Hello! I am looking for books that focus heavily on the dynamic between boys growing up, like the kind of intense, complicated, emotional bonds that form. Bonus points if it takes place in a boarding school or other setting where they’re forced to be around each other constantly.
I have always loved this trope as its not often explored, but I adore stories such as;
- Stand by Me (Yes, I have read The Body by Stephen King!)
- Dead Poets Society
- The Outsiders
- Winger by Andrew A. Smith
- The Holdovers
- Swing Kids
I'm not looking for any romance novels. I’m especially drawn to stories that lean into coming-of-age, grief, boyhood identity, and how these friendships evolve.
Thank you all in advance!
by wrenlord
10 Comments
A Separate Peace by John Knowles
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead is fiction based on the Dozier School for Boys, known for its abusive tactics. It’s not a light read.
Have you read the Harry Potter series?
Tom Brown’s School Days.
These might fit?
*The White King*, Gyorgy Dragoman
*Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha*
Ruth Rendell’s *Talking to Strange Men* is about a group of schoolmates whose espionage game takes some turns they didn’t plan for.
How about “Ender’s Game” or “The Razor’s Edge”?
The Secret History by Donna Tartt is right up your alley!
This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
absolutely have to read a separate peace by john knowles, it’s a classic for a reason and nails all those vibes you’re looking for
“A Separate Peace,” by John Knowles
“That Was Than, This Is Now,” by S.E. Hinton
“Tex,” by S.E. Hinton
“Demian,” by Hermann Hesse
“The Prodigy,” by Hermann Hesse