Books Like...
'Hotel World' by Ali Smith is a non-traditional novel that follows the interconnected lives of five characters linked by a tragic event at a hotel. The story is told through various narrative voices, including a teenage ghost, a homeless woman, a young front desk worker, and guests connected to the hotel. The book explores themes of love, life, death, and the impact of our lives on others even after we die. The writing style is described as fragmented, challenging, and at times stream of consciousness, offering different perspectives and unique storytelling techniques.
The plot of 'Hotel World' revolves around a freak accident involving a teenage chambermaid at a hotel, leading to a series of narratives from different characters connected to the incident. The prose is both disturbing and funny, with a mix of sorrow, isolation, and poignancy that delves into the psyches of the characters. The book features unusual narrative structures that vividly describe the characters, making readers feel deeply for everyone involved in the interconnected stories.
If you liked Hotel World, here are the top 28 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'Smoke and Key' by Kelsey Sutton is a Gothic tale set in the late 1800s and early 1900s, taking place in a mysterious realm called Under where the dead awaken to remember their living lives. The story follows Key as she unravels the secrets of her past, encountering eerie memories and uncovering the dark side of her existence. Through a blend of suspense, historical romance, and magical elements, the novel delves into themes of death, lost love, walking corpses, and the intricate world of Under.
The book is characterized by a unique and imaginative plot that captivates readers with its morbid yet beautiful setting. Kelsey Sutton's writing style weaves together elements of mystery, fantasy, and Gothic themes, creating a compelling narrative that explores the complexities of the afterlife and the journey of self-discovery for the characters trapped in the haunting realm of Under.
- #2
Save:I Liked My Life by Abby Fabiaschi is a poignant exploration of the aftermath of a suicide within a family. The story delves into the lives of Madeline's grieving family members, particularly her daughter Eve and husband Brady, as they struggle to make sense of her death. Through the unique narrative style that alternates between Madeline's voice from beyond and the perspectives of her loved ones, the author skillfully portrays the complexities of relationships, guilt, grief, and the journey towards healing. The book offers a compelling blend of humor and anguish, providing insights into human behavior and the challenges of moving on after a tragic loss.
The author, Abby Fabiaschi, weaves a captivating tale that not only captures the emotional turmoil of the characters but also delves into deeper themes of love, loss, forgiveness, and self-discovery. Through well-developed characters and a thought-provoking plot, I Liked My Life offers a powerful reflection on the impact of suicide on those left behind, highlighting the struggles, doubts, and eventual resilience of the family as they navigate the complexities of their relationships and emotions.
I found the perfect wife for my husband. She won’t be as traditional as I was, which is good. She won’t be as intelligent either, but Brady endured twenty years of my unending intelligence. Under my t... - #3
Save:'Horses of God' by Lulu Norman, Mahi Binebine is a powerful and harrowing novel that delves into the lives of young Moroccan suicide bombers, set in the poverty-stricken shantytown of Sidi Moumen. The story is narrated by Yachine from beyond the grave, recounting the tragic journey of him and his friends who were lured into a life of violence and terrorism by a charismatic fundamentalist leader. The book explores themes of poverty, desperation, toxic religious indoctrination, and the devastating consequences of disenchantment and hopelessness on young individuals.
The narrative style of 'Horses of God' is gripping and thought-provoking, providing deep insights into the lives of the characters as they navigate through a world of despair and radicalization. Through vivid descriptions and compassionate character sketches, the author paints a poignant picture of how these boys, living on the fringes of society, are driven towards a path of destruction and violence, highlighting the seductive yet destructive nature of extremist ideologies.
YOU MIGHT WALK right past our part of town without ever suspecting it was there. A high, crenellated adobe wall separates it from the boulevard, where an uninterrupted stream of cars makes an unholy d... - #4
Save:Fourteen-year-old Meg Finn finds herself in limbo after dying during a botched robbery. Balanced between good and evil deeds, she is given a second chance to redeem herself by helping an elderly man, Lowrie, fulfill his final wish list. With the looming threat of Satan trying to prevent her from succeeding, Meg must navigate her way through the afterlife and Earth to tip the scales towards goodness and secure her place in heaven. The Wish List combines supernatural elements, humor, and a heartwarming tale of redemption, showcasing Eoin Colfer's unique storytelling style that keeps readers engaged till the very end.
For the thousandth time, Meg Finn wondered what she was doing here. How had she sunk this far— skulking around the old folks’ apartments with a lowlife like Belch Brennan? Her reflection glared accusi... - #5
Save:'How to Be Both' by Ali Smith is a novel that intertwines two narratives, one following a teenage girl named Georgie who is grieving the loss of her mother in contemporary London, and the other focusing on a 15th-century Italian painter named Francesco de Cossa. The book plays with the concept of duality, exploring themes of memory, grief, friendship, and androgyny. The structure of the novel is unique, with different editions presenting the two stories in varying orders, creating a layered and complex reading experience. Smith's writing style is described as clever, compelling, and playful, with intricate connections between the two narratives and a focus on gender ambiguity.
Good : I like a good back : the best thing about a turned back is the face you can’t see stays a secret : hey : you : can’t hear me? Can’t hear? No? My chin on your shoulder right next to your ear and... - #6
Save:'Remember Me' by Christopher Pike is a young adult book that follows the story of Shari, an eighteen-year-old girl who tries to prove that she did not commit suicide after her untimely death. As a ghost, she investigates her own murder, trying to uncover the truth behind her death. The plot is a mix of murder mystery and metaphysical musings, with supernatural elements woven into the narrative. The writing style is engaging, with a limited viewpoint from the protagonist, Shari, as she navigates the afterlife and uncovers the events leading up to her demise.
The book explores themes of life after death, friendship, betrayal, and the quest for justice. It keeps readers engaged with its suspenseful plot and unexpected twists, making it a compelling read for both young adults and adults alike who enjoy mysteries with a supernatural twist.
JEAN RODRIGUES did not want to become her mother. A not quite forty-yearold woman with five kids, a dead husband lost to booze, working sixty hours a week at a coffee shop just to pay the rent on a ru... - #7
Save:A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb is a unique tale of two souls, Helen and James, who are trapped between earth and heaven and fall in love. They inhabit human bodies, unraveling their past identities and forming a deep connection. The novel is a fast-paced and engrossing read that delves into themes of life, death, religion, and love, with a poetic and lyrical writing style that captures the emotions and struggles of the characters. The plot revolves around the impossible love affair between two spirits from different generations inhabiting modern-day teen bodies, dealing with typical teen issues alongside their haunting past lives.
The story unfolds as Helen, the protagonist, navigates being a ghost for 130 years and finds solace in her love for James, leading to a poignant exploration of the enduring nature of love. The book beautifully blends supernatural elements with themes of redemption, loss, and first love, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with readers. The author's prose is described as ethereal, atmospheric, and intense, with references to poets and writers adding depth to the storyline, making it a haunting and emotional journey.
SOMEONE WAS LOOKING AT ME, a disturbing sensation if you’re dead. I was with my teacher, Mr. Brown. As usual, we were in our classroom, that safe and wooden-walled box—the windows opening onto the gra... - #8
Save:The Posthumous Memoirs of Bras Cubas by Machado de Assis is a Brazilian classic narrated by Bras Cubas himself, a man reflecting on life from beyond the grave. The book is described as funny, profound, and filled with musings on human follies and predicaments delivered through delicate satire and truthfulness. The novel showcases a unique narrative structure, engaging writing style, and a mix of humor and insight that resonates with readers.
As it so happened, one day in the morning while I was strolling about my place an idea started to hang from the trapeze I have in my brain. Once hanging there it began to wave its arms and legs and ex... - #9
Save:'Sparrow Hill Road' by Seanan McGuire follows the adventures of Rose Marshall, a hitchhiker ghost who died on her prom night. The book is a collection of stories about Rose's afterlife, where she tries to save people and outwit the man who killed her. The narrative weaves through different types of ghosts, non-human beings, and the hauntingly beautiful American highway. The writing style is described as touching, melancholic, and lyrical, capturing the essence of ghostly tales with a mix of sadness and poignancy.
Where do urban legends really come from? Everyone knows the one about the girl who asks for a ride home; the one who turns out to have been dead all along. But where did she come from? Who was she? An... - #10
Save:'Damned' by Chuck Palahniuk follows the story of Madison Spencer, a 13-year-old girl who finds herself in Hell after dying from a marijuana overdose. In Hell, she forms an unlikely group of friends reminiscent of The Breakfast Club and embarks on a journey to confront Satan himself. Through a blend of dark humor, satire, and insightful storytelling, Palahniuk weaves a tale that explores themes of self-discovery and the afterlife.
The narrative of 'Damned' offers a unique take on Hell, blending elements of Dante's Inferno with a darkly comedic twist. As Madison navigates the underworld, readers are taken on a journey filled with bizarre encounters, witty social commentary, and unexpected revelations about life and death. Palahniuk's writing style combines his trademark weirdness with moments of genuine introspection, creating a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Trust me, the being-dead part is much easier than the dying part. If you can watch much television, then being dead will be a cinch. Actually, watching television and surfing the Internet are really e...
