards like Michael L. Printz’s Honor book and winner of the Stonewall Book, Lambda Literary and Pura Belpré awards. This novel tells the story of Aristotle “Ari” Mendoza and Dante Quintana, two Mexican American teenagers, on the cusp of manhood, who meet at the El Paso pool in the summer of 1987.

Soon to be released as a Motion Picture, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe is narrated from the perspective of Ari, he is lonely and struggles in his relationship with his parents. But as his fateful and tender relationship with sensitive, intelligent and outgoing Dante grows deeper, it becomes a vehicle for them to explore their lives, conflicts and their identities. This book presents beautiful nuances of desire and love which makes it truly unputdownable. If you’re looking for books like Call Me by Your Name this is a perfect match. You can also read its sequel book Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World next. 

Buy Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe on Amazon 

Buy Aristotle and Dante Dive into the Waters of the World on Amazon

3. Normal People by Sally Rooney

A modern heart wrenching love story between two teenagers filled with strong desires.

Marianne and Connell are classmates in the small-town high school of Sligo. Marianne is an awkward, described as a rather plain looking, intelligent, stubborn teenager, coming from a rich family but no friends. Connell is an all-rounder, one of the most popular in the school, he gets all the attention from girls, but he usually does care for it, his family is poor. In secrecy from social judgment, they find a deep connection with each other. 

As life moves forward things turn, and both are accepted in Trinity college, Marianne is well liked while Connell struggles to be accepted by the elites around him. In course of the time, Marianne finds herself dating a series of abusive guys. The author highlights their struggles in simple prose by presenting the characters’ special bond of first love. The book Normal People was adapted into a highly successful show of the same name. The themes of love and desire with modern life difficulties of Normal people fit well if you want to read books similar to Call Me by Your Name.

Buy Normal People on Amazon

4. Maurice by E. M. Foster 

Maurice was published in 1971 by E.M Foster, who is widely regarded for his writing contributions on sexuality. Set in early 20th century England, this is a story about Maurice Hall. In the book, Maurice finds himself struggling with his homosexuality, which becomes the story’s central theme. 

Also adapted into a film in 1987, Maurice brings out hesitant imagery of nature and body language with elements of heartbreak and unrequited love that will leave you just as emotionally vulnerable as you were when you read Call Me by Your Name. And so, if you love reading books like Call Me by Your Name and Aciman’s nuanced writing, Maurice is the right book for you. 

 Buy Maurice on Amazon

5. Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

This is a classic story of ‘Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love.’ Heartstopper started as a LGBTQ+ web comic by Alice Oseman and was turned into a graphic novel. Released in multiple volumes, this story follows the story of Charlie and Nick, two British boys in high school.

With 4 volumes released and a highly critically acclaimed show of the same title,  Heartstopper is a sweet romance, one that focuses not on the problemed narrative but chooses to tell a story where Charlie’s feelings are not pushed but wholly accepted by Nick. If you’re looking for books like Call me by your name that remind you of the warmth and joy, Heartstopper’s happy and innocent love story is for you. 

Buy Heartstopper Box set Vol 1-4 on Amazon

6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

The Perks of Being a Wallflower written by Stephen Chbosky (Adapted into a film in 2012) is about a boy named Charlie, he is shy and introverted, usually acting like an actual wallflower just observing people from afar. The Perks of Being a Wallflower does not centre around a romantic relationship, love is a secondary theme in the book. The book focuses on showcasing true connections with friends and loved ones. Charlie finds himself surrounded by good people who give him hope to explore his youth and genuinely live. 

Charlie finds that in Patrick and Sam, who help him discover the happiness of friendship, music and first love. This coming-of-age brings out deep layers of Charlie that he’s kept hidden inside. You can’t help but feel protective towards him, wishing nothing ever harms his pure soul again. The perks of being a wallflower are a great choice for books similar to Call me by your name.

Buy The Perks of Being a Wallflower on Amazon

7. Carol by Patricia Highsmith

Originally titled ‘The price of Salt’, Carol was published by Patricia Highsmith under the pseudonym Claire Morgan. Known well for her psychological writings she chose to publish this under a different name to avoid raised eyebrows while she used her own life references in the book.  The book is about a woman, Therese, who is bored in her uneventful and uninspired job at a department store, while Carol is a wealthy housewife just as bored in her own failing marriage. Carol’s movie adaptation starred the talented Cate Blanchett and received 6 Academy Award nominations.

We are reminded of the excitement of Call Me by Your Name as the two women discover each other and explore the unimaginable possibilities of being together, love that is against all odds. If you are in search of books similar to Call Me by Your Name, Carol will have you hooked from the very beginning.  

 Buy Carol on Amazon

8. Lie With Me by Philippe Besson

Lie With Me is set in France, in 1984. This book centres on the love story of two adolescents. Phillipe is the main character, it’s through him we see this story fall in place. Adult Phillipe looks back on his old teenage self, telling us what happens after the deep, desperate, overwhelming sensation of his first love ends.

Decades later, in a hotel in Bordeaux when he sees a man who seems just like his first love Thomas, only to discover that the young man is Thomas’ son Lucas. This is the moment that takes him back to his youth and his passionate affair with Thomas. The ‘what could have been’ and the end of longing written in prose are captivating and unforgettable. Lie With Me is an incredible book if you want to pick up books like Call Me by Your Name to read. 

Buy Lie With Me on Amazon

9. My Policeman By Bethan Roberts

This is a heart-wrenching love triangle between three people, Tom, Patrick and Marion in 1950s Brighton. Story recollected in the present day by Marion writing a letter to Tom, putting together her relationship with Tom and by extension with Patrick. Tom, the Policeman, met Patrick at a Museum from where their connection grew, Marion comes into Tom’s life and charmed by how handsome he is, she fails to see any other business. 

The societal conventions at the time were dedicated only to heterosexual relationships. Tom is secretly in love with Patrick but marries a young woman, Marion for societal approval, Marion is very much in love with Tom. The circumstances force all the three to hangout together all the time creating a love triangle. The story unfolds with Marion and Patrick both writing a story with a man in the center of both their lives, revealing the painful truth of their tragic story. The author produces a wonderfully raw yet tender story. My Policeman (now adapted into a major film) is a great pick for books similar to Call Me by Your Name. 

 Buy My Policeman on Amazon

10. Simon vs. the Homo sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Simon vs. the Homo sapiens Agenda follows the life of a 17-year-old, Simon, Everything about his life is good, loving parents, a good bond with his siblings and a few good friends too but he has a secret, he’s gay. He only tells this to one person, Blue. He has only ever mailed Blue, he has no idea who Blue is, but only knows that he too is gay. He finds himself falling in love with blue. 

His world turns upside down when a bully finds out about Simon and outs him to everyone. One great thing about this story is how impressively Becky Albertalli is able to conclude it. Short and witty, this coming-of-age will put a smile on your face. Love, Simon by Greg Berlanti is the movie adaptation of this book. If you like LGBTQ+ Coming-of-age and enjoyed books like Call Me by Your Name, Simon vs. the Homo sapiens Agenda is worth a read.

 Buy Simon vs. the Homo sapiens Agenda on Amazon

Also Read: Books Like I’m Thinking of Ending Things

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few books similar to Call Me by Your Name that didn’t make the list, but you will enjoy nonetheless :

1.    In Youth is Pleasure by Denton Welch

2.    Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami  

3.    Blue is the Warmest by Jul Maroh

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When Lost aired over a decade ago, its successful narrative created a pop culture impact and changed the landscape of television. If you are a fan and want to watch shows like Lost then you can have a look at this list we made just for you.

Lost

The hugely successful television series Lost aired in 2004. The premise, as we know, deals with a group of people surviving a commercial passenger plane crash on a remote island. The show masterfully explores supernatural and sci-fi elements on this mysterious south Pacific island. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu8iDynwNc

The use of cliffhangers at the end of each episode of Lost kept the viewers on the edge of their seats, desperately craving for the next episode to come. Even though it's a large ensemble cast, most of the characters receive a justifiable personal arch. Lost was inspired by the movie Castaway and became one of the most expensive pilots to be shot at the time! Lost continues to be appreciated for its originality in storytelling and dynamic character arcs. 

List of TV Shows Like Lost

  1. The Leftovers
  2. Manifest
  3. Lost Room
  4. Twin Peaks
  5. The Prisoners
  6. Battlestar Galactica
  7. The New People
  8. Flight 29 Down
  9. Fringe
  10. Alcatraz
  11. Under the Dome
  12. Dark

1. The Leftovers (2014)

IMDB ratings: 8.3/10

Cast: Carrie Coon, Justin Theroux, Amy Brenneman and Margaret Qualley

Creator: Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta

The director of Lost, Damon Lindel also created a supernatural drama series called The Leftovers. The show begins 3 years after an unexplainable global event called ‘Sudden Departure’  where almost 2 per cent of the population, nearly 140 million people, disappear. The Leftovers isn't about WHY people are gone, it's about how the ones who remain dealt with their loss, people often try to comfort themselves with dreams, angels, gods, or even death.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLT3YUALJno&t=8s

The Leftovers will leave you with so many questions but beyond words, you have to feel it and savour its unanswered questions to find peace. The Leftovers is an incredible television series that starts incredibly well but loses its way by the series's end. I have to say though, Carrie Coon has brilliant moments in the end. The Leftovers is so weird, fragmented and nonsensical at times that it reminds me of Lost. If you are looking for shows like Lost, I recommend that you give The Leftovers a try.

2. Manifest  (2018) 

IMDB ratings: 7.1/10

Cast: Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas and J.R. Ramirez 

Creator: Jeff Rake


The Manifest is a supernatural drama show about a bunch of people who discover that they lost 5 years of their lives when they landed in New York after their aeroplane faced severe turbulence. All the people on the plane were presumed to be dead. Now, these people have to find a way to adjust themselves to a new life around their loved ones. Mild spoiler! They learn their loved ones and the rest of society is not as they left it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1hNAIzkQWY

I found that the show’s premise was very intriguing and the actors give a very convincing performance. The narrative details of the show, however, in my opinion, are a bit sloppy and inconsistent. The writers surely have room for improvement but their concept is incredibly thrilling. Every episode of Manifest keeps you on your toes. Manifest has completed 3 seasons up until now and continues to be on air. Manifest is a pretty good choice if you want to watch TV shows like Lost.

3. Lost Room (2006)

IMDB ratings: 8.1/10

Cast: Peter Krause, Julianna Margulies and Peter Jacobson

Creator: Christopher Leone, Laura Harkcom

This lesser-known show The Lost Room is an American Sci-fi television miniseries which only had 3 episodes of 90 mins each and no follow-up seasons. The show was based on a very unique idea where the room in question (known as the ‘Lost Room’) and the objects in the said room had supernatural powers. This strange room is set in a 1960s motel along the iconic U.S. Route 66. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfWrECLnFYU

One day the protagonist (Peter Krause) Joe Miller’s daughter disappears inside the room. Joe, with the help of objects present in the room, tries to find his daughter Anna (Elle Fanning). The story of Lost Room was intensely engaging. I found the direction and the actor’s performances to be absolutely brilliant. It baffles me that the creators did not return to make another short season within the same concept. If you have been searching for TV series like Lost then I can assure you that Lost Room will be worth a watch.

4. Twins Peaks (1990) 

IMDB ratings: 8.8/10

Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Mädchen Amick, Sherilyn Fenn and David Lynch

Creator: David Lynch

David Lynch, the well-known director of weird and captivating films such as Eraserhead and Blue Velvet created an iconic show called Twin Peaks. It is a hauntingly eccentric show about the investigation of the mysterious murder of a small-town homecoming queen named Laura Palmer. Believe me, as odd as the show may seem at first, you will grow to love it, after all, it is considered to be one of the best mystery shows ever created. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zwn9ou_nf-I

With the mysteries, the supernatural elements and the list of bizarre characters, Twin Peaks has it all. In my opinion, the cinematography of the show was truly ahead of its time. Kyle’s Dale Cooper was especially entertaining. Twin Peaks’ experimental formula of the satirical soap opera is extremely unsettling yet rewarding to watch, I must warn you, it’s not for the faint-hearted!  If you are in search of TV shows like Lost then Twin Peaks won’t disappoint you.

The Prisoners (1967)

IMDB ratings: 8.5/10

Cast: Patrick McGoohan, Angelo Muscat and Geroge Markstien

Creator: Patrick McGoohan


The Prisoner centres around an unnamed British agent (Patrick McGoohan) who tries to flee his country after abruptly quitting his high-ranking government job. He is abducted and held captive in a strange ‘sea-side’ village that is isolated from the rest of the world. This village is a highly secure and monitored place filled with weird technology. There are only 17 episodes to this late 60s show but it manages to bring up such surreal surprises, it's sure to leave a great impact on the viewer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JrNr85fPms

The Prisoner’s unique concept influenced many popular shows including Lost. The creators of Lost even cited the show. I was very impressed by how ahead of its time The Prisoners proves to be. If you want to watch more shows similar to Lost the Prisoners should definitely be on your list.

6. Battlestar Galactica (2004)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Katee Sackhoff, Edward James Olmos and Tricia Helfer 

Creator: Glen A. Larson

The 2004 Battlestar Galactica is a reboot of the original 1978 miniseries of the same name. Do not be mistaken by the title, the show is not related to Star Trek.  Battlestar Galactica is set in the 7th millennium AD and follows Cylons, the robot enemy of humanity that resurfaces to destroy the 12 colonies of Mankind. Only a few survive and are able to escape on ships led by a powerful warship called Battlestar Galactica. Mankind struggles to fight the Cylons and work their own political agendas and disputes while finding their long-lost 13th colony Earth.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnYsf2Yv8i8

The show is a dark, intense and gritty socio-political commentary with EPIC cinematic value. The script is especially clever and as a huge fan of sci-fi shows, this show ticks the boxes in all the right categories. When the show was released, it blew the viewers and critics away. As far as an obsessive and gripping story goes, Battlestar Galactica is one of the most similar to shows like Lost. 

7. The New People (1969)

IMDB ratings: 7.3/10

Cast: David Moses, Zooey hall and Tiffany Boiling

Creator: Larry Gordon Aaron Spelling

The New People is an American Tv series that aired only for 1 season and is focused on a couple of college students who survive a plane crash. The incident takes place while they were returning from a trip to Southeast Asia, their plane crashes on an island in the south of the Pacific ocean. 

By now this show must already be sounding a lot like Lost to you, and it surely is. The remaining group of people discover an unusual truth about the island: there’s an above-ground unused nuclear test site filled with supplies for the survivors. If you want to see more plane survival stories like Lost then The New People should definitely be on your list.

8. Flight 29 Down (2005)

IMDB ratings: 7.2/10

Cast: Allen Alvarado, Halle Hirsh and Corbin Bleu

Creator:  Stan Rowgow D. J. MacHale

The show Flight 29 Down is a drama series about a group of pre-teens/teens who are stranded on a South Pacific island after their plane crashes in a tropical storm while they were flying from an eco-adventure camping trip in Palau. The show is in many ways a younger version of the Adult-centred show Lost but sans the supernatural elements. I’d say that the show draws inspiration from the show The New People.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeG0w3kL8k

Flight 29 Down uses the technique of a video diary as a plot device for the viewers to keep up with the story of these children. It was very engaging to watch young intelligent characters finding their way on the island. The first two seasons of the show are quite engaging but I seemed to lose interest in its 3rd and final season. Regardless, Flight 29 Down is a really good series to watch if you want to see TV shows like Lost.

9. Fringe (2008)

IMDB ratings: 8.4/10

Cast: Anna Torv, John Noble and Joshua Jackson

Creator: J. J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci

Fringe is a popular Sci-fi crime drama television series. It may seem like a standard procedural drama at first, but the show actually explores the parallel universe, alternate versions of people filled with crazy scientific experiments. I personally had a great time watching this show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29bSzbqZ3xE

Fringe is actually inspired by shows like Lost, The X-files and The Twilight Zone. The 3 main characters of the show work with a special division called Fringe. There are so many brilliant twists and turns in Fringe that in my opinion, the show is at the top of its category. If you are searching for TV series like Lost, I strongly recommend you watch Fringe. 

10. Alcatraz (2012)

IMDB ratings: 6.9/10

Cast: Sarah Jones, George Garcia and Jonny Coyne 

Creator: Elizabeth Sarnoff, Steven Lilien, Bryan Wynbrandt

This American fiction show is based on the infamous Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary built on Alcatraz island in San Francisco Bay. The prison is now closed but once kept some of the most dangerous criminals of America. The show takes the liberty to make a show around the conspiracies of the place.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V514ACIGp_k

In the interesting premise we see that under unknown circumstances, 256 inmates and 46 guards of the prison disappear without a trace. Later the disappeared ones start to appear one by one without ageing a day and resume their criminal activities with no realisation of disappearance. A special government unit is dedicated to finding and putting those criminals back in prison. If you are looking for mystery shows similar to Lost, try watching Alcatraz. 

11. Under the Dome (2013)

IMDB ratings: 6.5/10

Cast: Alexander Koch and Rachelle Lefevre

Creator: Stephen King

Based on a novel written by the sci-fi legend Stephen King, Under the Dome tells the story of the residents of the fictional small town called Chester's Mill, when a huge, transparent and indestructible dome suddenly cuts them off from the rest of the world. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Y5YeYrqUk

Now the trapped residents try to find a way to discover the truth, origin and purpose of these domes. This journey forces them into situations where they learn more about each other than they ever knew. Under the Dome may not be on the top of this list but it’s quite a decent watch if you’re looking for mystery shows similar to Lost. 

12. Dark (2017)

IMDB ratings: 8.7/10

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari and Gina Stiebitz

Creator: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese

The German-language Netflix series Dark is an interesting blend of Science fiction and Mystery. Truly a compelling and mind-bending story to watch. At the beginning of Dark, many children suspiciously start disappearing in the German town of Winden. The dark past of generational mysteries of 4 families living in the town namely, Kahnwald, Nielsen, Doppler, and Tiedemann is brought to light.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrwycJ08PSA

After the discovery of a wormhole, the lives of the families intertwine more than one can imagine. I believe every element of the show is top-notch, especially Dark’s cinematography, which is a TRUE masterpiece. If you are looking for TV series similar to Lost then the intense and gripping story of Dark is sure to keep you engrossed.

Honourable Mentions

Here are a few TV shows like Lost that didn’t make the list, but you can check them out nonetheless: 

  1. Carnivale
  2. Yellowjackets
  3. Game of Thrones
  4. Black Mirror
  5. Flashforward
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