The other day, my partner read Curtis Sittenfeld’s (delightful) Romantic Comedy. Then he went to the library and asked the librarian for more books like Romantic Comedy, which I’m pretty sure the librarian heard as, “like, romantic comedy,” because he came home with some absolute trash that he did not like, which was both a bummer and also a little funny.

Anyway, the exchange inspired me to make a little mini-list of some big bestsellers I’ve loved, and some related, but maybe less-well-known books I also loved. Maybe it’ll even help with your last minute holiday shopping?

1. If you liked Curtis Sittenfeld’s Romantic Comedy, read Skye Falling, by Mia McKenzie

Why you’ll like it: Jokes! Sturdy but voicey prose. Slightly neurotic protagonist who can’t get out of her own way but you’ll still want to for, through the meet-cute and beyond.
Bonus note: It’s a Black, queer romance and set in Philly :)