Fiction Books about Mental Illness & Mental Health
Mental illness and mental health were both taboo subjects until the pandemic threw a glaring spotlight on how important it is to take care of our mental state as much as we take care of our bodies. This is a list of my favorite fiction books about mental illness.
These fiction books about mental illness can be heavy, so be aware of your own mental health while reading them. They are powerful, poignant, and sometimes thrilling books that will definitely give you a different perspective. If you are looking for nonfiction books about mental health, I have those on a different list.
The Best Fiction Books About Mental Illness
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Book Set in a Mental Health Facility
Such Sheltered Lives by Alyssa Sheinmel- Jump to Section
Best Book About Depression
Man Overboard by Kathleeen Rooney- Jump to Section
Best Book About Substance Abuse
We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker- Jump to Section
Best Books About Schizophrenia
I know This Much is True by Wally Lamb- Jump to Section
Best Books About Eating Disorders
Milk Fed by Melissa Border – Jump to Section
Best YA Book About Mental Illness
Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley – Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Fiction Books Set in a Mental Health Facility
Such Sheltered Lives
Author: Alyssa Sheinmel
Year: 2026
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Tucked away in a private enclave of the Hamptons is Rush’s Recovery, a highly exclusive recovery center for the ultra-wealthy. In the winter off-season, it’s particularly secluded and that’s when its latest patients check in.
Lord Edward (clearly a Prince Harry-inspired character) who is there to treat his addiction, Florence Bloom, a pop star looking to lay low after her latest tabloid scandal, and Amelia Blue, daughter of a ’90s rock star in treatment for an eating disorder, but also there under false pretenses.
As Amelia begins breaking the center’s rules to investigate more about her deceased mom, who also went to the same facility, her path intertwines with those of her fellow patients as her quest for answers takes a dangerous turn.
Trigger Warnings
Grief, Eating disorder, Drug abuse
Why Kirsten likes it
I guessed some of the twists and turns, but not all of them, and the ending was just so satisfying. It’s hard to know which of the stories I liked best on their own, but the story came to life when they all wove together in the end. #gifted by Atria Books
Find this book in: Books about Mental Illness & Mental Health / The Best Winter Books
Plot
This debut novel tells the story of four sisters who grow up together on the grounds of Mercy Hill, a mental hospital, where their mother is the director. Each sister is pushed by their mother to help the hospital by volunteering time, protesting, or heading to D.C. to plead their case for more funds.
Despite their home’s astonishing backdrop and their mother’s pressure to succeed, each girl is still experiencing the mundane struggles of growing up. From fitting in with peers to first love, the sisters grow apart as they each react to their family dynamics in different ways.
Trigger Warnings
Mental Illness, Suicide
Why Kirsten loves it
This coming-of-age story is set during the same time I was growing up, which might be why I found the Cross sisters’ plight so moving. Watching each girl’s development was a study in how different people respond to the same situation in different ways. My heart ached for each Cross girl and the family as a whole while I read this story. Gifted by PRH Audio
Find this book in: Books about Mental Illness & Mental Health
Nine Perfect Strangers
Author: Liane Moriarty
Year: 2018
Genre: Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This popular novel takes place at a retreat where 9 strangers have sought the help of a wellness guru with an unorthodox approach. Over the course of their stay, they will have therapies and experiences that defy logic as they attempt to heal.
Trigger Warnings
Suicide, Child Death
Why Kirsten loves it
Let me start off by saying, this is no Big Little Lies. I love Moriarty when her works are based more on events that could actually happen – My Husband’s Secret and Big Little Lies remain great contemporary fiction books on my list. This story had an incredible start and then got insanely far-fetched. Mind you, I enjoyed it immensely, but you need to go in knowing that it’s an enjoyable read but nothing more.
Find this book in: Books About Cults / Books About Mental Health / Books With Numbers in the Title
The Silent Patient
Author: Alex Michaelides
Year: 2019
Genre: Thriller
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This popular thriller book was Michaelides’s debut novel and sold over 65 million copies for good reason. This psychological thriller sucked me in immediately – a woman murders her husband and then doesn’t say a word for 10 years.
Convinced he can help, a psychologist named Theo transfers to the facility where Alice is staying to try to get the real story behind the fateful night of the murder.
Soon, he will become obsessed with Alice and finding out the truth behind the murders.
Trigger Warnings
Suicide Attempt, mental illness
Why Kirsten likes it
This is my first Michaelides book and I can see why this is a bestseller. The story is fast moving and unpredictable and the plot sucked me in immediately.
Find this book in: Unreliable Narrator Books / Best Mystery Books of All Time / Best Psychological Thriller Books / Popular Thriller Books
Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen
Susanna’s gripping memoir of her time spend in a mental hospital in the ’60s is a book that I still think about years after reading.
Her detailed history of the facility, the patients, and her experience made for a page-turning story that inspired the fictionalized movie starring Angelina Jolie and Winona Ryder.
The Perfect Daughter
Author: DJ Palmer
Year: 2021
Genre: thriller
More info: Bestselling Author of The Husband
Age Range: 16+
Plot
When police come to Grace’s door, she is terrified that something has happened to her teenage daughter, Penny. Instead, she finds out her daughter has been arrested for murder.
What follows is a year and a half in a psychiatric facility while Penny awaits her trial and experts try to determine if the multiple personalities are real or a made-up ruse to get away with murder. Because Eve, the protector, has kept Penny and the other personalities away.
Trigger Warnings
Mental illness
Why Kirsten loves it
This thriller is brilliantly crafted and had me guessing until the very end. Thank you to Macmillian Audio for my ALC of this book. It was amazing to listen to as each personality had a distinct voice. If you are looking for books that are psychological thrillers, this is one that I couldn’t put down!
Why Jackie Loves it
This thriller was so well-written. I was impressed by the way Palmer wrote the Dissociative Identity Disorder. I am not an expert in this area at all so I have no idea if this is accurate, but the entire premise made the story compelling and unputdownable
Find this book in:Books about Mental Illness / Best Psychological Thriller Books
Fiction Books About Depression
Man overboard
Author: Kathleen Rooney
Release Date: July 7, 2026
Genre: Fiction
More info: Bestselling Author of Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I loved Lillian Boxfish, so I cannot wait to get my hands on this book. Patrick Kilpatrick, Kick for short, is alone in the sea after falling off, or jumping off, a Thanksgiving cruise with his family. Thank goodness he was a college swimmer. As he treads water to stay alive, he has only his memories to keep him company.
He thinks back on his regrets, his relationships, and wins, while contemplating how he wants to live his life if he is ever rescued from the water.
Trigger Warnings
Discussion of suicide
Why Jackie loves it
Only Rooney could write a book about a man lost at sea and make it a moving and powerful book. Kick discovers his will to live with each hour he spends in the water. Hour by hour, he tells himself that he will be rescued within the next hour.
Find this book in: Fiction Books About Mental Illness
25 Days ‘Til Christmas
Author: Poppy Alexander
Year: 2018
Genre: Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I read 25 Days ‘til Christmas because I wanted a lovely, Christmas romance novel. The contemporary fiction story is about a single mother who decides to do an advent calendar of activities in the hopes of bringing life back to her home.
A cute guy befriends them and I thought I was getting the romance I was looking for. In actuality, the book takes a dark turn and deals with loneliness, depression, childhood disabilities, and grieving.
Trigger Warnings
Suicidal Thoughts
Why Kirsten loves it
It was so much deeper than I thought when looking at the peppy cover. I loved it. Truly. I wanted to personally walk into the pages of the book and lift her up when life knocked her down. I got the happy Christmas ending I wanted, but in a more meaningful way than I initially expected. I can’t recommend this one enough.
Find this book in: Christmas Books 2023 / Best Christmas Books of All Time / Mental Health Books / Christmas Book Club Books
Plot
Hubert Bird is a widower who has weekly conversations with his daughter in Australia. He tells her amazing stories about how he spends his time. The problem? It is all made up. With his daughter coming to visit, Hubert must find friends and a life to show his daughter.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Grief
Why Jackie loves it
This contemporary fiction book was my surprise star of the summer so far. I had not heard of the book and thought it sounded great. I loved every minute of it. Hubert gets a second chance at love and friendship but the book dives deeper into Hubert’s past as well. The depth and sincerity in this book are wonderful and I cannot say enough good things about it.
Find this book in: Books About Mental Illness / British Books / Books with Older Protagonists
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
Author: Gail Honeyman
Year: 2017
Genre: Fiction
More info: June 2107 Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick
Age Range: 14+
Plot
I wasn’t sure how I felt about this contemporary fiction book initially. Initially, Eleanor’s behavior and responses to people and situations upset me. I had the outside perspective of a reader to understand how Eleanor is misinterpreting situations. She is not supposed to be likable initially which is why I persevered and ended up loving the book and Eleanor.
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 helps Eleanor heal.
Trigger Warnings
Loneliness
Why Jackie likes it
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.
Why Kirsten loves it
If you love a character-driven novel, this is the book for you. Eleanor changes so much from the beginning of the story to the end, I loved taking the journey with her.
Find this book in: Books Like A Man Called Ove/ Books About Scotland / British Books / Books With Neurodivergent Characters / Best Books Like Lessons in Chemistry / Ultimate List of Feel-Good Books / Amnesia Books
Find books like this in: Books Like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
A Man Called Ove
Author: Fredrik Backman
Year: 2014
Genre: Fiction
More info: A recent Motion Picture Called A Man Called Otto Starring Tom Hanks
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Ove is mourning the loss of his wife and is consumed with grief. He decided to end his life. His attempts are foiled by mishaps and interruptions from his new neighbors. While this sounds like a depressing book, I laughed out loud while reading it.
Mr. Backman has a beautiful way of capturing the reader’s interest with wonderful characters who find themselves in hilarious situations. 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, and at its heart, it is a book about friendship.
But don’t let the description throw you off. At its heart, this is one of the best feel-good books and one of my all-time favorite books! If you have not read it, you should consider it for your book club.
Trigger Warnings
Attempted Suicide
Why Jackie loves it
The love and friendships that develop in this book are almost unmatched, in my opinion. Backman is a master storyteller.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a book that allowed me to laugh and cry equally. I loved Ove and his second chance at living life.
Find this book in: Ultimate List of Contemporary Fiction / Books About Friendship / Jackie’s Top 10 All-Time Favorite Books / Novels About Grief
Find More Books Like This in: Books Like A Man Called Ove
Fiction Books About Substance Use Disorders
We Begin at the End
Author: Chris Witaker
Year: 2021
Genre: Mystery
More info: Winner of the Gold Dagger for Best Crime Novel from the Crime Writers’ Association (UK), Winner of the Best International Crime Fiction from the Australian Crime Writers Association, An Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:
Plot
Duchess Day Radley is 13 years old and extremely protective of her five-year-old brother and often acts as a parent to her own mother, Star. Walk is the town chief of police and has never forgiven himself for giving testimony that sent his best friend, Vincent, to jail for thirty years.
Now, Vincent is out of Jail and Starr is murdered. This is a story about family and found family.
Why Jackie loves it
I was not prepared for the emotional punch that this book delivered with each and every page. This is such a wonderfully written book.
Find this book in: Best Books of 2021 / Books about Mental Illness & Mental Health
Long Bright River
Author: Liz Moore
Year: 2020
Genre: Fiction
More info: February 2020 GMA Book Club Pick
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The contemporary fiction story revolves around 2 sisters. One is a cop, one is an opioid addict – both are being impacted by a string of murders in the Kensington area of Philadelphia. This book dealt with many issues around drug addiction and it handles them without judging.
Trigger Warnings
Drug Addiction
Why Kirsten loves it
Long Bright River is phenomenal and I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. The story takes place in Philly’s Kensington neighborhood which is known for having a huge opioid problem. You can’t live in my area and not know about the epidemic spreading through our city. It’s devastating and scary and this book deals with it head-on.
Adaptation
This TV series starring Amanda Seyfried came to Peacock in 2025.
Find this book in: Best Contemporary Fiction Novels / Books About Mental Illness / Novels About Addiction/ Best Books of 2020 / GMA Book Club list 2020
Daisy Jones & The Six
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: March 2019 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The book is laid out like a VH1 Behind the Music style interview. It’s laid out in chronological order about the making of the band Daisy Jones & the Six, but the story is told in interview style from a dozen sources.
It’s a story about the music scene of the 1970s in Hollywood when the band The Six meets Daisy Jones and together they rocket to superstardom! Among the drama of touring, there is also a forbidden love story or two, and plenty of crazy parties!
It’s truly the perfect mix of historical fiction, romance, and rock ‘n’ roll.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book needs to be listened to, not read. The audio version has a different narrator for each character and the performances are stupendous. I was overcome with emotion numerous times while I was listening.
Why Jackie loves it
This celebrity fiction story about the rise and fall of one of the hottest bands of the 70s was so utterly fabulous – it’s pure sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll in all the best ways.
Find this book in: Taylor Jenkins Reid Books Ranked / Books Set in the 70s / Full Cast Audiobooks / Ultimate Beach Reads 2020 / Books With Flowers in the Title / Best Reese Witherspoon Books
Find Similar Books in: Books Like Daisy Jones & The Six
Fiction Books about Schizophrenia
I Know This Much is True
Author: Wally Lamb
Year: 1998
Genre: Fiction
More info: June 1998 Oprah Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is a story of identical twin brothers, one of whom is a paranoid schizophrenic. When he shockingly mutilates himself, his brother must become his caretaker. It is powerful and heartbreaking.
Trigger Warnings
Suicide, Rape, Domestic abuse
Why Jackie loves it
I read this book more than 20 years ago, and I still feel emotional about this book. I have not re-read it to see if it has withstood the test of time, but I do not doubt that it has.
Find this book in: Long Books / Books About Mental Illness / Best Oprah’s Book Club Books
The Prince of Tides
Author: Pat Conroy
Year: 1986
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The Prince of Tides is the story of Tom and his troubled twin sister, Savannah. As we follow Tom’s journey to understand and help his sister, he must confront his past and his family.
Trigger Warnings
Rape, Child Abuse, Suicide
Why Jackie loves it
Something about Tom delving into the deepest family secrets had me sobbing. This is one of the books set in the 70s worth reading.
Find this book in: Books Set in the 70s / Books about Mental Illness
Fiction Books About Eating Disorders
Milk Fed by Melissa Border
Rachel is a 24-year-old woman who has serious food issues stemming from her mother. She is obsessed with maintaining her body and her image while craving nurturing, unconditional love and food.
For Rachel, food and love are the same. When she starts a 90-day detox from her mother, Rachel meets Miriam, an overweight orthodox Jewish woman working is a yogurt shop.
There was so much about this contemporary fiction LGBTQ book that I really enjoyed but there were parts that I found so strange. Her fantasies about food were strange. Her sexual desires linked to mothering were disturbing to me. Overall, the book was well-written but not a favorite.
She’s Come Undone
Author: Wally Lamb
Year: 1992
Genre: Fiction
More info: December 1996 Oprah Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This emotional, character-driven novel covers the female protagonist’s journey through adolescence into womanhood. It’s a heavy story examining her eating disorder, her subsequent stay at an inpatient facility, her suicide attempt, and more. It’s a wonderful, moving story.
Trigger Warnings
Eating Disorder, Rape
Why Jackie loves it
I often do not like books in which the female main character is written by a man. Wally Lamb does this with ease in this funny and poignant coming-of-age story.
Find this book in: Book About Mental Illness / Best Oprah’s Book Club Books
The Girls at 17 Swann Street by Yara Zgheib
Man, I tackled some heavy books earlier this month. This contemporary fiction was a look inside an in-patient treatment facility for those suffering from an eating disorder.
This fictional account, had me rooting for all the women suffering as I prayed they would be able to help themselves enough to be released.
I had no idea just how complicated and hard to overcome an eating disorder could be or how easy it is to trigger it again. Still, this story ends on an uplifting note.
YA Fiction Books about Mental Illness
Firekeeper’s Daughter
Author: Angeline Boulley
Year: 2021
Genre: YA Fiction
More info: Spring 2021 YA Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, Firekeeper’s Daughter #1
Age Range: 14+
Plot
I have not read many books where the central characters are Indigenous American
While this is characterized as
Trigger Warnings
Drug Abuse
Why Jackie loves it
I did not know much about the Ojibwe culture before reading this book; the little bits about traditions and spirituality were fascinating. Each added more depth to the story and I could not put it down. The narration was wonderful and added to the story. #gifted by Macmillan Audio
Adaptation Information
President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, purchased the rights to this book via their production company, Higher Ground Productions. It’s scheduled to become a TV series on Netflix.
Find this book in: Books by Female BIPOC Authors / Books About Mental Illness / Fun Books for Teens / Books Becoming TV Series / Best Books of 2021 / Best Reese Witherspoon Books / Reese Witherspoon Book Club List 2021 / Novels About Addiction
Plot
Aza is a 16-year-old who, along with her best friend, is searching for a lost billionaire to get the reward money. Along the way, she finds Davis, the billionaire’s son, and her childhood friend. While trying to be the best she can be, she ignores the rising level of panic and anxiety that is tightening it’s grip on her.
Trigger Warnings
Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Self-harm
Why Jackie loves it
Love, loss, and resilience are all themes in this book that captured my heart and kept me reading until the last page.
Find this book in: Thought-Provoking Books / Coming-of-age Books for Teens / Books about Mental Illness / Books With Neurodivergent Characters
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
Violet and Finch meet unexpectedly on the top of the bell tower at school. She is counting the days until graduation will take her away and he is finding reasons to keep on going.
This is a love story that you will not forget. This one deals with depression and teen suicide, so be aware of that if those are potential triggers.
Expert Tip
Reading a fiction book about mental illness is not always the right choice for everyone. It may also be the wrong time to read these books. Have a look at the trigger warnings in each of these descriptions to make sure that this is a book that will not be triggering for you.
- There are thriller, mystery, and fiction books on this list
- Jackie and I have read them all. Have a look at the descriptions to see which books appeal to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best fiction books about mental illness?
There are some fantastic books that are fiction about mental health. Many of these books are thrillers, but there are also wonderful literary fiction books in this category.
Milk Feb by Melissa Border, A Man Called Ove by Frederik Backman, None Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty, and The Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley are all wonderful picks.
Related Content
Epilogue
Did you find any books about mental illness and mental health to add to your TBR?
