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'Machine Man' by Max Barry is a darkly funny and clever novel that follows the story of Charlie Neumann, a misfit mechanical engineer who loses his leg in an accident and decides to build his own replacement. Thrilled with the result, Charlie becomes obsessed with replacing more and more of his body with superior mechanical parts, leading to unforeseen consequences. The book satirizes society's dependence on technology and explores the ethical dilemmas of enhancing the human body to extremes, all while maintaining a quirky and introspective writing style that keeps the reader engaged.

If you liked Machine Man, here are the top 42 books to read next:

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Showing 1 - 10 of 42 
  1. #1

    Company by Max Barry
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    'Company' by Max Barry is a satirical novel that delves into the absurdities of corporate culture through the eyes of various employees at the fictional Zephyr Holdings. The story follows Jones, a new hire, as he uncovers the dark truths behind the company's operations, leading to a revelation about the nature of businesses and their treatment of employees. The writing style mixes humor, cynicism, and social commentary to provide a thought-provoking and entertaining look at the inner workings of a large corporation.

    The Zephyr Holdings building sits nestled among the skyscrapers of Seattle's Madison Street like a big, gray brick. It is bereft of distinguishing features. You could argue that it has a certain neutr...

  2. #2

    Noor by Nnedi Okorafor
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    'Noor' by Nnedi Okorafor is an Africanfuturism science fiction novel set in a near future Nigeria. The story follows a young bionic woman named Noor who discovers something extraordinary about herself through a journey filled with futuristic technology, Nigerian culture, and unexpected plot twists. The writing style is described as engaging, immersive, and rich in descriptions that make the reader feel fully absorbed in the story.

    It was late when I got home. I switched the light on in my bedroom and a startled gecko rushed up my wall and tried to hide near the ceiling. “Oh, not today,” I muttered. Then I spent the next hour tr...

  3. #3
    The Strange Bird
    Book 2 in the series:Borne

    The Strange Bird - Borne by Jeff VanderMeer
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    The novella 'The Strange Bird' by Jeff VanderMeer delves into the humanity of a biotechnological bird who escapes a lab and embarks on a journey of self-discovery in a post-apocalyptic world. The narrative beautifully captures the bird's struggle for freedom, the interactions with various characters, and the exploration of themes such as cruelty, suffering, and the impact of climate change. VanderMeer's writing style is described as powerful, evocative, and dreamlike, painting vivid imagery that immerses the reader in the strange and haunting world of the story.


    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Borne )

  4. #4

    There's No Such Thing as an Easy Job by Polly Barton, Kikuko Tsumura
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    'There's No Such Thing as an Easy Job' by Polly Barton, Kikuko Tsumura follows the journey of a 30-something Japanese woman who takes on a series of temporary jobs to assess what she wants to do with her life. Each job presents unique challenges and bizarre situations, leading her to discover more about herself and her true calling. The book is structured as a collection of short stories, offering insights into Japanese culture and the struggles of working life, all presented in a light and amusing tone.

    The writing style of the book is described as quirky, well-written, and casually friendly, with a touch of magical realism. The protagonist's interactions with her colleagues and the community add depth to her journey of self-discovery, while the plot unfolds in a series of job experiences that are both mundane and weird. The story provides a commentary on modern life and the pursuit of meaningful work, offering a glimpse into the protagonist's quest for a job that fits her desires and aspirations.

    Both screens showed the same person. The footage on the left-hand screen dated from 22:00 the previous night, and the footage on the right-hand screen from 20:00 the night before that. In both, the pe...

  5. #5

    Bad Monkeys by Matt Ruff
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    'Bad Monkeys' by Matt Ruff is a fast-paced thriller that follows Jane Charlotte, a woman on trial for murder who claims to be part of a secretive organization targeting evil individuals. The narrative weaves through conspiracy theories, psychological suspense, and science fiction elements, keeping readers guessing about what is real and what is not. With a mix of dark humor, unexpected twists, and a mind-bending storyline, the book explores themes of good versus evil and the blurred lines between reality and fiction.

    IT’S A ROOM AN UNINSPIRED PLAY-wright might conjure while staring at a blank page: White walls. White ceiling. White floor. Not featureless, but close enough to raise suspicion that its few contents a...

  6. #6

    Soon I Will Be Invincible by Austin Grossman
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    'Soon I Will Be Invincible' by Austin Grossman is a unique take on the superhero genre, exploring the lives of superheroes and supervillains in a realistic and literary style. The story alternates between the perspectives of Doctor Impossible, an evil genius with grand plans of world domination, and Fatale, a female cyborg struggling to uncover her past while navigating the world of superheroes. The narrative is structured like a comic book, with chaotic jumps in time, flashbacks, and gradually revealed origins, providing a fun and engaging read for fans of the genre.

    Six hundred and seventy-eight use their powers to fight crime, while four hundred and forty-one use their powers to commit them. Forty-four are currently confined in Special Containment Facilities for...

  7. #7

    The Mezzanine by Nicholson Baker
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    'The Mezzanine' by Nicholson Baker is a short novel that delves into the minutiae of everyday life, focusing on the protagonist's lunch hour journey to buy a pair of shoe laces. The book is praised for its detailed observations and footnotes that explore mundane objects and experiences, turning them into thought-provoking reflections on human existence. The writing style is described as immersive, charming, and filled with existential explorations that make even the simplest activities fascinating.

    AT ALMOST ONE O’CLOCK I entered the lobby of the building where I worked and turned toward the escalators, carrying a black Penguin paperback and a small white CVS bag, its receipt stapled over the to...

  8. #8

    Jennifer Government by Max Barry
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    In "Jennifer Government" by Max Barry, the story is set in an alternate present where corporations wield immense power, influencing every aspect of society. The plot revolves around a world where taxes are illegal, employees take on the surnames of the companies they work for, and the government is reduced to a figurehead, unable to challenge the dominance of corporate entities. The narrative follows a cast of characters as they navigate a dystopian society where capitalism reigns supreme, exploring themes of consumerism, corporate greed, and the consequences of a world driven by profit.

    The writing style of the book is described as satirical and fast-paced, offering a clever and entertaining look at a future where big businesses control the world. The author, Max Barry, creates a believable and thought-provoking world that delves into the darker aspects of human nature, all while maintaining a sense of humor and intrigue throughout the narrative.

    Hack first heard about Jennifer Government at the water-cooler. He was only there because the one on his floor was out; Legal was going to come down on Nature's Springs like a ton of shit, you could b...

  9. #9

    The Man Who Was Thursday: A Nightmare by G.K. Chesterton
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    'The Man Who Was Thursday: A Nightmare' by G.K. Chesterton is a unique and surreal tale that delves into themes of order vs. anarchy, good vs. evil, and the role of suffering in theology. The book follows a detective who infiltrates a gang of anarchists, leading to a series of unpredictable events that challenge the reader's perception of reality. Chesterton's writing style is described as fantastical, absurd, and at times, predictable yet laughably absurd, with rich symbolism and vivid descriptions creating a dreamlike atmosphere that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality.

    The suburb of Saffron Park lay on the sunset side of London, as red and ragged as a cloud of sunset. It was built of a bright brick throughout; its skyline was fantastic, and even its ground plan was ...

  10. #10

    A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher
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    A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher is a horror story with a unique twist, blending humor with creeping suspense. The plot follows Sam, an entomologist, who moves in with her mother in her deceased grandmother's house, only to discover eerie occurrences and changes in her family and surroundings. As Sam delves deeper into the mysteries of the house and its history, she uncovers unsettling truths that lead to unexpected dangers, all while maintaining a sense of realism and relatability in the characters' reactions and behaviors.


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