Books Like...

'84, Charing Cross Road' by Helene Hanff is a charming collection of letters exchanged between a New York writer and a London bookshop over a period of 20 years. The book showcases the evolving friendship between the pen pals through their correspondence, highlighting the love for books and genuine kindness shared between them. The letters offer a glimpse into the cultural differences and similarities, as well as the humorous and heartwarming interactions between the characters.

Hanff's writing style in '84, Charing Cross Road' is described as witty, whimsical, and heartwarming, capturing the essence of a post-war bibliophile friendship through genuine and engaging correspondence. The book not only narrates the story of a transatlantic friendship but also delves into the shared passion for literature, creating a nostalgic and endearing portrayal of human connections formed through the love of books.

S. by Doug Dorst and J.J. Abrams is a unique and interactive novel presented as a story within a story. The book features various inserts and notes in the margins, creating a multi-layered reading experience. Readers navigate through different plots and clues, deciphering annotations and unraveling mysteries hidden within the pages.

The narrative of S. unfolds as two people engage in a complex exchange of notes and messages in the margins of a library book, adding depth and intrigue to the main storyline. The book incorporates elements like postcards, napkins, bookmarks, and other props, enhancing the storytelling experience and blurring the lines between fiction and reality.

'The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society' is a heartwarming and poignant story set in the post-World War II period on the Channel Islands, specifically Guernsey Island. The plot is revealed through a series of letters exchanged between characters, shedding light on the German occupation of the island during WWII. The writing style is described as charming, light-hearted, and engaging, with a focus on relationships between characters and the historical backdrop of the war.

'Griffin & Sabine: An Extraordinary Correspondence' by Nick Bantock is a unique and enchanting story that unfolds through letters and postcards exchanged between two artists, Griffin and Sabine, who have never met but share a psychic connection. The plot revolves around the mysterious and magical correspondence between the two characters, where the readers get to physically interact with the letters and postcards by removing them from envelopes to read, adding an intimate touch to the storytelling. is a blend of art and novel, offering a tactile reading experience that delves into the relationship between the characters and their shared artistic experiences, creating a mesmerizing and immersive journey for the readers.

Written in an epistolary format, 'Griffin & Sabine' provides readers with a visually stunning and psychologically intriguing narrative that combines beautiful artwork with a love story told through correspondence. showcases the evolving relationship between Griffin and Sabine through their written exchanges, inviting readers to explore the depths of their connection and the mysteries surrounding their bond. With elements of magic, romance, and suspense, the story captivates readers by offering a glimpse into the private world of the characters through their letters and postcards, creating a one-of-a-kind reading experience that is both captivating and unforgettable.

'If on a Winter's Night a Traveler' by Italo Calvino is a cleverly written metafictional novel that explores the experience of reading, involving the reader in the novel's plot. The book follows the journey of two readers who continuously encounter incomplete texts, interrupted narrations, false translations, and other diversions, leading to a narrative composed of the beginnings of ten different novels as well as the readers' own adventures. The story delves into the themes of reading, writing, creating, falsifying, and living, offering a multi-layered and inventive narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fiction.

The narrative structure of the book is designed to prevent any forward momentum, creating little islands of brilliance within unresolved chapters. Through a series of interrupted narratives, the book engages readers in a post-modern exploration of reading and writing, with each chapter offering a unique perspective on genres and storytelling techniques. Calvino's writing style weaves together humor, wit, and self-referential wit, making the experience of reading the central theme of the novel and inviting readers to become active participants in the story.

"Dangerous Liaisons" by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos is an epistolary novel that includes multiple characters writing to each other, each with unique points of view and goals. The book revolves around two manipulative narcissists who take on a bet to destroy people around them, showcasing intrigues, manipulations, treachery, promiscuity, and horribleness. The story is set in the 18th century and features characters that may live in a different era but feel very real, engaging readers with its psychological games, slow pay off of revenge, and toxic, narcissistic relationships.

'Dear Committee Members' by Julie Schumacher is an epistolary novel that follows the life of Jason Fitger, a disillusioned and sarcastic English professor at a small liberal arts university. The story is uniquely told through a series of letters of recommendation written by Fitger to various recipients, providing insights into his personal life, academic struggles, and interactions with colleagues and students. Despite the humorous and satirical tone of the letters, a deeper narrative unfolds, shedding light on the challenges faced in academia, the value of literature, and the complexities of human relationships.

'The Appeal' by Janice Hallett is a murder mystery novel that unfolds through emails, text messages, and other correspondence within a small town amateur dramatics society. The story revolves around the amateur production of a play and a fundraising campaign for a little girl's medical treatment, all while keeping the reader guessing about the motives and relationships of the characters involved. The format of the book, told entirely through written correspondence, provides a unique and engaging way to reveal the intricate web of social dynamics and secrets within the group.

The author, Janice Hallett, skillfully crafts a narrative that allows readers to piece together the events and motivations behind the mystery through the characters' own words. The book offers a fresh and original approach to storytelling, drawing readers into the lives of the characters through their emails and messages, creating a sense of voyeurism and intrigue as the plot unfolds.

"Lady Susan" by Jane Austen is a short epistolary novel that follows the manipulative and conniving widow, Lady Susan Vernon, as she schemes to secure wealthy marriages for herself and her daughter. Written entirely through letters exchanged between characters, the story unfolds through gossip, scandal, and the revelation of Lady Susan's deceitful nature. Despite being an early work of Austen, the novel showcases her talent for creating complex characters like Lady Susan, who is portrayed as heartless, selfish, and unscrupulous in her pursuit of personal gain.

The plot revolves around Lady Susan's cunning efforts to manipulate those around her, leading to outrage, shock, and helplessness among her acquaintances. Through the epistolary format, readers are given glimpses of Lady Susan's underhandedness, her daughter's predicament, and the reactions of those caught in her web of deceit. Despite the lack of traditional narrative prose, the novel offers a wickedly fun and engaging exploration of love, manipulation, and Regency society.

'The Raw Shark Texts' by Steven Hall is a mind-bending novel that follows Eric Sanderson, who wakes up with no memory and discovers notes he has written to himself. Strange packages, a conceptual shark hunting him for his memories, and a world within a world are just the beginning of his journey. The writing style is described as exciting, imaginative, and smart, reminiscent of movies like Memento and with influences from authors like Haruki Murakami, Paul Auster, and Neil Gaiman.

The plot of the novel starts out promisingly metafiction, deconstructing narrative and narrator, but some readers find that it veers back into standard fiction territory with the introduction of a love story. is praised for its ability to keep readers engaged, with a mix of abstract concepts, intriguing characters, and unexpected twists, leading to a range of interpretations and a mix of emotions from readers.