Books Like...

Buffalo Gals, Won't You Come Out Tonight by Ursula K. Le Guin is a collection of short stories, including the titular novelette. The book follows a young girl who is lost in the desert after a plane crash and is taken care of by a variety of strange people and animals. The story is described as gentle, emotional, and influenced by Native American culture, drawing heavily from the native myths of the desert country of the USA Four Corners. The narrative weaves themes of parental neglect, CPTSD, spiritual leanings, and the conflict between the human and non-human world.

Le Guin's writing style is praised for being straightforward yet lyrical, creating a fantastic tale that combines elements of magical realism and surrealism. The book is enhanced by the mystical illustrations provided by Susan Seddon Boulet, which bring the story to life with a gentle mystical quality. Readers appreciate the depth of the storytelling, the wisdom contained within the narrative, and the way the book transports them to a world hidden from everyday life.

'Gifts' in the series 'Annals of the Western Shore' by Ursula K. Le Guin follows the story of Orrec, a young man born into a Gifted family in the Uplands, where each family possesses a unique and often lethal psychic gift. Orrec struggles to control his own ability of 'unmaking,' leading him to make a drastic decision to blind himself for the safety of those around him. The novel delves into themes of family loyalty, individual desires, and the balance between kindness and protection in a harsh and unforgiving world. Ursula Le Guin's writing style is described as evocative, immersive, and lyrical, creating a tangible and believable world where emotion drives the narrative.

'The Telling' by Ursula K. Le Guin follows the story of Sutty, a Terran envoy of the Ekumen sent to the world of Aka. Aka is a planet transformed by the Corporation, a monolithic state that has outlawed the past and suppressed ancient beliefs and traditions. Sutty's mission is to learn and preserve 'The Telling,' the old faith of the Akans, amidst the societal changes brought about by contact with the Ekumen. Through Sutty's journey into the countryside and mountains, the reader explores the clash of cultures, the importance of tradition, and the impact of progress on a society's identity.

The narrative in 'The Telling' is described as spare, thoughtful, and beautiful, in line with Le Guin's signature style seen in her other Hainish novels. delves into themes of cultural suppression, the clash between modernization and tradition, and the consequences of societal change. With a focus on philosophical musings and deep insights into human psychology, the story provides a reflective exploration of how societies evolve, adapt, and grapple with the loss of their heritage.

Always Coming Home by Ursula K. Le Guin is a unique and complex work that immerses readers in a post-apocalyptic world where the Kesh people live in a peaceful, non-hierarchical society focused on communal living and generosity. The book is structured as a collection of tales, poems, songs, and essays, providing a rich tapestry of the Kesh culture set in California in the far future. Through the narrative of characters like Stone Telling and the anthropologist Pandora, readers explore themes of societal structure, environmentalism, and the contrast between different cultures.

The Word for World is Forest is a science fiction novel set in a world where humanity has colonized planets orbiting other stars. The story revolves around the encounter between humans and a peaceful forest species, the Athsheans, on a far-off planet. As humans start to massacre the native species, the Athsheans are forced to fight back, leading to a clash of cultures and values. The book explores themes of colonialism, environmentalism, violence, madness, and racism in a science fiction setting, shedding light on the consequences of human exploitation of natural resources and the impact on indigenous populations.

The narrative delves into the perspectives of both the human colonists and the Athsheans, providing a nuanced portrayal of the conflict between the two groups. Through detailed world-building and character development, Ursula K. Le Guin creates a thought-provoking and emotionally compelling story that challenges readers to reflect on the consequences of human actions and the complexities of intercultural interactions in a futuristic setting.

'Paladin of Souls' by Lois McMaster Bujold is the second novel in the Chalion series following Royina Ista's journey. Ista, a middle-aged widow, sets off on a pilgrimage to escape her past and finds herself entangled in spiritual growth and unexpected adventures. The book delves into themes of spiritual awakening, unique theology, and the intricate relationships between characters and gods in the world of Chalion. Bujold weaves a complex plot involving demons, love, and self-discovery, showcasing her talent for creating engaging characters and thought-provoking narratives.

The story in 'Paladin of Souls' is engaging and well-crafted, with a focus on character development and intriguing plot twists. Bujold's writing style is praised for its depth and originality, offering a refreshing take on fantasy storytelling. The book introduces readers to a strong female protagonist, Ista dy Chalion, who embarks on a journey of personal growth and redemption, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and divine intervention. Overall, 'Paladin of Souls' is a compelling tale of self-discovery, adventure, and the complexities of faith and destiny.

'Rocannon's World' by Ursula K. Le Guin is a blend of science fiction and fantasy, set in a world where interstellar war, aliens, and advanced technology coexist with elves, dwarves, and a quest filled with slim chances of success. The story follows Rocannon, a researcher stranded on a planet after his ship is destroyed, as he enlists the help of the native beings to fight against technologically advanced enemies. The book reads like a mix of fantasy and science fiction, with elements of mythology, adventure, and anthropological exploration woven into the narrative.

The writing style of 'Rocannon's World' is described as quick, entertaining, and mythic, with a dreamlike quality that resonates long after reading. Le Guin's ability to combine hard science fiction with fantasy trappings, create a blend of mythical quest and high-tech space opera, and build both characters and worlds effectively is highlighted. The novel is praised for its concise storytelling, imaginative world-building, and the way it explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the clash between different cultures.

In "Wheel of the Infinite" by Martha Wells, an exiled priestess named Maskelle is summoned back to her birth city to investigate the destruction of the Wheel of the Infinite, a sand model of the world that is recreated annually. Alongside a barbarian swordsman named Rian, Maskelle must navigate court intrigues, battle a demon puppet, and confront her past mistakes. The book is described as a stand-alone fantasy novel with vivid and imaginative world-building, alternating between the perspectives of Maskelle and Rian. The writing style is praised for sidestepping clichéd plots and melodramatic moments while featuring a powerful and older female lead.

The Dream-Quest of Vellitt Boe by Kij Johnson is a novella that serves as a response to H.P. Lovecraft's work, focusing on the erasure of women in his stories. The book follows Vellitt Boe, a professor at Ulthar University for Women, on a quest through the Dreamlands to find her student who has disappeared to the Waking World. The writing style is described as fantastic, clear, and inspiring, with a focus on the journey and the descriptions of the Dreamworld.

Dorothy Sayers' "Busman's Honeymoon" follows the newly married Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane as they embark on their honeymoon, only to discover a corpse in the basement of their new country home. The book delves into the challenges of their relationship, the adjustments they must make, and the complexities of their new life together, all while unraveling a murder mystery. Sayers weaves humor, romance, and suspense throughout the narrative, showcasing the dynamics between the characters and the intricacies of the plot.

The novel explores themes of love, marriage, and the intricacies of relationships, blending elements of a detective story with a love story. Through witty dialogue, clever plot twists, and engaging characters, Sayers crafts a narrative that keeps readers entertained and invested in the fates of Lord Peter and Harriet, while also providing insights into societal norms and class distinctions of the time.