Books Like...

Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Matthew Dicks is a heartwarming story narrated by Budo, the imaginary friend of an eight-year-old boy named Max who is on the autism spectrum. Budo, who is self-aware and has a strong bond with Max, navigates through the challenges of imaginary life, including the fear of fading away if Max stops believing in him. When Max gets into trouble, Budo must summon his courage to help his friend, leading to a captivating and imaginative adventure filled with themes of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice.

The book is praised for its unique narrative voice, compelling storytelling, and insightful exploration of childhood imagination and friendship. Through Budo's perspective, readers are taken on a journey that delves into the complexities of Max's world, his relationships, and the emotional depth of being an imaginary friend with a limited lifespan. The author's experience as an elementary school teacher shines through in the authentic portrayal of the characters and the sensitive handling of themes related to autism and imagination.

'Planet Earth Is Blue' by Nicole Panteleakos follows the story of Nova, a 12-year-old girl with autism who struggles to communicate with others. The plot revolves around Nova's anticipation of watching the Space Shuttle Challenger launch with her sister, Bridget, who is no longer present. The narrative beautifully portrays Nova's internal world and her journey through foster care, searching for her sister, and finding a new family. The writing style captures Nova's unique perspective and emotions, making the reader empathize with her struggles and hopes.

Through well-drawn characters like Nova and Bridget, the book explores themes of loss, communication, and trust. Readers are drawn into Nova's world, rooting for her resilience and strength as she navigates challenges related to her diagnosis and personal relationships. The story delicately weaves historical details of the Challenger disaster with Nova's emotional journey, creating a poignant and heartwarming narrative that resonates with readers of all ages.

'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 Skook by J.P. Miller is a captivating novel that follows Span Barrman, a middle-aged businessman trapped in a mundane life, who finds himself entombed in an underground cavern after a chance encounter with a satanic biker gang. As Span navigates the darkness and isolation of the cave, he is accompanied by the mystical creature known as the Skook, which challenges him to reevaluate his life and beliefs. Through introspective conversations with the Skook, Span embarks on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with existential questions and confronting his vulnerabilities. The novel weaves together elements of survival, psychological exploration, and dark humor, engaging readers with its unexpected twists and thought-provoking narrative.

'The Birthday of the World' by Ursula K. Le Guin is a collection of short stories exploring themes of love, relationships, gender roles, and societal pressures across different worlds. The stories delve into complex sociological and anthropological concepts, challenging readers to think about topics such as gender fluidity, sexuality, religious beliefs, cultural norms, and interpersonal relationships. Le Guin's writing style weaves intricate worlds with thought-provoking narratives that range from formalized rituals of sex to the impact of generational ships on human society.

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 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.

In "Bones of the Earth," Michael Swanwick presents a time travel tale where palaeontologists are given the opportunity to study dinosaurs in their natural habitat. The book explores the complexities of time travel, the mysteries of the Mesozoic era, and the ethical dilemmas that arise when knowledge of the past can alter the future. The plot twists and surprising developments unfold swiftly, showcasing Swanwick's inventiveness and literary ability. Despite the intricate narrative threads and time travel paradoxes, the author manages to create a compelling storyline that delves into themes of scientific endeavor and evolution.