15 Must-Read Books if You Love ''Orange Is the New Black''

Welcome to our blog post featuring 15 must-read books if you love "Orange Is the New Black." The hit Netflix series captivated audiences with its gripping portrayal of life in a women's federal prison and its exploration of social issues, personal struggles, and the complexities of human relationships. From tales of incarceration and the criminal justice system to explorations of identity, race, and resilience, these books offer captivating narratives that will resonate with fans of "Orange Is the New Black."

1. "The Mars Room" by Rachel Kushner (2018):

Romy Hall, a young mother living in San Francisco, finds herself serving a life sentence in a California prison. As she navigates the harsh realities of incarcerated life, Kushner's novel peels back the layers of Romy's past, exploring her troubled upbringing, the choices that led her to prison, and the complex dynamics among the diverse group of women she encounters.

With gritty realism and unflinching honesty, "The Mars Room" delves into themes of resilience, the flaws within the prison system, and the inherent humanity that persists even in the most challenging circumstances.

2. "The Leavers" by Lisa Ko (2017):

When Deming Guo's undocumented mother, Polly, disappears, he is left to navigate life as an adopted Chinese immigrant. Ko's emotionally resonant novel spans continents and decades, exploring themes of identity, family, and the search for belonging. Through alternating perspectives, the book delves into Polly's experience as an undocumented immigrant and the challenges faced by Deming as he grapples with his cultural heritage and tries to understand the circumstances that led to his mother's departure.

"The Leavers" offers a poignant exploration of the impact of systemic injustices and the resilience of individuals caught in their grip.

3. "Homegoing" by Yaa Gyasi (2016):

Gyasi's powerful debut novel follows the lineage of two half-sisters born in 18th-century Ghana and the vastly different paths their descendants take. Through interconnected stories spanning generations, the book examines the legacy of slavery, colonization, and the impact of systemic oppression on individuals and families.

Gyasi deftly explores themes of identity, heritage, and the enduring effects of historical trauma, drawing parallels to the flashback-driven storytelling in "Orange Is the New Black" and highlighting the profound impact of interconnected lives and shared histories.

4. "The Power" by Naomi Alderman (2016):

In Alderman's thought-provoking speculative fiction, teenage girls across the globe suddenly develop the power to emit electrical shocks, shifting the balance of power between genders. The novel examines how this newfound ability disrupts traditional power dynamics, raising questions about authority, gender roles, and the complexities of human nature.

Similar to "Orange Is the New Black," "The Power" explores the consequences of power, the corrupting influence it can have, and the struggle for liberation within oppressive systems.

5. "The Immortalists" by Chloe Benjamin (2018):

Benjamin's novel centers around four siblings who, as children, visit a fortune teller to learn the dates of their respective deaths. The narrative then follows each sibling's life trajectory, exploring the interplay between fate and personal choices.

Like the characters in "Orange Is the New Black" who grapple with the consequences of their actions and confront their own mortality, "The Immortalists" delves into the profound impact of knowing one's fate, examining how it shapes their decisions, relationships, and ultimately, their own understanding of what it means to live.

6. "The Female Persuasion" by Meg Wolitzer (2018):

Wolitzer's engaging novel revolves around Greer Kadetsky, a college freshman who becomes captivated by feminist icon Faith Frank. As Greer navigates the complexities of womanhood, ambition, and societal expectations, the book delves into themes of female empowerment and the challenges faced by women as they negotiate relationships, career aspirations, and their own evolving identities.

Through its exploration of generational shifts in feminism and the complexities of personal growth, "The Female Persuasion" resonates with the themes of empowerment and self-discovery found in "Orange Is the New Black."

7. "Pachinko" by Min Jin Lee (2017):

Spanning multiple generations, Lee's sweeping saga follows a Korean family living in Japan and their struggles with identity, discrimination, and cultural assimilation. Similar to "Orange Is the New Black," the novel delves into the exploration of heritage, the complexities of family dynamics, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities.

Against the backdrop of historical events, including World War II and its aftermath, "Pachinko" illuminates the resilience of individuals and the endurance of familial bonds in the face of adversity.

8. "Exit West" by Mohsin Hamid (2017):

Set in an unnamed city on the brink of civil war, Hamid's novel tells the story of Nadia and Saeed, two young lovers who must navigate a world torn apart by conflict and migration. Through the use of magical realism, the book explores themes of displacement, the search for refuge, and the shared humanity that transcends borders.

Like "Orange Is the New Black," "Exit West" delves into the experiences of individuals uprooted from their familiar environments, shedding light on the challenges they face and the profound impact of societal and political upheaval.

9. "The Vegetarian" by Han Kang (2015):

Kang's haunting novel takes readers on a dark and introspective journey through the life of Yeong-hye, a woman who decides to stop eating meat after a series of vivid dreams. As Yeong-hye's rebellion against societal norms deepens, her relationships crumble and she faces the consequences of her unconventional choices.

Through its exploration of personal agency, societal pressures, and the limits of conformity, "The Vegetarian" resonates with the themes of individuality and the struggle against oppressive systems depicted in "Orange Is the New Black."

10. "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2013):

Adichie's acclaimed novel follows the journey of Ifemelu, a young Nigerian woman who moves to the United States to pursue her education. As she navigates the complexities of race, identity, and cultural assimilation, Ifemelu starts a popular blog that delves into the experiences of being a non-American black person in the United States.

"Americanah" explores themes of race, immigration, and the nuances of identity, mirroring the exploration of cultural diversity and social issues in "Orange Is the New Black."

11. "Sing, Unburied, Sing" by Jesmyn Ward (2017):

Ward's powerful novel weaves together the lives of a family living in rural Mississippi, tackling themes of race, class, and the weight of history. As the young protagonist, Jojo, embarks on a road trip with his mother and younger sister to retrieve their father from prison, the narrative explores the legacy of slavery and the enduring impact of systemic racism.

With its multi-generational perspective and examination of the effects of incarceration on families, "Sing, Unburied, Sing" shares thematic similarities with "Orange Is the New Black."

12. "The Mothers" by Brit Bennett (2016):

Set in a tight-knit African American community in Southern California, Bennett's novel explores the interconnected lives of three main characters and the choices they make that reverberate through their lives and relationships. Through themes of motherhood, friendship, and the weight of secrets, "The Mothers" delves into the complexities of personal decisions and the consequences they carry.

Like "Orange Is the New Black," the novel delves into the interplay between individual agency and societal expectations, illuminating the ways in which personal choices can shape lives and relationships.

13. "Behold the Dreamers" by Imbolo Mbue (2016):

Mbue's debut novel tells the story of two families, one Cameroonian and the other American, whose lives become intertwined amidst the backdrop of the 2008 financial crisis. Through their struggles and aspirations, the book explores themes of immigration, class disparities, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

"Behold the Dreamers" shares with "Orange Is the New Black" a focus on the experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds, shedding light on the systemic challenges they face and the resilience they display in their pursuit of a better life.

14. "An American Marriage" by Tayari Jones (2018):

Jones' novel delves into the lives of Roy and Celestial, a young African American couple whose lives are upended when Roy is wrongfully convicted of a crime. As Roy serves his prison sentence, the narrative explores the impact of his incarceration on their relationship and the enduring love they hold for each other. Through its examination of systemic injustices and the complexities of marriage,

"An American Marriage" resonates with the themes of love, loss, and the far-reaching consequences of the criminal justice system portrayed in "Orange Is the New Black."

15. "The Underground Railroad" by Colson Whitehead (2016):

Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel reimagines the historical Underground Railroad as an actual network of underground tunnels and railways. The story follows Cora, a young slave who escapes a Georgia plantation and embarks on a harrowing journey toward freedom. Through Cora's experiences, the book explores the brutality of slavery, the resilience of the human spirit, and the pursuit of liberty.

"The Underground Railroad" resonates with "Orange Is the New Black" through its examination of the dehumanizing effects of systemic oppression and the quest for justice and freedom.

As we conclude our list of 15 must-read books for fans of "Orange Is the New Black," we hope you've discovered new literary treasures that capture the essence of the beloved TV series. These novels delve into the depths of the human experience, tackling themes of incarceration, systemic injustice, personal transformation, and the enduring power of hope. Just as "Orange Is the New Black" shone a spotlight on the lives of incarcerated women, these books offer diverse perspectives, challenging our perceptions and fostering empathy. So, grab a copy of these captivating works, and immerse yourself in the rich narratives that explore the complexities of life within and beyond prison walls.