Hornby, Nick: *1957

About a Boy, 1998 - Thematic Parallels: Identity

Hornby, Nick: About a Boy, 1998
The novel is about personal growth, empathy, themes of loneliness, personal growth, and how unlikely friendships can change lives.
The following books are thematically similar. They lend themselves well to being read in groups, compared with one another, or used to teach a similar topic over an extended period with a class:
- Kay, Jackie: Trumpet, 1998, ~200pp
  This is a novel dealing with family secrets and identity.
  - Both novels explore alternative forms of connection and family as central to emotional growth. They explore how marginalized or unconventional individuals navigate isolation and find acceptance through connection. Both novels critique societal norms and expectations in a humorous or moving way.
- Miller, Sue: While I Was Gone, 1999, ~270pp
  This novel involves personal growth and family themes.
  - The key similarities revolve around loneliness, the healing power of relationships, personal growth, and nontraditional family dynamics, often portrayed with a mix of humor and emotional depth.
- Plath, Sylvia: The Bell Jar, 1963, ~250pp
  This is a novel discusses coming of age, and personal growth.
  - Both novels examine the psychological impact of isolation, depression, and societal expectations on the individual, though "The Bell Jar" treats it more darkly and introspectively, whereas "About a Boy" mixes humor with emotional depth. While they differ in tone, era, and style, they share thematic concerns with mental health, isolation, societal pressure, self-discovery, and the transformative power of relationships.
- Thomas, Angie: The Hate U Give, 2017, ~440pp
  This novel addresses identity, social issues, and coming of age.
  - Both works explore adolescence, identity, the challenges of navigating dual worlds, and the power of relationships to catalyze personal growth. Both blend humor and serious reflection to make these journeys compelling.
List of general discussion questions on Identity (pdf)
List of essay prompts on Identity (pdf)