Books Like...
'Conservation of Shadows' by Yoon Ha Lee is a collection of fantasy and science fiction short stories that explore unique concepts such as origami spaceships, linguistic combat, and books drained of words to create monsters. The stories are influenced by Korean culture and traditional stories, featuring Asian settings, characters, and cultural symbols. Lee's writing style is described as lyrical, poetic, and imaginative, blending themes of math, magic, war, and mythology in an unconventional and dreamlike manner.
If you liked Conservation of Shadows, here are the top 7 books to read next:
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Save:'How Long 'til Black Future Month?' by N.K. Jemisin is a collection of short stories that cover a wide range of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, and dystopian futures. The book showcases Jemisin's talent for world-building and storytelling, with each story presenting unique and thought-provoking ideas. Readers are taken on a journey through various settings and themes, from mystical realms to futuristic societies, all while exploring topics like discrimination, oppression, and the power of resistance. Jemisin's writing style is described as bold, creative, and engaging, with the ability to surprise and captivate readers with unexpected twists and turns.
It’s the Day of Good Birds in the city of Um-Helat! The Day is a local custom, silly and random as so many local customs can be, and yet beautiful by the same token. It has little to do with birds—a f... - #2
Save:'The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories' by Ken Liu is a collection of short stories that range from fantasy to science fiction to historical fiction. The stories explore themes of technology, human emotions, Asian immigrant experiences, and cultural histories. Ken Liu's writing style is described as enchanting, thought-provoking, and emotionally affecting, with a talent for weaving traditional Chinese beliefs and cultural elements into his narratives.
There is no definitive census of all the intelligent species in the universe. Not only are there perennial arguments about what qualifies as intelligence, but each moment and everywhere, civilizations... - #3
Save:'The Illustrated Man' by Ray Bradbury is a collection of short stories that delve into futuristic scenarios, exploring themes of human nature, technology, and society. The stories are interconnected through the framing device of an illustrated man covered in tattoos, where each tattoo comes to life and tells a unique story. Bradbury's writing style is described as nostalgic yet visionary, using colorful words and vivid imagery to transport readers to different worlds and provoke thought on the potential future of mankind.
IT was a warm afternoon in early September when I first met the Illustrated Man. Walking along an asphalt road, I was or the final leg of a two weeks’ walking tour of Wisconsin. Late in the afternoon ... - #4
Save:'Exhalation: Stories' by Ted Chiang is a collection of thought-provoking science fiction stories that delve into philosophical questions like free will, consciousness, and the impact of technology on humanity. Chiang's writing style is described as calm, clear, and deeply engaging, allowing the meaning of the stories to shine through the scientific concepts explored. The stories cover a wide range of themes, from time travel to the nature of existence, all tied together by universal questions about humanity and the universe.
The book features a mix of speculative technologies and philosophical undertones, expertly formulated to create compact yet suggestive narratives. Chiang's storytelling is praised for its cleverness without sacrificing the human element of the stories, making readers care about both the characters and the speculative concepts presented. Each story in the collection offers a unique and immersive experience that challenges readers to think deeply about the complex issues explored.
It has long been said that air (which others call argon) is the source of life. This is not in fact the case, and I engrave these words to describe how I came to understand the true source of life and... - #5
Save:The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury is a collection of loosely connected short stories chronicling humanity's contact with Mars, the decline of Martian civilization, and humanity's self-destruction on Earth. The book explores themes of colonization, human nature, and the impact of exploration on both Mars and Earth. Bradbury's writing style is described as poetic, imaginative, and emotionally evocative, creating a vivid and thought-provoking portrayal of near-space colonization.
One minute it was Ohio winter, with doors closed, windows locked, the panes blind with frost, icicles fringing every roof, children skiing on slopes, housewives lumbering like great black bears in the... - #6
Save:'Stories of Your Life and Others' by Ted Chiang is a collection of thought-provoking and inventive science fiction short stories. The stories explore unique concepts and alternate realities, delving into deep philosophical and scientific ideas while also incorporating elements of spirituality and human emotions. The writing style is described as precise, analytical, and dispassionate, yet it manages to create engaging and relatable characters who navigate through the complex worlds crafted by the author. Chiang's stories are known for their originality, creativity, and the way they challenge readers to think beyond the conventional boundaries of the genre.
Were the tower to be laid down across the plain of Shinar, it would be two days’ journey to walk from one end to the other. While the tower stands, it takes a full month and a half to climb from its b... - #7
Save:In "All Systems Red," readers are introduced to Murderbot, a rogue cyborg struggling to navigate its identity and emotions while protecting a survey team on a routine mission that quickly turns into a complex web of conspiracy and danger. The novella delves into themes of artificial intelligence, personhood, empathy, and the blurred lines between human and non-human entities. Through Murderbot's unique perspective and wry narration, the story unfolds as a mix of action, mystery, and character exploration, offering a fresh take on the sci-fi genre.
I COULD HAVE BECOME a mass murderer after I hacked my governor module, but then I realized I could access the combined feed of entertainment channels carried on the company satellites. It had been wel...
