Book recommendations with a similar vibe to Our Life?

[MirrorDreamer]

I love books, but it's hard to find romances that are this reassuring to read. I'd especially love to find some gay romances in a similar style (slice of life, relationship building over time, dealing with growth and emotions, and especially a mature/older individual accepting past experiences and moving forward while healing) that aren't just about sex (though it's fine if it happens now and then).

Has anyone read a book, author/series with a similar vibe to Our Life?

Edit: FYI "Childhood friends" isn't as important as "found family" style relationship stability. I value trust and trustworthiness | vulnerability and respect over dramatic story structure. Fantasy and scifi are also fun.

[UStelaBB]

Originally posted by MirrorDreamer:

I love books, but it's hard to find romances that are this reassuring to read. I'd especially love to find some gay romances in a similar style (slice of life, relationship building over time, dealing with growth and emotions, and especially a mature/older individual accepting past experiences and moving forward while healing) that aren't just about sex (though it's fine if it happens now and then).

Has anyone read a book, author/series with a similar vibe to Our Life?

That's a difficult one, as the reason I love OL so much is because it's a unique experience. Most modern books hype up the sex. The only thing that comes to mind that fits what you're looking for is the manga Sasaki and Miyano. Hopefully some other players have read more that works for you

[eightiesboi]

Traditional books like OLBA, no. I've not yet found a "good" novel with a romance similar to this (you could easily get me to go off on a rant about LGBTQ representation in media, but I will spare you that!). A web search gives some suggestions, but you asked for personal recommendations. A few things come to mind that give me *some* of the OLBA vibes:

Web comics: Stare down. (https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/stare-down/list?title_no=587139). The romance between the two mains will probably get you (it did me), and if it doesn't, one of the side romances has a friend of mine screaming "Finn!" every few weeks. It is about two students who are graduating from high school. There's no "neighbor growing up together" here, but the developing romance is quite beautiful to watch.

TV Series: Bad Buddy (https://youtu.be/F4Hy7ZO_Np4). This is a Thai BL series that hits some OLBA notes: the mains grew up as neighbors, but their families were rivals, and the sons were expected to be as well. It's set in the first year of college with flashbacks to older times. I am still watching this now with two other friends (one of whom this is 5th rewatch, the other is watching for the first time, like me).

Films: Close (2022) (https://a24films.com/films/close). This one will hurt. Really. The synopsis puts it well: "Leo and Remi are two thirteen-year-old best friends, whose seemingly unbreakable bond is suddenly, tragically torn apart. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, Lukas Dhont's second film is an emotionally transformative and unforgettable portrait of the intersection of friendship and love, identity and independence, and heartbreak and healing."

I will edit this post and add to it as I remember other things you might like. Sorry that the list is so short right now, but OLBA really is unique in many respects. It has inspired me to work on my own VN that should be out sometime in the next 100 years or so... LOL.

[Hressaleert]

Originally posted by eightiesboi:

Traditional books like OLBA, no. I've not yet found a "good" novel with a romance similar to this (you could easily get me to go off on a rant about LGBTQ representation in media, but I will spare you that!). A web search gives some suggestions, but you asked for personal recommendations. A few things come to mind that give me *some* of the OLBA vibes:

Web comics: Stare down. (https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/stare-down/list?title_no=587139). The romance between the two mains will probably get you (it did me), and if it doesn't, one of the side romances has a friend of mine screaming "Finn!" every few weeks. It is about two students who are graduating from high school. There's no "neighbor growing up together" here, but the developing romance is quite beautiful to watch.

TV Series: Bad Buddy (https://youtu.be/F4Hy7ZO_Np4). This is a Thai BL series that hits some OLBA notes: the mains grew up as neighbors, but their families were rivals, and the sons were expected to be as well. It's set in the first year of college with flashbacks to older times. I am still watching this now with two other friends (one of whom this is 5th rewatch, the other is watching for the first time, like me).

Films: Close (2022) (https://a24films.com/films/close). This one will hurt. Really. The synopsis puts it well: "Leo and Remi are two thirteen-year-old best friends, whose seemingly unbreakable bond is suddenly, tragically torn apart. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, Lukas Dhont's second film is an emotionally transformative and unforgettable portrait of the intersection of friendship and love, identity and independence, and heartbreak and healing."

I will edit this post and add to it as I remember other things you might like. Sorry that the list is so short right now, but OLBA really is unique in many respects. It has inspired me to work on my own VN that should be out sometime in the next 100 years or so... LOL.

you seem be very cool

[eightiesboi]

Originally posted by Hressaleert:

you seem be very cool

Me?! Thank you! I think I am an old gaymer geek that has been called "intimidating" by some of my colleagues at work. On the other hand, I literally cried when Cove asked me to marry him, so I must have a heart in there somewhere! (Although, TBH, I also cried the other night watching Demon Slayer at the end of Muichiro's fight.) LOL

All joking aside, that was sweet, and thank you.

[Dethlane]

Are there any VNs or simulators with similar vibe?

[MirrorDreamer]

Originally posted by eightiesboi:

Traditional books like OLBA, no. I've not yet found a "good" novel with a romance similar to this (you could easily get me to go off on a rant about LGBTQ representation in media, but I will spare you that!). A web search gives some suggestions, but you asked for personal recommendations. A few things come to mind that give me *some* of the OLBA vibes:

Web comics: Stare down. (https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/stare-down/list?title_no=587139). The romance between the two mains will probably get you (it did me), and if it doesn't, one of the side romances has a friend of mine screaming "Finn!" every few weeks. It is about two students who are graduating from high school. There's no "neighbor growing up together" here, but the developing romance is quite beautiful to watch.

TV Series: Bad Buddy (https://youtu.be/F4Hy7ZO_Np4). This is a Thai BL series that hits some OLBA notes: the mains grew up as neighbors, but their families were rivals, and the sons were expected to be as well. It's set in the first year of college with flashbacks to older times. I am still watching this now with two other friends (one of whom this is 5th rewatch, the other is watching for the first time, like me).

Films: Close (2022) (https://a24films.com/films/close). This one will hurt. Really. The synopsis puts it well: "Leo and Remi are two thirteen-year-old best friends, whose seemingly unbreakable bond is suddenly, tragically torn apart. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, Lukas Dhont's second film is an emotionally transformative and unforgettable portrait of the intersection of friendship and love, identity and independence, and heartbreak and healing."

I will edit this post and add to it as I remember other things you might like. Sorry that the list is so short right now, but OLBA really is unique in many respects. It has inspired me to work on my own VN that should be out sometime in the next 100 years or so... LOL.

Thank you! I'll take a look.

FYI "Childhood friends" isn't as important as "found family" relationship patterns in novels. I prioritize trust and trustworthiness, vulnerability and respect over dramatic plot-lines.

Based on your description, Close seems to be a bit much for me. I get enough trauma from real life... heh.

[Onion Budgie]

I'm guessing you're already familiar with the Heartstopper graphic novel series by Alice Oseman? There's a TV adaptation too. It's sweet and meaningful, much like OLBA.

I'd also recommend Birthday by Meredith Russo. Two young boys who grow up together; one of the boys realises that they are trans. It's a slow burn coming-together/falling in love.

[MirrorDreamer]

Originally posted by Onion Budgie:

I'm guessing you're already familiar with the Heartstopper graphic novel series by Alice Oseman? There's a TV adaptation too. It's sweet and meaningful, much like OLBA.

I'd also recommend Birthday by Meredith Russo. Two young boys who grow up together; one of the boys realises that they are trans. It's a slow burn coming-together/falling in love.

I'll take a look. Thank you!

[Flameinga]

I am not sure if my recomendation would suit your wantings, but I find the "Anne of Green Gables" book series to have a similiar vibe. The netflix series did not make it justice, in my opinon.

[MirrorDreamer]

Originally posted by Flameinga:

I am not sure if my recomendation would suit your wantings, but I find the "Anne of Green Gables" book series to have a similiar vibe. The netflix series did not make it justice, in my opinon.

I've read the series (well, the first few) many times. They're truly enjoyable, aren't they?

[Flameinga]

Originally posted by MirrorDreamer:

Originally posted by Flameinga:

I am not sure if my recomendation would suit your wantings, but I find the "Anne of Green Gables" book series to have a similiar vibe. The netflix series did not make it justice, in my opinon.

I've read the series (well, the first few) many times. They're truly enjoyable, aren't they?

They are, indeed. Quite the confort books for me!