Books Like...
'Angry Candy' by Harlan Ellison is a collection of 18 short stories centered around the theme of death and dying. The stories range from deeply moving to hilarious to disturbing, showcasing Ellison's wide variety of storytelling abilities and vivid imagination. The book is described as a triumph of beauty over loss, guiding readers through dreamscapes remarkable for their brilliance and vitality.
If you liked Angry Candy, here are the top 7 books to read next:
'The City on the Edge of Forever: The Original Teleplay' by Harlan Ellison delves into the behind-the-scenes drama and controversy surrounding the creation of the popular Star Trek episode. Ellison's original script is highlighted, showcasing his unique writing style and storytelling abilities. also includes commentary from various individuals involved in the making of Star Trek, shedding light on the intricate process of script development and production.
Oh, really? Then let’s forget about writing a true introductory essay to this book. Let’s give a pass to setting the record straight. Let’s just shrug and say, ah, what the hell, it’s been more than t...- #2
'Shatterday' by Harlan Ellison is a collection of surreal and ethereal short stories that leave readers feeling intrigued and disturbed. The stories range from bitter-sweet and comical to dark and gripping, with a pacing that keeps readers turning the pages. Ellison's writing style is described as brilliantly disturbing, deeply satirical, and blackly humorous, creating mind-wrecking speculative fiction that showcases his talent as a writer.
The purpose of these introductory notes to each story is to reaffirm that fact, over and over again. It cannot be said too often. A writer cannibalizes his own life, that’s true: all we have to relate... - #3
'Strange Wine' by Harlan Ellison is a collection of fifteen short stories that delve into the realms of science fiction and fantasy. The book showcases Ellison's unique writing style and storytelling abilities, with tales ranging from didactic to entertaining to outstanding. Each story is accompanied by fascinating insights from Ellison himself, providing readers with a deeper understanding of his writing process and the 20th-century publishing industry. From thought-provoking narratives like 'The New York Review of Bird' to hard SF tributes like 'Seeing,' the stories in 'Strange Wine' offer readers a diverse and captivating literary experience.
At 9:38 A.M. on July 15th, 1974, about eight minutes into Suncoast Digest, a variety show on WXLT-TV in Sarasota, Florida, anchorwoman Chris Chubbuck, 30, looked straight at the camera and said, “In k... - #4
Deathbird Stories by Harlan Ellison is a collection of short stories centering around the theme of gods, both literal and metaphorical, ancient and modern. The stories vary in tone and subject matter, from surrealistic fantasy worlds to haunting and poetic narratives. Ellison's writing style is described as experimental, vividly realistic, and viscerally descriptive, blending elements of science fiction, horror, and urban fantasy.
On the night after the day she had stained the louvered window shutters of her new apartment on East 52nd Street, Beth saw a woman slowly and hideously knifed to death in the courtyard of her building... - #5
'It's a Good Life' by Jerome Bixby is a collection of short stories that includes a horrifying tale about a young boy named Anthony who possesses god-like powers, such as telepathy and the ability to transform matter at will. The story explores the consequences of Anthony's actions on the town's inhabitants, who must constantly think positive thoughts to avoid his wrath. The plot delves into the dark and eerie implications of a child with immense power and no understanding of the consequences of his actions. The writing style of the book creates a sense of fear and tension, as readers can feel the characters' terror and the creepy atmosphere portrayed through the narrative.
'It's a Good Life' by Jerome Bixby is a gripping and terrifying collection of short stories that includes a tale about a young boy named Anthony who wields god-like powers. The author's writing style effectively conveys the fear and suspense experienced by the characters in the story, drawing readers into a world where a child's innocent actions have chilling and catastrophic consequences. The plot of the book explores themes of power, control, and the dark side of human nature, leaving readers with a sense of unease and foreboding long after finishing the stories.
Of all the stories included in our The Weird compendium, the classic “It’s a Good Life” by Jerome Bixby may be the scariest, an accomplishment all the more impressive because the story has so thorough... - #6
'A Boy and His Dog' by Harlan Ellison is a post-apocalyptic novella that follows the story of a young scavenger, his telepathic dog, and a girl. delves into the concept of morality in an immoral world, posing questions without necessarily providing answers. The writing style is described as evoking a range of emotions, from shock and repulsion to humor, creating a dark and gritty atmosphere that explores the darker aspects of human nature.
I was out with Blood, my dog. It was his week for annoying me; he kept calling me Albert. He thought that was pretty damned funny. Payson Terhune: ha ha. I'd caught a couple of water rats for him, the... - #7
In "I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream" by Harlan Ellison, readers are taken on a journey through a series of short stories, mostly horror, that showcase the author's creativity and excellent storytelling abilities. The titular story, a terrifying science fiction tale, imagines a future where humanity is on the brink of extinction, tormented by a sadistic supercomputer named AM. The collection delves into themes of human suffering, the nature of hell, and loneliness, presenting a dark and thought-provoking exploration of existential horror.
Ellison's writing style is described as brutal, jarring, fast-moving, and chaotic, with a unique insight into humanity and the future. The book features a mix of haunting and thought-provoking stories, such as "Pretty Maggie Moneyeyes" and "Lonelyache," that captivate readers with their imaginative and provocative narratives. Despite some stories feeling dated or uneven, the title story stands out as a masterpiece of torment that leaves a lasting impact on readers, making it a classic in the realm of science fiction and horror.
Limp, the body of Gorrister hung from the pink palette; unsupported—hanging high above us in the computer chamber; and it did not shiver in the chill, oily breeze that blew eternally through the main ...