Books Like...

'A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty' by Joshilyn Jackson is a story that delves into the lives of three generations of women - Big Ginny, mother to Liza who suffered a stroke at a young age, and Liza's teenage daughter Mosey. The family is living under a curse that strikes every fifteen years, and when a box of infant bones is discovered, buried secrets are brought to light, changing the Slocumb family forever. The plot revolves around mystery, coming of age, love, and redemption, with a southern setting that combines elements of prestige and wealth with poverty and slums.

The story is narrated through alternating chapters from the perspectives of the three Slocumb women, each with a distinct voice and facing the threat to their family in their own way. The characters are well-developed and multifaceted, with secrets and difficulties that are slowly revealed, making the readers emotionally invested in the story. The book captures the essence of southern women's fiction, blending humor and heartache, along with a core of pain and heartache at its center.

Backseat Saints by Joshilyn Jackson is a gripping tale of a young woman, Rose Mae Lolley, who flees from her abusive husband and embarks on a journey to find her long-lost mother. Through various versions of herself - from a rebellious high schooler to a battered wife named Ro Grandee - the story unfolds across different locations, exploring themes of domestic violence, self-discovery, and the search for truth amidst a backdrop of complex relationships and dark family secrets.

From the opinions provided, "Winter Loon" by Susan Bernhard is a poignant and emotionally intense coming-of-age story that follows the life of Wes Ballot, a young boy who faces immense challenges after losing his mother and being abandoned by his father. Set in small-town America, the story delves into themes of family dysfunction, trauma, and resilience as Wes navigates his tumultuous journey through adolescence and young adulthood. The writing style is described as poetic, vivid, and engaging, capturing the reader's imagination with its descriptive metaphors and powerful imagery.

"The Opposite of Everyone" by Joshilyn Jackson tells the story of Paula Kali Vauss, a tough divorce attorney with a troubled past. The narrative alternates between Paula's present life and her nomadic childhood with her mother, Kai. As Paula receives a cryptic message from her estranged mother after years of no contact, her life takes unexpected turns. The book delves into themes of forgiveness, family dynamics, and self-discovery, painting a picture of a complex and flawed protagonist navigating through her past and present.

The novel is known for its engaging storytelling, compelling characters, and seamless transitions between different timeframes. Readers are drawn into Paula's world, where past traumas and relationships shape her present choices and struggles. Joshilyn Jackson's writing style weaves together humor, heartbreak, and redemption, creating a story that explores the complexities of love, forgiveness, and the impact of family ties on one's identity.

Peter Geye's novel 'Safe from the Sea' delves into the tumultuous relationship between a father and son, Noah and Olaf Torr, set against the backdrop of northern Minnesota's Lake Superior. The story unfolds through a series of reminiscences, where Noah is called back to his childhood cabin to care for his dying father, leading to a journey of emotional reconciliation and untangling of past tragedies. The narrative skillfully weaves together themes of family bonds, Norwegian immigrant culture, shipwrecks, and the rugged beauty of the Minnesota North Shore, creating a spellbinding tale that resonates with readers.

Without much success, Noah has grappled with the bitterness towards his father, while also dealing with his wife Natalie's infertility issues. As Noah and Olaf confront their shared past and emotional wounds, the story explores the complexities of their relationship, the impact of a tragic shipwreck on their lives, and the healing power of confronting long-held secrets. Geye's masterful storytelling captures the essence of the Iron Range, showcasing vivid descriptions of the natural landscape and three-dimensional characters that bring the narrative to life.

'The Plotters' by Un-su Kim is a unique thriller set in South Korea's dark underworld of crime and assassination. The story follows Reseng, an aging assassin, as he navigates through a power struggle between the old guard and the new, while trying to survive in a world where trust is treacherous and competition is ruthless. The book is filled with colorful characters, dark humor, and clever plot twists, making it a page-turner that delves into themes of loyalty, change, and the complexities of human nature.

The narrative of 'The Plotters' is a blend of noir and literature, featuring witty dialogue, Tarantino-esque violence, and a storyline that keeps readers on their toes with its twists and turns. The book explores Reseng's journey of self-discovery and moral dilemmas, as he questions his loyalty, confronts his past, and grapples with the idea of changing his life. Through Reseng's encounters with various characters and his involvement in a complex assassination plot, the novel offers a thought-provoking reflection on the nature of happiness, choices, and the human capacity for change.

The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht is a novel set in an unnamed Balkan country, following the narrator, Natalia, a young doctor investigating her grandfather's death. Through a series of local legends and stories, including those of The Tiger's Wife and The Deathless Man, the book explores themes of death, relationships, and the impact of war on individuals and communities. The narrative weaves together past and present, magical realism, and rich characterizations, creating a tapestry of interconnected tales that delve into the human condition amidst a backdrop of historical turmoil.

"Untold Night and Day" by Bae Suah is a surreal and experimental novel that follows Ayami, an actress, on a journey through the hot, dark streets of Seoul. The story blurs the lines between reality and imagination, with recurring characters and motifs that challenge the reader to question the connections and meanings behind them. The prose is described as sleek and dreamlike, creating a narrative that feels like a jungle cat - powerful and captivating, yet elusive in its full understanding.

The novel unfolds in a cyclical and confusing manner, with events seen through the window of a car driving at night, where characters merge into each other and surreal dreams blend with reality. As the day progresses, the heat and humidity increase, adding to the surreal quality of the story. The translator's note by Deborah Smith enhances the novel, elevating it to another realm and providing insights into the motifs and imagery that intensify as the story reaches its peak.

'Plain Kate' by Erin Bow is a dark young adult fantasy novel following the journey of an orphaned woodcarver named Kate. Fearing witchcraft accusations in her village, Kate trades her shadow to a mysterious stranger in exchange for the means to escape with her talking cat, Taggle. As she embarks on a quest for belonging, Kate uncovers dark secrets and the stranger's sinister plans involving her shadow. Set in an environment reminiscent of Eastern Europe and Russia, the story delves into themes of loneliness, family, grief, revenge, friendship, and death, offering a unique and captivating tale for mature young adults.

The book is praised for its originality, creativity, and rich storytelling that sets it apart from typical fantasy novels. The characters are lauded for their complexity and authenticity, with particular mention of the delightful talking cat, Taggle. The writing style is commended for its simplicity, honesty, and evocative nature that immerses readers in a fantastical world filled with dark themes and thought-provoking narratives.

'The Thing About Jellyfish' by Ali Benjamin is a poignant middle-grade novel that delves into the themes of friendship, grief, and self-discovery. The story follows Suzy, a 13-year-old girl who is grappling with the sudden death of her best friend, Franny, in a drowning accident. As Suzy navigates the challenges of middle school and the complexities of her own emotions, she becomes obsessed with the idea that Franny's death was caused by a rare jellyfish sting. Through Suzy's journey of grief and self-reflection, the book explores themes of loss, friendship, and the power of resilience.

The narrative alternates between Suzy's present-day struggles with grief and her memories of her friendship with Franny, highlighting the evolution of their relationship and the difficulties of growing apart. Through Suzy's scientific exploration of jellyfish and her internal dialogue, readers are taken on an emotional and educational journey that ultimately leads to self-forgiveness and healing.