Books Like...

Sisters of the Vast Black by Lina Rather is a novella that follows a small community of nuns aboard a living spaceship as they travel to far-flung colonies, offering aid and comfort in the aftermath of a devastating war. The story delves into themes of faith, gender, colonialism, and features lesbian nuns in space, all while delivering a plot that is neatly executed with adherence to Chekhov's gun rule.

The Municipalists by Seth Fried is a science fiction novel that blends humor, adventure, and social commentary. The story follows a button-down bureaucrat named Henry and his liberated AI assistant, OWEN, as they navigate a city resembling New York in the near future. Their mission is to stop a rogue civil servant and his high society girlfriend from destroying cultural institutions to redirect urban renewal funds to impoverished neighborhoods. The book explores themes of city planning, AI with attitude, friendship, betrayal, and the widening gap between urban and rural communities.

'A Closed and Common Orbit' by Becky Chambers is a heartwarming and introspective science fiction novel that delves into the lives of two characters, Pepper and Lovelace, as they navigate their search for purpose and identity in a universe filled with diverse life forms and cultures. The book intricately weaves together their stories, exploring themes of friendship, found family, self-determination, and the meaning of personhood, all while offering insightful glimpses into human nature and the AI experience. Through dual timelines and parallel narratives, the author crafts a moving and humane tale that challenges traditional space opera tropes by focusing on the emotional journeys of its protagonists rather than space battles or galactic intrigue.

In the book "Nemesis" by Isaac Asimov, humanity has spread out from Earth to orbiting colonies in the 23rd and 24th centuries. The story follows the discovery of a red dwarf star named Nemesis and a marginally habitable planet by a breakaway orbital colony called Rotor. As Earth and Rotor navigate the socioeconomic conflicts and technological advancements, the narrative delves into themes of space exploration, alien contact, and the consequences of superluminal travel. The plot revolves around characters like Marlene, a young girl with exceptional intellect and telepathic abilities, who uncovers the secrets of Nemesis and its impact on the solar system. Asimov's writing style in this standalone science fiction novel is described as clear, scientifically unimpeachable, and engaging, with a focus on exploring different environments and the concept of life itself.

'Ancillary Sword' by Ann Leckie is a science fiction novel that delves deeper into the Radch empire, exploring the culture and characters introduced in the first book. The plot revolves around Breq, now a fleet captain, navigating treachery, war, and crisis while trying to come to terms with her fate. The book addresses themes of empire building, assimilation, social justice, and power, all set in a richly built universe that reflects elements of Ancient Rome. The writing style is characterized by detailed world-building, character-driven storytelling, and a slower pace that focuses on diplomatic work and socio-political exploration within a galactic empire setting.

'Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk' by David Sedaris is a collection of short stories told from the perspectives of animals, each story acting as a modern fable or morality tale reflecting human behaviors and societal issues. The book showcases Sedaris' signature dark humor and satirical wit, using anthropomorphic characters to highlight human foibles and hypocrisies in a clever and sometimes disturbing manner.

The stories in 'Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk' range from humorous and thought-provoking to dark and unsettling, exploring themes of pettiness, cruelty, and irrationality through the lens of animal characters. Sedaris' writing style in this book is described as offbeat, scurrilous, and bitingly clever, creating a unique reading experience akin to Aesop's fables with a twisted sense of humor and a touch of cynicism.

"A Life in Parts" by Bryan Cranston is a memoir that takes readers through the life journey of the beloved actor. Cranston shares insights into his childhood, career, and experiences on iconic TV shows like Seinfeld, Malcolm in the Middle, and Breaking Bad. The book is described as a competently ghostwritten memoir that offers a warm and engaging narrative style, capturing the essence of Cranston's personal and professional life with honesty and humor.

Cranston's writing delves into emotionally difficult topics with ease, providing readers with a glimpse into his life as a hardworking and dedicated actor. The book also explores Cranston's passion for acting, his experiences with different roles, and the impact of his unexpected fame from Breaking Bad. Overall, "A Life in Parts" presents a compelling and insightful account of Cranston's journey in the entertainment industry, showcasing his talent, humility, and appreciation for both the highs and lows of life.

'The Cloud Roads' by Martha Wells follows the journey of Moon, a shape-shifter who doesn't know his true identity and has been wandering alone among different cultures. When he is discovered by his own people, the Raksura, he is thrust into a conflict that could determine the fate of his entire species. The book is praised for its creative world-building, complex characters, and engaging storyline that blends adventure with themes of identity and belonging. The writing style is described as a mix of action-packed scenes and detailed descriptions that bring the fantastical world of the Three Realms to life.

The Longest Day by Cornelius Ryan is a detailed account of the events leading up to and including the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944. The author focuses on telling the story of the people involved, from ordinary men and women to high-level officers on both the Allied and German sides. The book is praised for its cinematic and suspenseful writing style, bringing to life the historical events with a focus on personal stories and perspectives.

'The Past Through Tomorrow' in the 'Future History/Heinlein Timeline' series by Robert A. Heinlein is a compilation of 21 short stories that provide a glimpse into a future timeline envisioned by the author. The stories cover a wide range of themes including space exploration, futuristic technologies, societal changes, and the adventures of various characters across different time periods. Heinlein's writing style is noted for its ability to present an exciting and thought-provoking vision of the future, challenging readers to consider the possibilities of alternate realities and advancements in science and society.