Books Like...

Lanny by Max Porter is a mystical and innovative novel that follows the story of a young protagonist named Lanny who goes missing in a small English village. The narrative delves into the relationships between Lanny, his parents, an older artist named Pete, and the village community. The book combines elements of magical realism, mythology, and fantasy to create a unique and poetic tale that explores themes of violence, grief, and human emotion.

'A Grief Observed' by C.S. Lewis is a poignant and honest exploration of the author's personal journey through grief following the death of his beloved wife. Through a series of raw and heartfelt reflections, Lewis delves into the depths of his emotions, doubts, and struggles with faith in the face of loss. The book offers a candid portrayal of how grief can challenge even the strongest beliefs and how one can navigate through the overwhelming pain of loss.

The writing style of 'A Grief Observed' is described as intimate, emotional, and deeply personal. It provides readers with a glimpse into Lewis' innermost thoughts and feelings as he grapples with the profound impact of his wife's passing. The book is noted for its unflinching honesty, poignant observations, and the way it captures the complexities of grief with both clarity and vulnerability.

The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion is a deeply personal memoir chronicling the author's experience with grief and mourning after the sudden death of her husband and the critical illness of her daughter. Didion's writing style is described as raw, honest, and poignant, capturing the profoundness of a lengthy marriage and the crippling grief of its unexpected end. The book delves into the stages of grief, offering insights and detailed analysis of the author's reactions, thoughts, and feelings as she navigates through loss and tries to come to terms with this life-altering event.

At times, the book reads like a shipwreck, mirroring Didion's state of mind during this period when she grapples with the possibility of her husband's return. The writing is elegant yet down to earth, with a sharply honed talent for language and a strict honesty that makes this memoir a treasure. Didion's ability to convey emotions surrounding loss and love is highlighted, as she weaves together memories, personal reflections, and literary allusions to create a contemplative collection of prose that delves into the depths of human experience.

H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald is a memoir that intertwines the author's journey through grief after the loss of her father with her experience of training a goshawk named Mabel. The book also delves into the life of author T.H. White and his struggles with training a goshawk, providing a parallel narrative to Macdonald's own story. Through eloquent prose and vivid descriptions, Macdonald navigates the complexities of falconry, personal loss, and self-discovery, creating a compelling narrative that blends elements of memoir, biography, and nature writing.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's 'Notes on Grief' is a poignant reflection on the author's personal experience of losing her father during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through raw and honest storytelling, Adichie shares her journey through grief, memories of her father, and the challenges of mourning in a time of restrictions and uncertainties. The book beautifully captures the complexities of grief, the cultural aspects of mourning in Nigeria, and the emotional turmoil of losing a loved one unexpectedly.

'It's OK That You're Not OK: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn't Understand' by Megan Devine is a heartfelt exploration of grief and loss through the lens of the author's personal experience and professional expertise. Devine, a therapist who tragically lost her partner, eloquently articulates the complex emotions of grief in a relatable and accessible manner. offers a blend of personal stories, practical advice, and writing prompts, making it a valuable resource for those navigating the turbulent waters of grief.

Readers commend the book for its realistic and practical approach to grief, providing insights on the individual nature of grieving and emphasizing the importance of self-care and understanding. Devine's writing style is described as human, graceful, and devoid of the typical cliches often found in self-help books, offering a comforting and validating space for readers to explore their own grief journeys.

'How to Survive the Loss of a Love' by Melba Colgrove is a manual on how to navigate the grieving process after experiencing a loss, whether it be through death, separation, divorce, or any kind of grief. The book is structured in a way that combines short instructions on one side of the page with poetry on the other, providing comfort and understanding to the reader during their time of mourning. The writing style is described as simple, easy to read, and relatable, making the reader feel like the author truly understands their emotions and struggles.

'Blue Nights' by Joan Didion is a beautifully written, sad, and poignant memoir that delves into the grieving period of the author after the death of her daughter, Quintana, closely followed by the loss of her husband. The book explores Didion's thoughts on aging, loneliness, vulnerability, and the struggles of growing old without immediate family. The writing style is described as melodic, reflective, and emotionally powerful, capturing the depth of a mother's love, the pain of loss, and the inevitability of aging with exquisite quality.

The Dark Interval: Letters on Loss, Grief, and Transformation by Rainer Maria Rilke is a collection of 23 letters written in the early 20th century to console friends and acquaintances experiencing loss, including the loss of loved ones and pets. Rilke's writing style is described as formal and timeless, offering thought-provoking ruminations on death, grief, and the transformative power of pain. The letters advocate for embracing the dark interval between birth and death as a means of contributing to a more intensely lived life.

'Where Reasons End' by Yiyun Li is a novel that delves into the emotional journey of a mother as she converses with her deceased teenage son who committed suicide. The book is constructed as a series of conversations that take place in the narrator's mind, exploring themes of grief, loss, and the complexities of the mother-son relationship. The writing style is described as poetic, brave, and ethereal, focusing on the profound connection between the characters rather than a traditional plot-driven narrative.

Yiyun Li's novel navigates the pain of a mother coping with the suicide of her son through poignant dialogues that touch on themes of memory, love, and the limitations of words in the face of tragedy. The book offers a unique exploration of grief, with the conversations between the mother and son serving as a reflection of the author's own experiences and emotions surrounding the loss of her child. The novel's experimental style and focus on the emotional journey of the characters create a deeply impactful and thought-provoking reading experience.