What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedThe Girl I Was
Jeneva Rose · Book · 2025
If you loved The Girl I Was, start with Remarkably Bright Creatures (Olivia Newman, 2026) — a film on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to The Girl I Was across media.
If you loved The Girl I Was, you will appreciate these stories that prioritize personal growth, self-discovery, and the messy pursuit of second chances.
Films on the same thread

Remarkably Bright Creatures
Olivia Newman · Film · 2026
Explores: Grief and healing, Intergenerational friendship, Hidden secrets.
Like the tender character transformation in The Girl I Was, this story explores how unexpected connections and healing can guide a person toward finding wonder and joy again.

Reminders of Him
Vanessa Caswill · Film · 2026
Shares 2 threads with The Girl I Was: Second chances, Women's Fiction.
This narrative mirrors the themes of second chances found in The Girl I Was, focusing on the difficult path toward forgiveness and the hope inherent in new beginnings.

The Roses
Film · 2025
Explores: Marital Conflict, Career Ambition, Gender Roles.
Much like the witty exploration of life changes in The Girl I Was, this drama examines the internal and external shifts that occur when one's life trajectory changes.

The Life List
Adam Brooks · Film · 2025
Shares 2 threads with The Girl I Was: Self-Discovery, Second Chances.
This film echoes the self-discovery journey at the heart of The Girl I Was, using a life-changing quest to help a protagonist rediscover who they truly are today.
Series on the same thread

The Beast in Me
Gabe Rotter · Series · 2025
Explores: Obsession, Gaslighting, Mind Games.
If the character-driven stakes of The Girl I Was engaged you, you will find a similarly intense focus on identity and personal history within this psychological game.

All Her Fault
Megan Gallagher · Series · 2025
Explores: Missing Child, Parental Fears, Suburban Secrets.
While darker in tone, this mystery shares the focus on hidden truths seen in The Girl I Was, forcing a protagonist to reevaluate everything they thought they knew.

Imperfect Women
Annie Weisman · Series · 2026
Explores: female friendship dynamics, hidden secrets, betrayal.
This story delves into the complex layers of female relationships and hidden secrets, offering the same introspective character depth that defines the experience of The Girl I Was.

New Girl
Elizabeth Meriwether · Series · 2011
Explores: Friendship, Coming of Age, Relationships.
Fans of the humor and coming-of-age spirit in The Girl I Was will enjoy this portrait of a quirky protagonist navigating life transitions and the search for belonging.
Podcasts on the same thread

Making Space with Hoda Kotb
Hoda Kotb, TODAY · Podcast · 2026
Shares a thread with The Girl I Was: Self-discovery.
This podcast mirrors the thematic focus on self-discovery and human resilience found in The Girl I Was, offering real-world testimonies of growth and the power of emotional healing.

The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe · Podcast · 2026
Explores: untold historical anecdotes, curiosity-driven learning, American cultural history.
The curiosity-driven exploration of life stories here resonates with the reflective nature of The Girl I Was, encouraging you to look closer at the human experience and transformation.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is The Girl I Was written by the same author as The Perfect Marriage?
Yes, The Girl I Was is written by Jeneva Rose, who is also the New York Times bestselling author of The Perfect Marriage and Home is Where the Bodies Are.
What kind of tone can I expect from The Girl I Was?
According to Shelby Van Pelt, The Girl I Was is described as both witty and tender. The book delivers a satisfying character transformation while providing a delightful punch of nostalgia for the reader.
When was The Girl I Was published?
The Girl I Was is a 2025 release written by Jeneva Rose, the New York Times bestselling author known for her previous works including The Perfect Marriage and Home is Where the Bodies Are.
Does The Girl I Was feature a character transformation?
Yes, The Girl I Was features one of the most satisfying character transformations according to New York Times bestselling author Shelby Van Pelt, who praised the book for its wit and tender storytelling.