This Is Us hooked many from the moment the pilot aired to the very last episode. It seamlessly transitioned between the past and the present, telling us the story of a family’s love, loss, and bond. It is no wonder that when it ended in May 2022, we felt a void and a need for more. Here are some novels that will give you the same feels.
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng ($17, shop here)
This Is Us and Everything I Never Told You both weave intricate tapestries of family secrets and their ripple effects across generations. In the show, Jack’s death and Rebecca’s illness become key turning points; in the novel, the Lees grapple with the unspoken grief surrounding Lydia’s death. Both touch on the theme of unfulfilled aspirations within families, dreams passed down to children, and cultural expectations that can limit personal growth.
Appearances by Sondra Helene ($16.77, shop here)
Sibling relationships take center stage in Appearances and This Is Us. Each brings us to the complexities of family relationships, specifically the bond between siblings. In the show, the Pearson triplets, Kate, Kevin, and Randall, have an unquestionable connection. In the novel, Samantha and Elizabeth share a deep love, which is tested when Elizabeth falls ill. In both, the protagonists have to wrestle with their identity within their family and in the face of life’s challenges.
The House We Grew Up In by Lisa Jewel ($16.99, shop here)
In The House We Grew Up In, a devastating event in the Bird family’s past casts a long shadow over their lives, creating tension and distance between them. Similarly, This Is Us takes us into the Pearsons’ complicated past, uncovering secrets and tragedies that shape their present relationships. In the novel, the family discovers a truth regarding a tragedy that once tore them apart. In the show, flashbacks shed light on the backstories and mysteries of the characters.
The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty ($16, shop here)
This Is Us and The Husband’s Secret both hinge on hidden truths that profoundly impact the characters’ lives. In the show, the Pearsons wrestle with Jack’s death, Rebecca’s past, and Randall’s adoption. In the novel, Cecilia, our protagonist, unravels as she discovers shocking secrets about her husband and their marriage. The captivating story will leave you wanting to read more of Liane Moriarty’s books (more than one could easily make this list).
Turtles All the Way Down by John Green ($14.99, shop here)
Like in This Is Us, Turtles All the Way Down digs into mental health challenges. Although mental health topics have long been considered taboo, the show and the novel give us honest and nuanced depictions of Kevin’s struggles with anxiety, Kate’s battle with weight loss, and Aza’s obsessive-compulsive disorder and intrusive thoughts. The author has a knack for crafting characters that feel like family, just like This Is Us.
Have you read any of these books? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!