Books Like...

'Cronenberg on Cronenberg' is a probing and fascinating history of director David Cronenberg's work, filled with interesting anecdotes, candid revelations, and invaluable insights about his creative process and the challenges he faced in the film industry. The book provides a revealing insight into Cronenberg's life, career, and philosophy, showcasing his evolution from early experimental films to mainstream masterworks. Through in-depth interviews with the director, the book covers his films chronologically from the 1960s to the 1990s, offering readers a deeper understanding of Cronenberg's conception of cinema and his unique artistic vision.

The book is highly praised for its accessibility, well-written content, and the clear and concise articulation of David Cronenberg's ideas and recurring themes such as mad scientists, identity disorder, body consciousness, viruses, and horror. Readers appreciate the focus on Cronenberg's opinions and insights rather than just technical aspects, finding his conversations articulate, intelligent, and incisive. The book is commended for providing a friendly and informative conversation with Cronenberg, making it a must-read for fans and anyone interested in delving into the mind of this brilliant filmmaker.

In the novel "Queen of Teeth" by Hailey Piper, the story follows Yaya, a chimera who discovers teeth growing in her vagina after a one-night stand. Yaya's body transformation, driven by a new consciousness named Magenta, forces her to flee from Alpha Beta Pharmaceuticals to avoid becoming a lab rat. The book delves into themes of bodily autonomy, identity, and societal oppression, set in a dystopian world where corporations control genetic experimentation and personal rights are trampled upon. Piper's writing style seamlessly blends elements of science fiction, horror, and romance, creating a multifaceted story filled with tension, action, and introspection.

The narrative explores Yaya's journey of self-discovery, grappling with issues of autonomy, rage, and defiance against an unjust world. Through vivid descriptions of body horror and poetic writing, Piper crafts a compelling and thought-provoking story that challenges societal norms and offers a unique perspective on self-expression and empowerment.

'Skin' by Kathe Koja is a story of art and obsession, delving into the creation of a new underground art form involving metal and flesh. The plot revolves around two women, Tess and Bibi, who push the boundaries of art, plunging deeper into a realm of obsession and lust for pain. Readers found the imagery and rawness of the characters captivating, despite the erratic writing style that some found challenging to follow. offers a unique and different experience in a world of plain storytelling, blending poetry and raw emotion with an insane plot.

The Breach by Nick Cutter is a gruesome horror audiobook exclusive to Audible. It blends elements of cosmic horror with a mad scientist plot, featuring disturbing body horror that can easily turn your stomach. The story revolves around a group, including cops and scientists, investigating bizarre happenings in an isolated wilderness, leading to shocking and grotesque encounters.

Cutter's writing is visceral and intense, often leaving listeners feeling queasy. Many find it a chilling homage to Lovecraft, but with much more gore and emotional stakes woven into the narrative. It's a fast-paced and terrifying tale for fans of horror, especially those who can handle the extreme visuals and themes presented.

'Gray Matter' by Stephen King is a collection of short stories that delve into the realms of horror, suspense, and psychological terror. The stories explore dark and disturbing themes, such as mutation, addiction, and the consequences of human folly. The writing style is described as creepy, unsettling, and capable of evoking genuine dread in readers. The plots often revolve around ordinary individuals encountering extraordinary and horrifying situations, leading to chilling and sometimes grotesque outcomes.

The book is known for its ability to evoke fear and suspense in readers, with many describing it as creepy, disturbing, and haunting. The stories within 'Gray Matter' are filled with suspenseful twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats and leaving a lasting impact long after finishing the book. Stephen King's writing style is praised for its ability to create vivid and terrifying imagery, immersing readers in a world where the line between reality and nightmare is blurred.

Coldheart Canyon: A Hollywood Ghost Story by Clive Barker is a novel that delves into the dark and twisted world of Hollywood, blending elements of horror, fantasy, and the supernatural. The story follows an actor named Todd Pickett who, after a botched cosmetic surgery, seeks refuge in a haunted mansion in Coldheart Canyon. As Todd explores the mysterious estate, he encounters ghosts, demons, and a secret room that holds a dark power. Barker's writing style is described as visceral and graphic, painting a vivid and unsettling picture of the horrors lurking within the canyon.

'The Atrocity Exhibition' by J.G. Ballard is an experimental novel filled with themes of sex, death, media manipulation, car crashes, and celebrity culture. The narrative is described as repetitive, with chapters telling variations of the same story. The writing style is noted to be fragmentary, plotless, and dense with imagery and incongruousness. The book explores the obsession with celebrity culture, technology, and violent imagery, reflecting Ballard's response to media and celebrity saturation from the '70s.

The book is a collection of snippets, impressions, and experimental writing techniques that create a parallel scenario for readers. The writing is described as thought-provoking in form and style, with some finding the annotations by Ballard to be the richest and most insightful parts of the text. Despite its incoherence, there is a coherence to the narrative that is executed surprisingly well, making it a challenging yet illuminating read.

'We Live Inside You' by Jeremy Robert Johnson is a collection of modern short stories in genre fiction that delve into bizarre and unsettling themes. From stories of home invasion, drug heists, and survivalist ecoterrorists to experimental narratives and emotional character explorations, each tale in this collection offers a unique and gripping look into the darker aspects of human nature. Jeremy Robert Johnson's writing style is described as captivating, imaginative, and emotionally involving, with a knack for blending horror, suspense, and social commentary seamlessly.

Absolution, by Jeff VanderMeer, serves as a prequel to the Southern Reach Trilogy, delving deeper into the ominous mysteries of Area X. The narrative is a blend of cosmic horror and psychological themes, intertwining unreliable narrators and a dreamlike atmosphere. Readers should prepare for a challenging read, as VanderMeer employs a style filled with complexity, leaving many questions unanswered and realities blurred.

The writing style is both engaging and perplexing, with moments that provoke deep emotion and terror. The prose can feel feverish and erratic, as it shifts through genres and styles, creating a chaotic yet captivating experience. While some passages are described as confusing or even notoriously vulgar, the book's artistic ambition is acknowledged, contributing to its unique position within the series. Absolution ultimately invites readers to embrace the ambiguity and embrace the wildness woven into its narrative.