Books like Novel Idea by Aimee Friedman

Norah, a Brooklyn hipster, is tackling her college applications and seeks an extracurricular that will impress admissions committees. She decides to start a book club at a nearby indie bookstore, hoping to combine her love of reading with a chance to boost her résumé. At the first meeting, she discovers that the group includes a few attractive members, most notably the sweet, literary James— a modern Jane Austen hero in their own right. As the club gathers around the required reading list, Norah must navigate the dynamics of fandom and romance. She experiments with a secret plan to win James’s affection, hoping that their shared love of books could turn into a happily ever after. The novel blends humor, romance, and a realistic look at young adult life in Brooklyn, highlighting the role of book clubs as social hubs for budding writers and readers.

First publish date: 2005