Top 10 Hanya Yanagihara Books

Sarah Gill
10 min readJul 14, 2024

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Dive into the world of Hanya Yanagihara’s thought-provoking literature with our book roundup article. This engaging selection highlights the captivating stories found within Yanagihara’s collection, perfect for readers seeking a new perspective on life and love.

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1. A Little Life

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Experience the enduring power of friendship and the strength of resilience in Hanya Yanagihara’s breathtaking novel, A Little Life. Set against the vibrant backdrop of contemporary New York, this stirring tale follows four once-close college friends as they navigate the ebbs and flows of life and love. At the heart of their bonds is Jude, a man profoundly shaped by the horrors of his past, yet buoyed by the inestimable hope of healing. As the men grapple with their own struggles of addiction, success, and pride, they are united by the tenacious bond of unconditional friendship and a shared ambition to thrive.

A Little Life masterfully explores the intricate tapestry of human relationships and the transformative power of love in the modern era, making it a must-read for fans of heart-wrenching, poignant dramas. With its stellar accolades and captivating prose, this extraordinary novel has firmly cemented its place as a literary triumph. Dive headfirst into this compelling tale and prepare to be reminded of the extraordinary strength and resilience of the human spirit.

  • Authors: Hanya Yanagihara
  • Publisher: Anchor
  • Published Date: January 26, 2016
  • Page Count: 834
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Average Rating: 2.0
  • Ratings Count: 1.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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2. Diary of an Oxygen Thief

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“Diary of an Oxygen Thief” offers readers an unforgettable and unapologetic journey through love, ambition, and the consequences of our actions. Set in a world where two complex and damaged characters converge, the novel explores the heart-wrenching complications of their dysfunctional romance.

Our unnamed protagonist, an aspiring photographer’s assistant, finds herself tangled in an intense and destructive affair. Meanwhile, Holden Caulfield, an alcoholic with a troubled past, is faced with the challenge of finding solace and redemption in the midst of his own inner turmoil.

As their paths cross in the glamorous yet dangerous cityscape of Bright Lights, Big City, the characters are forced to confront their demons while grappling with the consequences of their choices. “Diary of an Oxygen Thief” presents an honest, hilarious, and heartfelt exploration of how our pasts shape our present and the brutal impact of our actions on ourselves and others.

In this raw and thought-provoking story, Anonymous masterfully weaves together the complexities of human relationships, exploring the darker side of love and ambition. This powerful tale offers an unflinching portrayal of what goes on behind the closed doors of our lives, and serves as a cautionary reminder of the fragile nature of our existence.

With a concise page count of just 192 pages, “Diary of an Oxygen Thief” packs a powerful punch and is sure to leave a lasting impression on its readers. This gripping and emotionally charged novel promises to be a must-read for anyone seeking a fresh and brutally honest perspective on the human experience.

  • Authors: Anonymous
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published Date: May 23, 2016
  • Page Count: 192
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Average Rating: 5.0
  • Ratings Count: 3.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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3. The Other Alcott

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A Novel

The Other Alcott by Elise Hooper is a riveting debut novel that reimagines the lesser-known sister from the beloved classic, Little Women, in a bold, new light. A thrilling tale of ambition, creativity, and self-discovery, the book follows the life of May Alcott, Louisa’s passionate and talented younger sister, who longs to break free from the confines of Concord, Massachusetts.

As May’s artistic dreams clash with societal expectations, she seeks to find her own identity and place in the world. Set against the backdrop of the bustling 19th-century world of art and literature, The Other Alcott takes readers on a journey through Boston, London, Paris, and Rome, as May forges her own path, striving to become more than just “The Other Alcott. “ Combining intrigue and historical accuracy, this novel is a must-read for fans of Louisa May Alcott and anyone who cherishes a good story of courage, perseverance, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.

  • Authors: Elise Hooper
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published Date: September 05, 2017
  • Page Count: 277
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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4. How We Disappeared

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A Novel

In the gripping debut novella “How We Disappeared, “ Jing-Jing Lee unravels the deeply moving story of a young boy’s quest to uncover the agonizing secrets of his grandmother’s past. Set against the backdrop of Japan’s invasion of Singapore, the narrative alternates between two timelines — one following seventeen-year-old Wang Di, a captive of a “comfort woman” brothel during World War II, and the other chronicling twelve-year-old Kevin’s tireless pursuit of truth, spurred by a whispered confession from his terminally ill grandmother.

Brimming with themes of family, love, memory, and the enduring toll of war, “How We Disappeared” sheds light on a little-known chapter of history and showcases the unyielding resilience of the human spirit. Recommended for fans of Pachinko and We Were the Lucky Ones.

  • Authors: Jing-Jing Lee
  • Publisher: Harlequin
  • Published Date: May 07, 2019
  • Page Count: 366
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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5. kaddish.com

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A novel

In Nathan Englander’s captivating novel, Kaddish. com, Larry, a secular son in a family of Orthodox Brooklyn Jews, is tasked with reciting the Kaddish, the Jewish prayer for the deceased, for the soul of his late father. Facing the deep-rooted family tradition, Larry, much to his sister’s dismay, hesitates.

To ease her concerns, he hires a stranger from a website called Kaddish. com to fulfill this religious responsibility. What begins as a seemingly harmless compromise results in repercussions that are both profound and deeply personal.

Englander’s poignant portrayal of the clash between tradition and modernity is both irreverent and hilarious, offering an unforgettable exploration of the complexities of personal faith and familial obligations.

  • Authors: Nathan Englander
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published Date: February 11, 2020
  • Page Count: 226
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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6. The Equivalents

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A Story of Art, Female Friendship, and Liberation in the 1960s

The Equivalents is an engrossing and vibrant biography that explores the lives of five extraordinary women artists in the 1960s. Award-finalist Maggie Doherty masterfully narrates the compelling story of Harvard’s sister college, Radcliffe, creating the Institute for Independent Study, offering an innovative opportunity for female artists in academic achievement. This book delves into the deep bonds shared between these five women — Anne Sexton, Maxine Kumin, Barbara Swan, Marianna Pineda, and Tillie Olsen — who called themselves “the Equivalents. “

Doherty meticulously weaves together their personal diaries, letters, recordings, and writings to provide a vivid depiction of their friendships, ambitions, and shared experiences of love, heartbreak, art, and activism. The book is more than just a biography; it is a profound exploration of how the Institute spoke to the state of women on the brink of liberation in a rapidly changing world.

Doherty’s writing is both rich and powerful, presenting an intimate love story between these talented women and the transformative nature of art and female friendship. The Equivalents offers an unforgettable account of these remarkable artists, their individual achievements, and the bonds that united them in their journey towards liberation.

  • Authors: Maggie Doherty
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published Date: April 13, 2021
  • Page Count: 402
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Biography & Autobiography
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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7. Out Front the Following Sea

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Immerse yourself in the untamed world of Out Front the Following Sea, where the lines between good and evil blur and survival becomes a matter of life and death. Set in the turbulent era of King William’s War, this historical epic follows Ruth Miner, a young woman falsely accused of witchcraft and on the run for her life. As the conflict between French and English settlers rages on, Ruth’s journey intertwines with Owen, a daring sailor torn between his allegiances and desperate to clear his name.

Together, they face the dangers of the wild, the brutality of betrayal, and the weight of love as they navigate the complicated world of Quakers, Pequot Indians, soldiers, and townsfolk. As Ruth grapples with the consequences of her choices, she must confront the harsh truth that her own survival hinges on that of the man she has come to love.

Out Front the Following Sea is a captivating tale of love, betrayal, and survival, where the line between right and wrong is blurred, and the wilderness remains a force to be reckoned with.

“Out Front the Following Sea” is a powerful, gripping tale of survival and love, set against the backdrop of King William’s War. Fans of historical fiction will be delighted by the intricate, well-researched world-building, while the complex characters, intricate plot, and a fast-paced narrative will captivate readers from start to finish. This is a must-read for fans of epic tales of survival, love, and adventure.

  • Authors: Leah Angstman
  • Publisher: Regal House Publishing
  • Published Date: January 11, 2022
  • Page Count: 334
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Average Rating: 4.5
  • Ratings Count: 5.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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8. Thank You, Mr. Nixon

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Stories

Discover the transformative impact of the last fifty years of U. S. -China relations through the enchanting and illuminating stories of acclaimed author, Gish Jen. “Thank You, Mr.

Nixon” invites readers to journey through a world on the brink of change as it delves into the intertwined lives of ordinary individuals, captivated by the power of a story collection that transcends art and becomes life itself. Explore the profound compassion and humor through eleven interconnected stories, each beautifully exploring the intimate encounter between humans and history during the remarkable era of China’s opening.

Prepare to be swept off your feet by the delightful, provocative, and powerful prose of this master storyteller as she proves her eminence among American writers.

  • Authors: Gish Jen
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published Date: February 01, 2022
  • Page Count: 231
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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9. A Match Made in Lipa

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In “A Match Made in Lipa” by Carla de Guzman, childhood friends Kira Luz and Santi find themselves on opposite ends of love and longing. Kira, an accomplished chocolate maker and shop owner, has always been cautious about love, but after a chance encounter with Santi, a former playboy now turned hotel heir, she reconsiders her stance.

Santi, on the other hand, has struggled to find his footing after being cut off from his family business. He finds solace in returning to Lipa, where he can run a small but niche hotel and reconnect with Kira. However, as they navigate the complexities of their relationship, they discover they must overcome not only distance but also family ties and unresolved pasts.

Together, Kira and Santi must learn to navigate the unpredictable nature of fate, love, and destiny in this witty and heartfelt Filipino romance. Follow their journey as they explore the potential of second chances and the sweetness of finding love in the most unexpected places.

  • Authors: Carla de Guzman
  • Publisher: Carina Press
  • Published Date: March 08, 2022
  • Page Count: 322
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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10. Ever After Always

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Prepare yourself for an enchanting second-chance romance, as told through the lens of a TikTok sensation! “Ever After Always” follows the gripping tale of passion and commitment as Freya and Aiden reignite the magic in their relationship. With their marriage on the verge of collapse and external pressures piling on, they must bridge the gap that has grown between them.

Freya Bergman, the love of Aiden’s life, grapples with the choice between the joyous life she once shared with her husband and the quiet, withdrawn man he has become. As the months go by, Aiden’s anxiety spirals out of control, threatening their marriage. To salvage their future, they attend marriage counseling and embark on a family island vacation that could either mend their bond or be their undoing.

Embark on the captivating journey of Freya and Aiden as they battle to rediscover the love they once shared and reignite the passion that brought them together. Will this idyllic paradise be the key to restoring their marriage or the final wave that capsizes them?

Delve into this spellbinding novel of love, family, and second chances by Chloe Liese. Experience 369 pages of heartfelt romance and learn if the spark can rekindle in the face of adversity. This tale, with an average rating of Not Mature, is the perfect read for adult bookworms seeking passion, commitment, and adventure. Immerse yourself in “Ever After Always” — the ideal book to escape into this year!

  • Authors: Chloe Liese
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published Date: January 02, 2024
  • Page Count: 369
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Fiction
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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