Books Like...

Made for Love by Alissa Nutting is a quirky and hilarious novel that explores the impact of technology on modern life. The story follows Hazel, who flees from her controlling tech mogul husband to her father's trailer, only to find him in a relationship with a sex doll. Meanwhile, we are introduced to Jasper, a con artist whose life takes a bizarre turn after an encounter with a dolphin. The book delves into themes of love, relationships, social norms, and the dangers of technology, all while maintaining a fresh and funny writing style that keeps the reader engaged.

'Small Miracles' by Olivia Atwater is a cozy fantasy novel that follows the story of Gadriel, a fallen angel of minor temptations, who is assigned to tempt a woman named Holly Harker into committing small sins. The book is filled with quirky humor, light-hearted moments, and a touch of romance, reminiscent of Terry Pratchett's 'Good Omens'. The plot revolves around the interactions between angels, demons, and humans, focusing on the small pleasures and miracles in life rather than world-ending stakes. The writing style is engaging, with deep thoughts, great satire, and clever footnotes adding layers to the story.

'The Family Fang' by Kevin Wilson follows the story of the Fang family, consisting of performance artists Caleb and Camille, and their children Annie and Buster. The parents involve their children in their disruptive art pieces since childhood, leading to a dysfunctional upbringing where the children struggle to establish their own identities separate from their parents' performances. As adults, Annie becomes an actress and Buster an aspiring writer, both trying to break free from their manipulative parents. The book delves into themes of family dynamics, art, self-discovery, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences on adulthood.

The narrative of 'The Family Fang' is described as whimsical, darkly humorous, and at times disturbing. The writing style is noted for being creative, unique, and engaging, with a plot that unfolds with elements of tension, mystery, and self-destructive tendencies. The story navigates through the complexities of parent-child relationships, showcasing the struggles of the Fang siblings as they come to terms with their unconventional upbringing and strive to find their own paths in life.

'Mr. Fox' by Helen Oyeyemi is a complex and metafictional novel that weaves together elements of Bluebeard, fairy tales, Greek mythology, and the Bible. The story revolves around the relationships between a writer named St. John Fox, his wife Daphne, and his imaginary muse Mary Foxe. The narrative is non-linear, with well-developed characters and interwoven short stories that explore themes of writing, dreaming, imagination, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction.

The book is described as experimental fiction that delves into the power dynamics between men and women, the complexities of storytelling, and the intricate connections between the characters' lives and the stories they create. The writing style is praised for being clever, beautifully crafted, and thought-provoking, despite the challenging and sometimes disjointed nature of the plot.

'Some Desperate Glory' by Emily Tesh is a mindbending sci-fi adventure that delves into the complexities of the human psyche on both individual and societal levels. The book follows the journey of the protagonist, Kyr, as she navigates a world filled with survival, redemption, and thought-provoking twists. The plot starts off slow but quickly picks up pace in the second half, engaging readers with its compelling characters and intriguing storytelling style.

The author, Emily Tesh, expertly weaves together elements of military, political philosophy, and science fiction to create a unique and masterful narrative. The book explores themes of character growth, unique world-building, and unexpected twists that keep readers hooked until the satisfying ending. Overall, 'Some Desperate Glory' is a captivating read that offers a fresh take on the sci-fi genre, leaving readers eager for more from the author.

In the novella 'Finna' by Nino Cipri, readers are taken on a wild adventure through a multiverse of IKEA-like stores where wormholes lead to alternate dimensions. The story follows exes Ava and Jules as they navigate their complicated relationship while trying to find a missing person in these bizarre worlds. The writing style is a blend of humor, satire, and cosmic horror, with sharp commentary on corporate culture and capitalism woven into the narrative.

Oliver Sacks' book 'Hallucinations' delves into the various types and causes of hallucinations, exploring beyond the commonly known visual and auditory hallucinations. Through case studies and historical context, Sacks covers hallucinations related to diseases, fatigue, phantom limbs, narcotics, and shell shock trauma. While the book provides a wealth of information and touches on brain imaging, some readers found the case studies repetitive, leading to a mixed reception. Despite the occasional lack of sustained interest, the book offers insights into the intricate connection between the brain's physicality and the diverse range of hallucinations experienced by individuals.

Readers are introduced to a plethora of hallucination experiences, from sensory deprivations to drug-induced states, shedding light on the complexities of human perception and the brain's ability to create alternate realities. Sacks weaves together personal anecdotes, clinical descriptions, and cultural perspectives to showcase the commonality and diversity of hallucinations, ultimately questioning the nature of reality and individual experiences. While some found the book informative and engaging, others felt it lacked the same level of captivation as Sacks' previous works, offering a more clinical survey of hallucinations rather than a deeply immersive narrative.

'Mostly Dead Things' by Kristen Arnett is a dark and humorous novel that delves into themes of grief, family dynamics, and identity. The story follows Jessa, a young woman trying to hold her family together after the death of her father and the departure of her brother's wife. The narrative explores Jessa's complex relationships with her mother, brother, and a new love interest, all set against the backdrop of the family taxidermy business in swampy Florida. Arnett's writing style is described as visceral and bleak, with a focus on detailed descriptions of the characters and their surroundings.

'Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life' by Alice Wong is a memoir that delves into the life of the author as a disabled activist Asian American woman of color. The book covers a wide range of topics including education, work, access, survival, and activism. Wong's writing style is described as brutally honest, unapologetic, and incredibly funny, offering a mix of essays, articles, interviews, and social media posts that provide a comprehensive picture of her life and experiences. Through her memoir, Wong aims to shed light on the challenges faced by disabled individuals, especially those from marginalized communities, and to encourage readers to see the world from a new perspective.