If you’re searching for books about being misunderstood, look no further. This list has everything you need to feel seen, understood, and validated. From classics like The Catcher in the Rye to more recent titles like We Are Okay, these books will make you feel less alone in your experience of feeling misunderstood.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye is a coming-of-age novel about the struggles of adolescence. Holden Caulfield, the novel’s protagonist, is a teenager who is misunderstood by adults and peers alike. He is an outsider who doesn’t fit in and is constantly searching for a place to belong. This novel is a timeless classic that will speak to anyone who has ever felt misunderstood.
We Are Okay by Nina LaCour
We Are Okay is a beautiful and aching novel about love, loss, and grief. Marin is a teenager who is struggling to cope with the death of her grandfather. She is misunderstood by her classmates and feels isolated from the world. But when her old friend Mabel comes to visit, Marin begins to open up and heal. This novel is a moving exploration of love, friendship, and grief.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age novel about a shy teenager named Charlie who is struggling to find his place in the world. He is an outsider who is misunderstood by his peers. But as he begins to open up to his new friends, Charlie starts to come into his own. This novel is a touching exploration of teenage angst and self-discovery.
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
The Outsiders is a coming-of-age novel about two rival gangs of teenage boys. The Socs are the rich kids who live on the west side of town, and the Greasers are the poor kids who live on the east side. The two gangs are constantly at odds with each other, and the members of each gang are misunderstood by the other. This novel is a gritty and realistic portrayal of teenage life in the 1960s.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
The Fault in Our Stars is a heartbreaking novel about two teenage cancer patients who fall in love. Hazel and Augustus are both fighting a battle that they know they may not win. But they find comfort and strength in each other. This novel is a moving exploration of love, loss, and hope.