Summary
The hit TV showGilmore Girlsremains popular to this day thanks to its witticisms and compelling characters, and there are many books to read afterGilmore Girlsto scratch the same itch.Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Rory’s (Alexis Bledel) relationship as best friends and mother and daughter is the thrust of the show’s plot,as this is a complex dynamic. However, the other characters who populate the world are just as funny as the titular Gilmores. Additionally, the love lives of the two women often take center stage, with their boyfriend’s compatibility sparking much debate among fans.
The eccentric setting of the series, the fictional town of Stars Hollow, should also be recognized as an essential aspect of the story.
The eccentric setting of the series, the fictional town of Stars Hollow, should also be recognized as an essential aspect of the story. Town events, the tight-knight community, and its aesthetically pleasing appearance are inevery episode ofGilmore Girlsfor a reason. These elements keep the audience coming back for more.Amy Sherman-Palladino’s other projects have similar tones and themes asGilmore Girls,but none have captured the unique balance of charm and drama that makesGilmore Girlsso iconic. However, many novels delve into similar territory while telling unique stories.
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10Book Lovers (2022)
Written by Emily Henry
Every Emily Henry bookcould be classified as a satisfying beach read, and though this genre is sometimes overlooked,Book Loversis endlessly fun.The romance between the central couple, Nora and Charlie, draws parallels to Jess and RoryinGilmore Girls, as they share an intense love of literature but try to bury their obvious chemistry in animosity. Additionally, the characters leave New York City and travel to a small town to escape but can’t seem to stop running into each other.
Like Rory, Nora holds tight to her beliefs and the strict life path she’s laid for herself, but sometimes, the best things happen when things don’t go according to plan.
As their budding romance grows and soon becomes impossible to hide,Nora and Charlie realize they have more in common than they thoughtand that they shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. By utilizing the enemies-to-lovers trope but imbuing it with more intrigue than hate,Book Loversis relatable to anyone who considers themselves a bibliophile. Like Rory, Nora holds tight to her beliefs and the strict life path she’s laid for herself, but sometimes, the best things happen when things don’t go according to plan.
9The Ex Hex (2021)
Written by Erin Sterling AKA Rachel Hawkins
The first book in Erin Sterling’sThe Ex Hex Series,The Ex Hex, takes the familiar themes ofGilmore Girlsand adds a fantastical twist by exploring the life of a witch.Focusing less on mother-daughter relationships and more on the romantic aspects of the show,The Ex Hexfollows the aftermath of Vivienne’s curse on her ex-boyfriend that turns into something bigger and more dangerous than she could possibly imagine. Her ex, Rhys, isn’t exactly the same as any of Rory’s boyfriends, but he has elements of both Logan and Jess for audiences who appreciate those love interests.
The chemistry between Vivienne and Rhys jumps off the page, which is something the romantic relationships onGilmore Girlscaptured well. Additionally,the witchy aesthetics and autumnal setting are easily comparable toGilmore Girls.The series is known for having some of the coziest falls on television. By combining the small-town fall with a steamy romantic plotline,The Ex Hextakes a traditional romantic formula and makes it into something special. By the end of the novel, it feels as though the reader has watched one ofGilmore Girls' classic autumn episodes.
8Have I Told You This Already? (2022)
Written by Lauren Graham
A hallmark ofGilmore Girlsand an essential part of Sherman-Palladino’s writing style is the fast and seemingly neverending stream of references, off-hand jokes, and one-liners that populate the dialogue.
A hallmark ofGilmore Girlsand an essential part of Sherman-Palladino’s writing style is the fast and seemingly neverending stream of references, off-hand jokes, and one-liners that populate the dialogue. While every actor on the show had to learn how to manage this unique part of the series, Graham and Bledel shouldered the majority of the burden, as the screentime of almost every episode was split evenly between Lorelai and Rory.It was up to the lead characters to deliver their lines clearly, quickly, and believably,and Graham shined in this aspect of her performance.
In 2022, Graham chronicled her life, her time onGilmore Girls, and the witty performances she’s made her name on inHave I Told You This Already?.Her earlier book,Talking As Fast As I Can, gained recognition for Graham’s ability to capture what it was like embodying Lorelaifor so many years. However, the newest exploration of her life goes deeper and explores new territory that wasn’t touched upon in her first memoir. As a collection of personal stories and essays, reading about Graham’s life can feel like the reader has dropped into an episode of the show.
7The Third Gilmore Girl (2024)
Written by Kelly Bishop
Kelly Bishop delivered all ofEmily Gilmore’s funniest insults inGilmore Girls, but her character is often left out when considering who the titular characters are. However, in her upcoming memoir,it’s likely that Bishop will delve into the off-screen experience of working onGilmore Girls,as well as her additional collaborations with Sherman-Palladino. Emily is not always the easiest character to like in the show, as she represents a generation that both Lorelai and Rory feel estranged from. However, this creates compelling tension in the plot.
The book is expected to come out later in 2024 and won’t stop at the ins and outs of working onGilmore Girls. Bishop spent the majority of her early career working in musical theater and is full of stories and experiences that her fans can’t get enough of. One of the biggest reasons thatEmily became a fully developed and empathetic character on the show is because of Bishop’s performance.She knew exactly how to deliver Sherman-Palladino’s razor-sharp dialogue, and this comedic timing will doubtless come through in her own writing.
6Little Women (1868)
Written by Louisa May Alcott
While Greta Gerwig’s recent adaptation ofLittle Womenmight have strayed from Louisa May Alcott’s original text, it’s one of the most emotionally truthful iterations of the world-renowned story.Stories likeLittle Womenpaved the way for female-driven narratives likeGilmore Girlsand demonstrated how much interest there is in family-oriented stories about young women coming of age. It could be said that the interpersonal dramas of narratives likeGilmore GirlsandLittle Womenaren’t exciting or revolutionary, but they’re extraordinary in their ability to make the unique feel universal.
The book and show differ in that the sibling dynamic takes center stage inLittle Women, whereas Lorelai often acts more like Rory’s sister than her mother inGilmore Girls.
It’s unlikely that every reader or watcher ofLittle WomenandGilmore Girlshas experienced what the stories depict. However,the deeper themes and the trials of entering adulthood are relatable to everyone.The book and show differ in that the sibling dynamic takes center stage inLittle Women, whereas Lorelai often acts more like Rory’s sister than her mother inGilmore Girls. Additionally,Little Womenincludes romance, but the personal ambitions of Jo, the protagonist, take up more of the story.
5A Tree Grows In Brooklyn (1943)
Written by Betty Smith
A Tree Grows In Brooklynis a seminal work of fiction and is one of the most moving explorations of girlhood of the 20th century. Written by Betty Smith,the novel chronicles the life of Francie as she comes of age during the early 1900s in Brooklyn,long before Brooklyn was a trendy part of New York City. The Brooklyn Francie inhabits is one that’s home to immigrants and working-class individuals struggling to create a better life for their children. ThoughA Tree Grows In Brooklynis Francie’s story, her relationship with her mother blossoms in a beautiful way.
Katie, her mother, sacrifices much for Francie and her brother, but the complexity of being a young woman during this time makes it difficult for Katie and Francie to be close.Francie frequently chafes against expectations for how she should behave as a young girland wishes to strike out and make a life of her own instead of remaining in Brooklyn. However, much like Rory inGilmore Girls, when Francie does take her first steps toward independence, she’s filled with longing for the Brooklyn she knew as a child.
4Anne Of Green Gables (1908)
Written by Lucy Maud Montgomery
The author, Lucy Maud Montgomery, wrote many novels about Anne in the series and explored her life and relationships well into the character’s life.
ThoughAnne of Green Gableswas written over one hundred years ago, the lessons about life that Anne experiences are as relevant as ever.Anne is a young girl adopted by the Cuthberts, a brother and sister who owns a farm on Prince Edward Island,and though she struggles to find her way, it doesn’t take long for the community to embrace her. The author, Lucy Maud Montgomery, wrote many novels about Anne in the series and explored her life and relationships well into the character’s life.
While the books are intended for a slightly younger audience thanGilmore Girls, they mature as the series progresses and explore Anne’s romances, friendships, and familial bonds equally. The books are so popular that many screen adaptations have taken on the material.Anne With An Eis full of inspirational quotesplucked from theAnne of Green Gablesbooks. Though the conflicts are different from the contemporary issues ofGilmore Girls,Anne is a similar protagonist in her charm, wit, and tenacity above all.
3The Bloom Girls (2021)
Written by Amy Pine
Centering a story about family around a big wedding is never a bad idea, andThe Bloom Girlseffectively capitalizes on the inherent drama of the big event. Told from the perspectives of Alissa and her daughter Gabi,the book kicks off with Gabi getting engaged to a man she just met and bringing him home to meet Alissa.Unfortunately, Alissa learns she’s pregnant with her ex-husband’s baby.The Bloom Girlsis a stark reminder that a person is never too young or too old to find love, even if the journey isn’t always smooth.
As inGilmore Girls, the line between friend and mother is blurred between Alissa and Gabi, as their closeness in age cultivated a closeness in their relationship rarely seen outside of this dynamic. Though love is an enormous theme throughout the novel,the story never loses sight of the importance of Gabi and Alissa’s relationshipand drives home this point through how much each woman sacrifices for the other. The impact their dynamic had on both of their outlooks on love is obvious, as it is inGilmore Girls, providing a hidden depth in the story’s humor.
2The Marvelous Mirza Girls (2021)
Written by Sheba Karim
Much of the marketing forThe Marvelous Mirza Girlscompares the story toGilmore Girls, as there’s a deep bond between Noreen and her mother. Additionally, Noreen quickly forms an exciting new romance with Kabir when she and her mom travel to New Delhi after her high school graduation.The Marvelous Mirza Girlsalso deals with grief as Noreen is reeling from the loss of her auntand wishes to connect with her extended family in the wake of her death. This is similar to how Rory wishes to establish a relationship with her grandparents.
The book uses the setting of New Delhi to its fullest extent, and reading about Noreen’s explorations of the city with Kabir are some of the most vivid parts of the story.
Noreen also parallels Rory in her relationship with Kabir, who introduces her to a new world,much like Logan does inGilmore Girls. However, there’s more toThe Marvelous Mirza Girlsthan meets the eye, as Noreen soon discovers secrets about her family that change her understanding of the past. The book uses the setting of New Delhi to its fullest extent, and reading about Noreen’s explorations of the city with Kabir are some of the most vivid parts of the story. Though New Delhi is much larger than Stars Hollow, both feel intimate in the eyes of the characters.
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Written by Kate Long
The Bad Mother’s Handbookis remarkably similar toGilmore Girlsas it deals with three generations of women navigating motherhood and having a child at a young age. Charlotte is seventeen and accidentally gets pregnant, which mirrors her mother’s experience at that age. Her mother, Karen, struggles to support Charlotte and is having her own troubles with Charlotte’s father, all while trying to care for Nan, her own mother.It’s an interweaving story of multiple generations that mirrors the dynamic between Emily, Lorelai, and Roryvery well.
However,The Bad Mother’s Handbookis more frank about issues of class and financial burdens,as none of the characters have the wealth of the Gilmores. Additionally, as the novel takes place in England, the social stratification of the characters is dealt with head-on in a way that theGilmore Girlssometimes avoids. However, the serious subject matter is well-balanced with humor, and for readers looking for positive but complex familial relationships, the book is the perfect piece of writing.
Gilmore Girls
Cast
In the fictional town of Star’s Hollow, single mother Lorelai Gilmore raises her high-achieving teenage daughter Rory. Mother and daughter rely on each other throughout their own life changes, romantic entanglements, and friendships.
