Books Like...
'Bone Gap' by Laura Ruby is a young adult novel that weaves together elements of mystery, magical realism, and romance. The story follows Finn, an outsider in a small town, who witnesses the kidnapping of his friend Roza but struggles to describe the assailant due to his difficulty with facial recognition. As Finn tries to unravel the mystery of Roza's disappearance, the narrative shifts between different characters' perspectives, revealing the impact on the community and exploring themes of love, loss, and self-acceptance. With lyrical prose and a touch of fantasy, 'Bone Gap' takes readers on a journey through a world where reality and magic intertwine, leaving them questioning beauty, identity, and the blurred lines between the seen and unseen.
Laura Ruby's writing style in 'Bone Gap' has been praised for its beautiful prose, engaging storytelling, and use of magical realism. The novel is described as a coming-of-age tale, a surreal fairy tale, and a blend of mystery and romance, offering readers a unique and captivating reading experience. Through the vivid characterization of Finn, Roza, and other inhabitants of Bone Gap, Ruby crafts a narrative that explores the complexities of relationships, the power of perception, and the mysteries that lie within the gaps of memory and reality.
If you liked Bone Gap, here are the top 76 books to read next:
- #1
In "All the Crooked Saints" by Maggie Stiefvater, the story unfolds in Bicho Raro, Colorado, where the Soria family possesses the ability to perform miracles. Pilgrims seek their services to rid themselves of their darkness, but the process is not easy. The younger generation of the Soria family starts breaking the taboo of helping the pilgrims heal themselves, leading to old fears and truths coming to light. The narrative combines supernatural elements with relatable characters, nestled in a story exploring forgiveness, faith, and tackling one's dark past. The lyrical writing style and vivid descriptions bring the Colorado desert setting to life, making the story a journey of self-discovery and healing.
The book delves into themes of forgiveness, redemption, and facing fears, portraying a family with unique abilities and a group of pilgrims seeking miracles to heal their inner darkness. The story interweaves the past and present, sacrifice, and love, to build a better future for the characters. Stiefvater's writing style is described as clever, with a touch of magical realism, and the characters' development is well-done, offering a mix of unique personalities and relatable struggles.
It was dark, true-dark in the way it gets in the desert, and the three Soria cousins had gathered in the back of a box truck. Above them, the bigger stars had been pushing the smaller stars out of the... "The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender" by Leslye Walton is a hauntingly beautiful tale that spans generations of the Roux family, focusing on the life of Ava Lavender, a girl born with wings. The novel weaves together themes of love, loss, and magical realism as it delves into the unique struggles and experiences of the Roux women. The writing style is lyrical and poetic, drawing readers into a world filled with sorrow, beauty, and touches of the fantastical.
Ava's story unfolds against a backdrop of tragedy and heartbreak, showcasing the strength and resilience of the characters in the face of adversity. The narrative explores themes of identity, family bonds, and the complexities of human emotions, offering a poignant and immersive reading experience that blends elements of magical realism with a lyrical prose that captivates the reader.
Born on March first in 1904, my grand-mère was the first of four children, all born on the first day of the third month, with René following Emilienne in 1905, Margaux in 1906, and ending with Pierett...- #3
Of Bees and Mist by Erick Setiawan is a magical realism novel that follows the life of the protagonist, Meridia, as she navigates through challenging family dynamics, dark secrets, and mystical elements. The plot is a blend of fantasy and realism, with themes of love, family, self-discovery, and standing up for oneself. The narrative style is described as mesmerizing, merging Indonesian and American experiences, and captivating readers with its unique storytelling approach.
'Abandon' by Meg Cabot follows the story of Pierce Oliviera, who died and came back to life, now trying to move on while being haunted by reminders of the Underworld and its mysterious overseer, John Hayden. Set in Isla Huesos, the story intertwines elements of Greek mythology, particularly the Persephone myth, with a modern twist. The narrative is filled with flashbacks revealing Pierce's past and her evolving relationship with John, blending the mundane aspects of teenage life with magical and captivating elements.
You don’t have to worry about that girl, though. She’s just a character from a book. Her name was Persephone, and her being kidnapped by Hades, the god of the dead, and taken to live with him in the U...- #5
The River King by Alice Hoffman is a haunting and magical tale set in a small New England town. The story revolves around Haddan School, where mysterious events unfold, including fish appearing out of nowhere, bees swarming in October, and a dead boy's image showing up in photographs. The narrative follows the intertwining lives of the students and townsfolk, exploring themes of loneliness, bullying, hazing, guilt, love, and redemption. The author's poetic prose style, brilliant characters, and compassionate portrayal of flawed individuals make this a gripping read that delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships.
The plot of The River King delves into the tragic consequences of hazing at a private school, shedding light on the conflicts between the town and the elite school. Through imaginative use of symbols like roses, swans, and water, the story weaves a tale of mystery and magic with overtones of love and redemption. The book intricately explores the interconnectedness of nature and human emotions, portraying a microcosm of human experience within a New England setting filled with rich descriptions and vivid characters.
The Haddan school was built in 1858 on the sloping banks of the Haddan River, a muddy and precarious location that had proven disastrous from the start. That very first year, when the whole town smell... - #6
Readers describe 'Jellicoe Road' by Melina Marchetta as a beautiful and emotional story that delves into the lives of its characters, particularly focusing on the friendship and growth of the protagonists, Jonah Griggs and Taylor. The book is praised for its bittersweet ending that leaves readers deeply moved and emotionally invested in the storyline. Marchetta's writing style is noted for its ability to evoke strong emotions, with readers mentioning sobbing, weeping, and feeling gutted while reading the book. The plot is described as an emotional rollercoaster that deals with heavy themes such as loss, grief, and teenage struggles, making it a memorable and impactful read.
I’m dreaming of the boy in the tree and at the exact moment I’m about to hear the answer that I’ve been waiting for, the flashlights yank me out of what could have been one of those perfect moments of... - #7
The Ladies of the Secret Circus by Constance Sayers is a dark fantasy historical fiction mystery that follows Lara Barnes as she delves into her family's past after her fiancé disappears on their wedding day, joining the ranks of other men who have mysteriously vanished before. Lara uncovers secrets tied to a circus painting and journals dating back to 1925, leading her to a world of mysteries, magic, and a Secret Circus. The plot intertwines past and present, revealing a captivating tale of love, self-discovery, sacrifice, and forgiveness, all set against the backdrop of a mystical circus that holds dark secrets and hidden connections to Lara's family history.
The writing style of Constance Sayers in The Ladies of the Secret Circus is described as magical, whimsical, and captivating, with beautifully described settings that transport the readers to the enchanting world of Kerrigan Falls and the luscious velvet upholstery of the circus. The narrative weaves together multiple timelines and characters, creating a story that keeps readers guessing and theorizing, with moments of brilliance that evoke intrigue and mystery, making it a compelling and immersive read for fans of dark fantasy and historical fiction.
It was the color of old bones. The intricate platinum beading dripped down the dress’s fitted bodice in a scrolled pattern. Mid-thigh, the long chiffon skirt emerged, sweeping the floor with a dramati... - #8
Gustav Meyrink's 'The Golem' is a haunting Gothic tale set in Prague's Medieval Jewish Ghetto, revolving around the protagonist Athanasius Pernath, an amnesiac gem cutter, and his quest for identity. The story is filled with mysterious characters, including a red-headed prostitute, a junk dealer, and a deaf-mute silhouette artist, all connected to the enigmatic figure of the Golem, a creature of rabbinical myth that comes to life every 33 years. The novel blurs the boundaries between dreams and reality, madness and sanity, while exploring themes of stolen identity, persecution, and self-discovery in a strange underworld peopled by fantastical beings.
The initial was not stuck onto the page, as I had previously seen in old books; rather, it seemed to consist of two thin pieces of gold leaf welded together in the middle and with their ends wrapped r... - #9
The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu is a historical fiction novel that delves into the untold story of Maria Anna Nannerl Mozart, the overlooked older sister of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The book seamlessly blends historical fiction with fantasy elements, following Nannerl's journey as she navigates her desire to be remembered for her musical talents in a world that favors her younger brother. Through encounters with magical beings and a fantastical realm known as The Kingdom of Back, Nannerl grapples with societal expectations, her aspirations, and the complexities of her relationship with her brother, all portrayed in a captivating and relatable writing style that immerses readers into the Mozart siblings' world.
Sometimes, a day comes along that seems possessed by a certain shade of magic. You know those moments. There is a peculiar pattern to the silhouettes of leaves quivering against the sunbeam on the flo... - #10
'The Peach Keeper' by Sarah Addison Allen is a tale set in the small town of Walls of Water, North Carolina, where old secrets and ghosts come to light as a wealthy heiress restores an aging mansion. The story follows the unlikely allies, Willa Jackson and Paxton Osgood, who uncover family truths, friendship dynamics, and the nature of love. With a touch of magical realism, Allen weaves a narrative that keeps readers engaged and invested in the characters' journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
The book explores themes of friendship, family secrets, and the impact of the past on present-day relationships. Through Willa and Paxton's evolving bond, the story delves into the complexities of small-town life, lineage, and the power of uncovering hidden truths to forge new connections and understanding among the characters.
The day Paxton Osgood took the box of heavy-stock, foil-lined envelopes to the post office, the ones she’d had a professional calligrapher address, it began to rain so hard the air turned as white as ...