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What If?
by Johnston, Caroline
Caroline Johnston explores the quiet devastation and quiet beauty of the roads we do not take. The narrative functions less as a traditional plot-driven story and more as a philosophical dissection of the human condition. You are invited to sit with the protagonist as they navigate the weight of their own history, dissecting the specific moments where a single choice fundamentally altered their trajectory. The tone is observational and steady, favoring internal monologue and sharp cultural critique over frantic pacing. It is a book that demands your full attention, perfect for the reader who finds themselves staring at the ceiling at 2 a.m. wondering if they are living the right version of their life. If you enjoy fiction that feels like an extended therapy session—probing, honest, and ultimately concerned with the ethics of self-acceptance—this belongs on your nightstand.
10 Books similar to 'What If?'
If the existential itch left by What If? has you spiraling in the best way possible, these selections were curated to keep that momentum going. We focused on stories that treat the sliding doors of fate not just as a narrative gimmick, but as a lens for examining moral dilemmas and the heavy toll of regret. Whether through time travel, alternate timelines, or the dream-like possibilities of grief, each of these books asks the same question: how much of our identity is fixed, and how much is merely a consequence of chance?
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by Matt Haig
Like 'What If?', this novel explores the profound 'what if' questions of life by allowing the protagonist to experience the different paths she could have taken. It balances existential reflection with a deeply emotional journey toward accepting one's own reality.
This book is the quintessential 'sliding doors' narrative, splitting into two distinct timelines based on a single decision. Fans of Johnston's exploration of fate and choice will find this parallel structure both gripping and romantic.
While it features a time-travel twist, the core of the story is about a woman trying to navigate her life across non-linear years, much like the protagonist in 'What If?' navigating alternate versions of herself. It is a charming and poignant look at how we grow through different stages of life.
by Josie Silver
This story navigates the pain of loss by offering the protagonist a dream world where she can live out a life with her deceased fiancé, forcing her to choose between two realities. It mirrors the 'what if' premise by examining the tension between holding onto the past and embracing the future.
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For readers who enjoyed the structural experimentation of 'What If?', this novel offers a more complex, literary take on the 'what if' concept. It follows a woman who repeatedly dies and is reborn, allowing her to correct mistakes and learn from different versions of her life.
This novel presents a vision of the future that forces the protagonist to reconcile her current life with a sudden, unexpected glimpse of where she might end up. It captures the same anxiety and curiosity about the paths we take that defines Johnston's work.
This book masterfully tracks three different potential lives of a couple, starting from a single moment of meeting. It is perfect for readers who loved 'What If?' because it deeply investigates how small decisions ripple out to create entirely different futures.
by Peter Howitt
Though originally a screenplay (novelized versions exist), this is the foundational text for the genre Johnston explores. It provides the exact same thrill of watching two lives diverge based on a split-second event, making it a must-read for fans of the 'what if' trope.
This novel follows a couple over the course of several years, examining all the 'what ifs' that kept them apart and brought them back together. It shares the same focus on the enduring nature of love and the weight of the choices we make.
by Matt Haig
This book deals with the burden of living through history and the difficulty of finding one's place in the world, resonating with the internal search for meaning found in 'What If?'. Its focus on identity and the passage of time makes it a compelling companion piece.
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As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.