10 Best Books Like James
If you loved James by Percival Everett, here are the most similar books our readers recommend.
Quick Answer
The best books like James are:
- 1The Jackal's Mistress by Chris Bohjalian4.5
- 2The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly4.4
- 3The King's Messenger by Susanna Kearsley4.5
- 4The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah4.5
- 5The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris4.1
- 6The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles4.2
- 7The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller4.5
- 8The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett4.4
- 9The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas4.6
- 10The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown4.3

Everett reimagines Mark Twain's classic through the eyes of Jim, revealing the brilliant, complex man behind the stereotype
We may earn a small commission from purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you.
Detailed Recommendations
Quick Comparison: Books Like James
| Book | Author | Rating | Year | Pages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Jackal's Mistress | Chris Bohjalian | 4.5 | 2025 | 336 | Closest match |
| The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club | Martha Hall Kelly | 4.4 | 2025 | 336 | Similar vibes |
| The King's Messenger | Susanna Kearsley | 4.5 | 2025 | 384 | Similar vibes |
| The Great Alone | Kristin Hannah | 4.5 | 2018 | 450 | Similar vibes |
| The Girls of Good Fortune | Kristina McMorris | 4.1 | 2025 | 416 | Similar vibes |
| The Lincoln Highway | Amor Towles | 4.2 | 2021 | 576 | Similar vibes |
| The Song of Achilles | Madeline Miller | 4.5 | 2021 | 384 | Similar vibes |
| The Vanishing Half | Brit Bennett | 4.4 | 2021 | 12 | Similar vibes |
| The Count of Monte Cristo | Alexandre Dumas | 4.6 | 1998 | 928 | Similar vibes |
| The Book of Doors | Gareth Brown | 4.3 | 2024 | 392 | Similar vibes |
Authors Who Write Like Percival Everett
If you enjoy Percival Everett's writing style, explore these similar authors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What books are most similar to James?
The most similar books to James are The Jackal's Mistress, The Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club, The King's Messenger.
What should I read after James?
After finishing James, readers most commonly pick up The Jackal's Mistress next.
Who writes books like Percival Everett?
Authors similar to Percival Everett include Madeline Miller, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Brit Bennett, Patti Callahan Henry, Colson Whitehead.
What genre is James?
James is a Literary Fiction novel by Percival Everett. It features elements of Fairy Tale Retelling, Racial Justice, Coming of Age.
How long is James?
James varies in length depending on edition.
Does James have romance/spice?
James has a spice level of 1/5. This book has light romantic elements.
About James
Everett reimagines Mark Twain's classic through the eyes of Jim, revealing the brilliant, complex man behind the stereotype in this powerful and subversive retelling of Huckleberry Finn. Set in the antebellum South, this novel reclaims Jim's narrative voice and intelligence while exploring themes of freedom, friendship, and the brutal realities of slavery. A masterwork of literary fiction that challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about American literature and history, Everett delivers both sharp social commentary and deeply human storytelling. Perfect for readers who appreciate literary retellings, social justice themes, and narratives that challenge canonical perspectives.









