If you loved
The Chosen and the Beautiful
Nghi Vo · Book · 2021
If The Chosen and the Beautiful captivated you, you will appreciate these stories that dismantle social structures through subversion, identity, and atmosphere.
Start with the source
Adaptation
The Great Gatsby
Baz Luhrmann · Film · 2013
Films on the same thread
Ne Zha
Jiao Zi · Film · 2019
Explores: Destiny vs. Free Will, Prejudice and Discrimination, Good vs. Evil.
Like the protagonist of The Chosen and the Beautiful, Nezha battles the weight of a predetermined societal role while navigating a world that views his very existence as inherently dangerous.
The Housemaid
Paul Feig · Film · 2025
Explores: Class Conflict, Gaslighting, Identity Theft.
Much like the power dynamics explored in The Chosen and the Beautiful, this thriller uses a high-stakes domestic setting to expose the toxic fragility of wealth and class-based deception.
Red, White & Royal Blue
Matthew López · Film · 2023
Explores: Forbidden Love, Enemies to Lovers, Royal Romance.
Fans of the queer identity and social maneuvering found in The Chosen and the Beautiful will recognize the tension of navigating public perception while chasing a forbidden, transformative love.
The Handmaiden
Film · 2016
Explores: Deception, Forbidden Romance, Manipulation.
This period piece mirrors the lush, deceptive atmosphere of The Chosen and the Beautiful, focusing on the intricate power plays and survival strategies of women trapped within oppressive social hierarchies.
Series on the same thread
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Jenny Han · Series · 2022
Explores: First Love, Summer Romance, Love Triangle.
The emotional stakes of this story echo the coming-of-age longing in The Chosen and the Beautiful, as characters reckon with family secrets and the painful transition into adult social realities.
Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Moon Ji-won · Series · 2022
Explores: Autism representation, Acceptance, Overcoming prejudice.
Just as Nghi Vo explores the immigrant experience in The Chosen and the Beautiful, this drama highlights the struggle to claim one's place in a society that demands conformity and perfection.
The OA
Brit Marling · Series · 2016
Explores: Interdimensional Travel, Near-Death Experiences, Faith Healing.
The sense of metaphysical mystery in The OA resonates with the magical realism of The Chosen and the Beautiful, inviting you to question the nature of identity and our perceived reality.
Carnival Row
Travis Beacham · Series · 2019
Explores: Immigration, Racial Prejudice, Class Division.
This series mirrors the themes of social stratification and prejudice in The Chosen and the Beautiful, using a fantasy lens to interrogate the brutal divide between the privileged and marginalized.
Podcasts on the same thread
The Realignment
The Realignment · Podcast · 2026
Explores: institutional change, populism, technological disruption.
If you enjoyed analyzing the American Dream in The Chosen and the Beautiful, this podcast offers a modern, analytical look at the shifting political and institutional foundations of that same dream.
1619
The New York Times · Podcast · 2019
Explores: systemic racism, national identity, legacy of slavery.
This documentary series provides the historical context for the systemic issues and national identity questions that Nghi Vo masterfully weaves into the narrative of The Chosen and the Beautiful.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Chosen and the Beautiful a retelling of The Great Gatsby?
Yes, The Chosen and the Beautiful serves as a reimagining of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic story. While it draws from the narrative foundation of The Great Gatsby, Nghi Vo introduces new magical and fantastical elements that transform the original setting and perspective into a unique work of fiction.
Should I read The Great Gatsby before reading The Chosen and the Beautiful?
While reading The Great Gatsby may provide additional context regarding the characters and the era, it is not strictly required. The Chosen and the Beautiful functions as a standalone novel that utilizes the source material to build its own distinct, magical version of the jazz age experience.
Was The Chosen and the Beautiful a popular book upon its release?
Yes, The Chosen and the Beautiful was an instant national bestseller following its 2021 release. It received significant critical acclaim, appearing on numerous best-of-summer lists from major outlets including TIME Magazine, CNN, NBC News, and various other literary platforms and publications.
How did critics receive The Chosen and the Beautiful?
The Chosen and the Beautiful was widely recognized by critics and readers alike. It was selected as an Indie Next Pick and garnered praise from diverse media sources such as Book Riot, Lambda Literary, and Bustle, establishing it as a notable title within the contemporary literary landscape.