Books Like...

In the book 'Alien Taste' by Wen Spencer, readers are introduced to Ukiah Oregon, an adolescent male with unique abilities who was raised by Mama Jo and Mama Lara in Pittsburgh. Ukiah has an eidetic memory and can read DNA traces, along with healing quickly from serious wounds. The story follows Ukiah as he tracks a missing woman in a murder case, uncovering a series of mysterious events and confronting his own extraordinary talents. The plot combines elements of urban fantasy, science fiction, and mystery, set in a contemporary timeframe with a touch of magic-like science.

'Jumper' by Steven Gould follows the story of Davy, a young man who discovers he has the ability to teleport to any place he can picture in his mind. The plot revolves around Davy's journey of escaping his abusive father, exploring his newfound powers, and getting involved in fighting terrorism. The writing style is described as engaging, fast-paced, and suspenseful, with elements of coming-of-age, science fiction, and fantasy fulfillment woven into the storyline.

Escape to Witch Mountain follows the story of Tony and Tia, two orphaned siblings with supernatural powers, who are on the run from powerful individuals trying to exploit them. With the help of a renegade priest and a psychic cat, they embark on a journey to find their true origins and evade their pursuers by heading to Witch Mountain. The book is described as a classic science fiction tale with elements of adventure and mystery, written in a style reminiscent of children's stories from the 50s and 60s. The plot focuses on the siblings' unique abilities, their quest for belonging, and their escape from those who seek to control them.

The writing style of Escape to Witch Mountain is noted as straightforward and tight, with a mix of suspense and adventure that intensifies as the story progresses. The characters, particularly Tony and Tia, are portrayed as different from others, with special powers and a sense of not belonging to this world. The book explores themes of family, identity, and the struggle against those who wish to exploit the siblings' abilities, offering a nostalgic and enjoyable read for younger audiences.

House of Stairs by William Sleator is a chilling young adult novel set in a dystopian world where five orphaned teenagers find themselves trapped in a mysterious location filled with endless staircases. They are subjected to a bizarre experiment where they must perform odd and increasingly violent actions in order to survive. The story delves into themes of human behavior, operant conditioning, and the struggle for survival, all within a nightmarish setting reminiscent of a psychological horror film.

Sleator's writing style is described as imaginative, original, and reminiscent of a modern classic. The plot flows nicely, with the characters evolving in satisfying ways as they navigate the nightmare imagery of the stairs and the psychological challenges they face. The book keeps readers engaged with its intense storyline and thought-provoking exploration of human nature and conformity.

'The Forgotten Door' by Alexander Key is a science fiction book that follows the story of Little Jon, a mysterious child who appears in the mountains of Earth with no memory of how he got there. Despite his peculiar abilities, Jon finds himself in trouble with the authorities, but a kind family befriends him and helps him navigate the dangers he faces. As Jon struggles to find a way back to his own planet, he must confront the challenges of adapting to a new world while dealing with the threat of government interference.

The book presents a story that explores themes of kindness, understanding, and the contrast between different worlds. Through Jon's journey, readers are taken on an adventure that delves into the idea of belonging, the impact of one's surroundings, and the importance of empathy in the face of the unknown. The writing style of 'The Forgotten Door' is described as enchanting, engaging, and suitable for both children and adults, offering a blend of mystery, suspense, and a touch of nostalgia that captivates readers of all ages.

The Legacy of Heorot by Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle, and Steven Barnes is a science fiction novel set on an alien planet where Earth colonizers face unexpected challenges. The story revolves around the survival of the colonists as they battle indigenous fauna and navigate through a hostile ecosystem. The plot is filled with suspense, action, and elements of horror, making it a thrilling adventure for readers. The writing style is described as science fiction that reads like science fact, with well-developed characters and a rich, deep background that adds depth to the narrative.

Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein is a military science fiction novel that follows the story of Johnnie Rico as he navigates his career in the Mobile Infantry, a futuristic Marine Corps, during an interstellar war against the Bugs, an alien species. The book delves into philosophical ideas about government, citizenship, military life, and social virtues, all while providing a realistic portrayal of what life in a future military might look like. Heinlein uses the vehicle of interstellar war to comment on social and military virtues, presenting a society where citizenship is earned through service and where militarism is valued.

The book explores themes of duty, honor, loyalty, and the morality of military operations, all while challenging fundamental precepts of society such as the concept of inalienable rights and the role of militarism. Heinlein's writing style is straightforward, action-packed, and thought-provoking, with a focus on military structure, philosophical discussions, and societal norms. While some readers find the book's political views controversial and its subtext dated, others appreciate its depth, realism, and the exploration of complex ideas within a sci-fi action adventure narrative.

In "The Mysterious Island," five prisoners of war escape during the American Civil War by hijacking a hot air balloon and crash-land on an unknown island in the South Pacific. The diverse group of characters, including an engineer, a sailor, a former slave, a journalist, and a young boy, work together to colonize the island, utilizing their individual skills to survive and thrive. The book details their resourcefulness, ingenuity, and teamwork as they face mysterious events, construct various technologies, and establish a community on the island. The story combines elements of adventure, suspense, and mystery, with a touch of optimism and possibility characteristic of Jules Verne's writing style.

The novel follows the castaways as they navigate through challenges, discover the island's abundant resources, and encounter unexplained phenomena that hint at a mysterious benefactor watching over them. The plot unfolds with detailed descriptions of the group's engineering feats, from building shelters to creating tools and even manufacturing nitroglycerin. As the characters adapt to their new environment, they unravel the island's secrets and work towards finding a way back home, all while showcasing Verne's imaginative storytelling and his ability to blend science fiction with elements of survival and exploration.

Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein follows the story of Valentine Michael Smith, a man raised by Martians who returns to Earth. The book explores themes of social commentary, free love, individualism, and the impact of religion on the human condition. The plot delves into philosophical discussions on money, politics, government, and humanity while depicting the struggles of Smith as he navigates human society and eventually starts a religion based on Martian teachings.

The writing style of the book is described as a mix of science fiction and social messages, with some readers finding it thought-provoking and mind-expanding. However, opinions vary on the book's effectiveness in conveying its ideas, with some praising its originality and profound concepts while others criticize its rambling philosophical passages and outdated viewpoints.

"Last of the Breed" by Louis L'Amour follows the story of U.S. Air Force Major Joe Mack, a man of Sioux descent, who is shot down over Russia, captured, and imprisoned in Siberia. Escaping with minimal supplies, Mack relies on his Native American skills to survive the harsh Siberian wilderness and make his way back to America, all while being pursued by a skilled Yakut tracker. The plot is filled with action, survival challenges, and a cat-and-mouse chase across the icy frontier, showcasing Mack's resilience and resourcefulness. The writing style is straightforward and engaging, capturing the essence of a gripping adventure story set during the Cold War era.