Books Like...

"Falling Man" by Don DeLillo revolves around the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, showcasing the experiences and struggles of different characters directly impacted by the event. It delves into the processing of the traumatic experience from various perspectives, including survivors, terrorists, and family members. The narrative is deliberately fragmented, moving in time and place, creating a sense of detachment and confusion that mirrors the harsh reality of the outside world. Through vignettes of narrative and character thought, the novel explores themes of trauma, memory, and the fragility of life in the face of a national tragedy.

DeLillo's writing style in "Falling Man" is described as sparse yet powerful, with moments of compelling prose that evoke strong mood and tone. offers a unique take on the subject of 9/11, providing firsthand insight into the world of a survivor and capturing the feeling of confusion and helplessness that permeated society during that time. Despite its fragmented structure and heavy language, the novel successfully immerses the reader in the experiences of the characters, allowing them to physically feel the disorientation and emotional weight of the events depicted.

'The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11' by author Garrett M. Graff is a captivating and emotional recounting of the events of September 11, 2001, through the firsthand accounts of those who experienced the tragic day. The book weaves together the voices of individuals from various backgrounds, including survivors, first responders, politicians, and ordinary citizens, to provide a detailed and harrowing narrative of the multi-layered terrorist attacks on the United States.

The book offers a unique perspective on the impact of 9/11, focusing on the human stories and emotions behind the tragedy rather than the political or tactical aspects. Through a chronological presentation of personal testimonies, 'The Only Plane in the Sky' immerses readers in the events leading up to the attacks, the moments of crisis on the hijacked planes, the responses of the government and rescue workers, and the aftermath of the day that forever changed the world.

"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" by Jonathan Safran Foer follows the journey of Oskar, a young boy trying to make sense of his father's death in the 9/11 attacks. Through a unique writing style and multiple narrators, the book explores themes of loss, grief, and healing as Oskar embarks on a quest to find the lock that fits a key he found amongst his father's belongings. The story is set in post-9/11 New York City, intertwining past events like the bombing of Dresden with the present-day tragedy, creating a poignant and thought-provoking narrative.

The book is praised for its use of quirky characters, innovative storytelling techniques, and the emotional depth it brings to the topic of coping with the aftermath of a tragic event. Readers appreciate the way Foer delves into Oskar's world, combining humor and pathos in a manner that resonates with them. The inclusion of drawings, alternating chapters, and different points of view adds a multimedia experience to the narrative, making it a captivating and impactful read.

In a post-apocalyptic world, the protagonist Griz embarks on a journey to retrieve his stolen dog, Jip, after a thief takes it from their isolated island. The narrative follows Griz's adventures through a depopulated world filled with challenges and surprises, as he navigates the ruins of the old world and documents his travels in a journal. The book delves into themes of loyalty, survival, and the enduring bond between humans and dogs, set against a backdrop of a slowly fading world and the remnants of a forgotten society.

"Good Omens" is a witty and humorous take on the end of the world, where an angel and a demon work together to prevent the apocalypse from happening. The story involves a mix-up at a maternity hospital that leads to the Antichrist being raised by the wrong family, setting off a chain of events involving witches, witch hunters, prophecies, and the four horsemen of the apocalypse. The writing style is described as clever, funny, and full of gentle humor, blending the unique senses of humor of both Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett seamlessly.

In "All Systems Red," readers are introduced to Murderbot, a rogue cyborg struggling to navigate its identity and emotions while protecting a survey team on a routine mission that quickly turns into a complex web of conspiracy and danger. The novella delves into themes of artificial intelligence, personhood, empathy, and the blurred lines between human and non-human entities. Through Murderbot's unique perspective and wry narration, the story unfolds as a mix of action, mystery, and character exploration, offering a fresh take on the sci-fi genre.