11 Charming Books Like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine to Love
We were so excited to put together this list of books like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine because she is a character that you grow to love. When the book begins, her actions and behavior are confusing and unconventional but as the book continues, she becomes the perfect example of not judging a book by its cover.
There are so many fantastic books with fun characters that remind me of Elanor. There are
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Books Like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
I wasn’t sure how I felt about this book initially. Eleanor bugged me in a way that I could not identify. She is not supposed to be likable initially which is why I persevered and I ended up liking the book.
As we get to know Eleanor and understand her profound loneliness, it made me think about what initial judgments I make in other areas. Eleanor is able to find herself and understand herself in this wonderful, feel-good book.
Eleanor has difficulty with social skills and is used to being alone until one day, she saves an elderly man who has fallen with the help of Raymond from her work. The three develop a friendship that is able to help heal Eleanor. If you loved this book, check out our list of Books Like A Man Called Ove.
Books With Characters Like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
You know how this book is going to end even before you start reading it. However, that does not make the journey any less enjoyable. I found it to be cute and endearing.
Don Tillman is autistic and, as he’s the narrator, we get to listen to every unfiltered thought he has in his quest to find a wife. He approaches this in a scientific way and was a perfect pick for books like The Love Hypothesis. Don is also a character who reminded me of another favorite. If you loved this book, you can find more like it on our list of Charming Books Like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
I was not prepared for this book! Reader beware that it is the Rosie Project with a sprinkle of Pretty Woman and a whole lot of 50 Shades.
It is not offensive in the least but, I listened to this one, and let me say that I am very glad that my kids were not in the car. I did not realize that some of the scenes would be graphic.
It is a great romance with a neurodiverse main character named Stella who hires an escort to teach her about relationships and I loved it. This contemporary romance is definitely on its way to classic status and has a well-earned place on our list of books like The Love Hypothesis.
Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata and Ginny Tapley Takemori (Translator)
The quirky character in this novel reminded me of Eleanor Oliphant so it was an easy pick for a list of books like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. I loved being inside Keiko’s unique mind.
Keiko has been working at the same convenience store for 18 years. Listening to her inner monologue as she tries to conform to society is at times humorous and at other times sad. I would gladly have spent another 100 pages with Keiko.
The Helpline by Katherine Collette
I started reading this book and found that I had a really hard time putting it down. It is one of those books where the main character is completely imperfect and often infuriating but, will grow on you!
This book is perfect for a list of books like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. If you loved Eleanor, then you will love this book.
Germaine has lost her job at an insurance company and begins working at a helpline for senior citizens. The mayor has a side project for Germaine. She wants Germaine to help her in the feud between the golf club and the senior citizen center. Sometimes, as Germaine will find out, things are not always what they seem.
This pick from feel-good novels was an unexpected joy! And as books for book clubs go, this is such a great choice. Her quirky personality also makes this book perfect for books like Lessons in Chemistry.
The Very Nice Box by Laura Blackett and Eve Gleichman
The quirky personality of Ava, the protagonist in The Very Nice Box, is reminiscent of Eleanor Oliphant. Being inside Ava’s unique brain was a real treat.
Ava works as an engineer at a furniture company similar to Ikea. She has the same routine every day and is rather isolated socially until Mat Putnam bursts into her life.
As her backstory unfolds, this book goes from romance to thriller in the most delightful way. One of the most original vacation books of 2021. It’s a must-read for laughs and suspense and is a perfect pick for books like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Mr. Backman has a beautiful way of capturing the reader’s interest with wonderful characters that find themselves in hilarious situations.
I laughed out loud- a lot- while reading. The book A Man Called Ove does indeed start with Ove trying to take his life and continuously being interrupted by his new neighbors.
But, this story is so much more than that. As it progresses, Ove is able to have a profound impact on the life of everyone he meets. If you love this book, check out Books Like A Man Called Ove.
While Ove is not as quirky as Eleanor, they both are able to find out who they really are. I had to include it on the list of books like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.
For more books like these, check out our list of 9 Books Like A Man Called Ove
Books Like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine: Celebrity Books Club Picks
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
April 2022 GMA Book Club Pick
I don’t even know where to begin with this unique contemporary fiction story. Elizabeth Zott is a chemist in the 50s when women were expected to know their place in society — their place being the kitchen and the home.
Elizabeth struggles to be taken seriously in her field and as a single mother, in this amazing book. So when an offer to host a cooking show for women is put in her path, she reluctantly takes it.
She uses her no-nonsense attitude and chemistry principles to teach the women in America to not only cook but to follow their dreams outside of the home.
Zott is a quirky character like Eleanor Oliphant with a charming daughter and a dog whose inner monologue is as quirky as hers. An absolutely wonderful book about motherhood! You can also find this book on our list of Books Like The Love Hypothesis as well.
Are you looking for the perfect book for your next book club? Check out our Lessons in Chemistry Book Club Guide. If you love this book and are looking for more, we also have 15 Books Like Lessons in Chemistry.
The Maid by Nita Prose
January 2022 Good Morning America Pick
Molly works as a maid in a grand hotel and gets joy from leaving things orderly and pristine. Molly struggles with reading social cues and has had even more trouble since her gran can no longer help.
When Molly finds a dead body in a room at the hotel, she becomes a prime suspect and will need all her friends to help her.
I loved the description of this book and I hoped it would live up to my expectations. I did that and more. I loved every minute of this book and closed the last page smiling. If love Eleanor, you will love Molly and this pick from books like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
Where the Crawdads Sing Deluxe Edition by Dehlia Owens
September 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
I will admit when I saw the description of this book, I was not sold. A trusted individual, who has never steered me wrong in the past, gave me an advanced copy so, I took the leap. And wow, am I glad I did.
I read this book and then recommended it to everyone I knew. This book has that spark, that special something that makes it extra. It is no surprise that we chose this as our favorite of 2018.
We have an entire post dedicated to this book and how to host a book club around it and we even have a list of 13 books like Where the Crawdads Sing! You can find this book on our List of books like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine.
The Cactus by Sarah Haywood
June 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
A pick for Reese’s Sunshine Bookclub, I enjoyed this story about Susan Green’s unlikely quest for love. When her mother dies and leaves her home to Susan’s brother, Susan decides to hire a lawyer and get what she thinks is owed to her.
Susan also finds out that she is pregnant and she starts to lose control of her meticulously controlled life. Meet Rob, her brother’s best friend,
