When the book was first released in 2001, André Aciman’s Call Me By Your Name was praised by readers and critics alike. When the film adaptation came out in 2017, it became a global sensation.
Set on the Italian Riviera, this powerful novel follows a romance between characters Elio and Oliver that develops over the summer.
Told retrospectively, both are unprepared for the sudden attraction, with each feigning ignorance. But the six weeks they spend together will bring experiences that will change them for the rest of their lives.
Books Like Call Me by Your Name
The main theme of Call Me By Your Name may be romance, but it also touches upon topics like identity, family, acceptance, heartbreak, and more. All of these are viewed through the eyes of Elio as he comes of age. Below are other novels that dip into these subjects.
1. The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith
A chance encounter sparks a mutual attraction between two lonely women. Therese is a budding stage designer making ends meet as a store clerk. Carol is a wealthy housewife in the midst of a bitter divorce.
They see in one another the things that they themselves lack. But while their passion is real, society is unaccepting of their relationship. Their newly found happiness is quickly endangered when Carol is forced to choose between her child and lover.
2. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
Slowly, their friendship develops into something more. But while one embraces his sexuality, the other is reluctant to accept his feelings. At least, not until a potentially life-changing event that could cost him everything.
3. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
This imaginative retelling explores the potential romance between the greatest of Greek warriors and his loyal friend.
The young and awkward prince Patroclus is exiled to the courts of King Peleus and meets the legendary Achilles. They form an unexpected friendship that develops into something deeper.
But soon Achilles is called to war. Fearful of losing him, Patroclus follows him into danger, not knowing his decision will destroy everything the two of them hold dear.
4. Lie With Me by Philippe Besson
Outside a hotel in Bordeaux, Philippe chances upon a young man who bears a striking resemblance to his first love. It leads him to reminisce about a part of his past—a hidden affair with a boy named Thomas during their high school years.
Separated by class and fear of their families, they steal time to meet in secret and then refuse to acknowledge one another in public. It’s the kind of love that will forever haunt them with unanswered questions and regrets.
5. They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio both get the most important calls of their lives: it’s their End day. They only have 24 hours or less to live.
Finding each other through the Last Friend app, both meet up for one last adventure. Living a lifetime in a single day might be impossible. Good thing there’s nothing they can possibly lose.
6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Charlie is quiet, introverted, and always experiences life from the sidelines. All of that changes when he befriends two seniors: Patrick and Sam. They become his mentors and help him discover the joys of friendship, music, and first love.
But Charlie has hidden many things about himself—things that even he no longer knows. To truly live the life he wants, he must first learn to confront the memories he’s running from.
7. Normal People by Sally Rooney
Being from the same small town is the only thing Connell and Marianne have in common. He’s popular, well-adjusted, and a star soccer player. She’s quiet, proud, and extremely private. But a chance conversation between them leads to a life-changing connection.
A year later, both are studying at Trinity College in Dublin. But now Marianne’s the popular one while Connell turns shy and uncertain. As the years go by, they stray toward different circles, opportunities, and possibilities, yet they always find themselves inexplicably drawn back to one another.
8. Maurice by E. M. Forster
While studying at Cambridge, Maurice Hall falls in love with fellow student Clive Durham. Together they explore the Greek’s acceptance of same-sex love.
But when Clive marries a woman, Maurice is hurt enough to try and cure himself of his homosexuality. But in trying to reject his identity, he must ultimately reject society’s rules and embrace his true self.
9. I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
Twins Noah and Jude were once inseparable. Now, they barely speak to one another. The early years are Noah’s to tell, as he copes with their mother’s secret and his own relationship woes. The later years are Jude’s, as she meets a mysterious mentor and falls hopelessly in love.
Each only has half a story to tell. If only they could find their lost connection again, maybe the tragedies, doubts, and fears will finally make sense.
10. The Charioteer by Mary Renault
After being injured at Dunkirk during World War II, Laurie Odell is sent home to rest at a rural British hospital. There he befriends Andrew, a conscientious objector raised as a Quaker.
But as their friendship blooms into something stronger, a past friend of Laurie’s re-enters his life. Now he must choose between the innocent love of the former, or the experienced but jaded embrace of the latter.
The Best LGBTQ+ Reads
People are becoming more aware of the importance of diversity. As such, we’re seeing a lot of literature that tackles the subject, and many are rediscovering books that existed for years but were neglected and seen as taboo.
The books above have elements that dive into a person’s identity and sexuality. Take note though, that just because they involve LGBTQ+ themes doesn’t mean they’re only for the LGBTQ+ community.
The best LGBTQ+ books are understandable to even those who don’t identify with any of these labels. Reading them can make us more informed, empathic, and accepting.
Did you find this post useful? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
