Books Like...

'Side Life' by Steve Toutonghi delves into the speculative theories of parallel universes and time travel, exploring the consequences of decisions made by individuals across different realities. The protagonist, Vin, a tech-savvy entrepreneur, finds himself entangled in the work and life of a missing scientist named Nerdean. Through the use of a machine, Vin explores alternate realities, each more subtle in differences and mostly concerning Vin and his immediate relationships. The writing style is described as imaginative, fast-paced, and occasionally confusing, leading readers on a journey through infinite possible realities and challenging them to contemplate the existence of reality and the various paths life could have taken.

The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella Fortuna is a gripping family saga that spans over a century, following the life of Stella Fortuna from her birth in Italy to her immigration to America. The book delves into Stella's multiple near-death experiences, her struggles for independence, and the complex dynamics within her family, especially the strained relationship between Stella and her sister Tina. The narrative seamlessly weaves between past and present, exploring themes of family, immigration, tradition, and resilience in a beautifully tragic and richly detailed story.

The 22 Murders of Madison May by Max Barry is a fast-paced thriller that delves into the concept of multiple worlds. The story follows the protagonist, Madison May, who keeps getting killed in different dimensions until a reporter named Felicity Staples sets out to break the cycle. The book combines elements of crime thriller and multiverse sci-fi, keeping the reader engaged with its clever premise and well-written narrative. Despite the lack of character depth in the supporting cast, the story flows nicely and is easy to follow, offering a unique twist that adds to the overall enjoyment.

'The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells' by Andrew Sean Greer follows the story of Greta Wells, who undergoes shock treatment for depression and finds herself shifting between three different versions of her life in different times - 1918, 1941, and 1985. The plot involves Greta navigating her relationships with her family members, partners, and friends across these different time periods, experiencing significant historical events and personal challenges in each world. The writing style of the book is described as subtle, moving, and detailed, providing a unique take on time travel with a focus on character relationships and social history.

'4 3 2 1' by Paul Auster is a behemoth of a novel, spanning four different possible life trajectories of Archie Ferguson, a young man facing various challenges and decisions throughout his life. The book delves into the concept of multiple versions of the same life, exploring how different circumstances can lead to diverging paths. Auster's writing style, with long sentences and intricate storytelling, captivates readers as they navigate through the complex lives of the protagonist.

The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver is a poignant story that delves into themes of love, grief, and personal growth. The book follows Lydia Bird as she navigates the devastating loss of her fiancé, Freddie, in a car accident. Struggling with her grief, Lydia discovers that by taking sleeping pills, she can enter an alternate reality where Freddie is still alive. As Lydia grapples with her desire to stay in this dream world and her responsibilities in the real one, she embarks on a journey of healing and self-discovery. The writing style captures Lydia's emotional turmoil and the complexities of her relationships, offering a heartfelt exploration of loss and resilience.

Meet Me in Another Life by Catriona Silvey is a thought-provoking and unique novel that follows the lives of two characters, Santi and Thora, who meet in various lifetimes with different relationships. The book explores themes of love, relationships, and the concept of meeting the same person in different forms. The story unfolds through multiple lives, each chapter revealing a new life and a different dynamic between Santi and Thora, leading to surprising twists and turns towards the end that leave readers questioning the nature of their connection.

The writing style in Meet Me in Another Life is described as having a blend of great storytelling and captivating prose. Readers appreciate the depth of the plot, the character development, and the unexpected twists that keep them engaged throughout the book. The author's ability to weave together complex relationships and thought-provoking scenarios adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative, making it a compelling and immersive read.

'The Man Who Folded Himself' by David Gerrold is a science fiction novel that delves into the complexities of time travel. The story follows a man named Dan who inherits a time-traveling belt, allowing him to visit various iterations of himself across different timelines and alternate universes. As Dan explores the possibilities of time travel, he becomes entangled in a narcissistic relationship with his own selves, leading to existential and philosophical reflections on identity and free will. The narrative is characterized by intricate time loops, paradoxes, and introspective explorations of sexuality, all wrapped in a mind-bending and unconventional storytelling style.

The writing style of 'The Man Who Folded Himself' has been described as thought-provoking and academically oriented, focusing on the complexities of time manipulation and the psychological ramifications of encountering one's alternate selves. The novel presents a unique take on time travel, blending philosophical discussions with explorations of gender identity and introspective character development, ultimately challenging traditional notions of narrative structure and character dynamics within the science fiction genre.

'A Thousand Pieces of You' by Claudia Gray is a science fiction novel that follows the story of Marguerite, the artist daughter of two scientists, who embarks on a journey through parallel dimensions using a device called the Firebird. Seeking revenge for her father's murder, Marguerite travels through different worlds, encountering twists, romance, and unexpected challenges along the way. The book combines elements of romance, adventure, and science fiction, with a focus on multi-dimensional travel and the complexities of relationships across various realities.

The writing style of 'A Thousand Pieces of You' is a blend of science fiction, romance, and historical fiction, featuring well-developed characters, intricate world-building, and a fast-paced plot filled with twists and turns. The book explores themes of love, trust, betrayal, and the consequences of choices made in different dimensions, offering readers a unique and engaging reading experience.

A devout and resourceful young clerk, Jacob de Zoet, arrives in Dejima, an artificial island in Nagasaki Harbor, in 1799, hoping to earn a fortune to win the hand of his wealthy fiancee in Holland. However, his original intentions are eclipsed when he encounters Orito Aibagawa, a disfigured daughter of a samurai doctor and midwife to the city's powerful magistrate. The novel explores themes of morality, corruption, love triangles, mysterious cults, murder, and the clash of cultures in a historical setting.

David Mitchell departs from his previous work by presenting a straight, chronological novel with a wealth of characters, including a moral Dutchman striving to make his fortune in a corrupt world, a Japanese midwife admired by multiple suitors, and a mysterious Japanese monastic cult. The story unfolds in an intricate web of deceit, honor, tragedy, and cultural conflicts, set against the backdrop of the closed-off Japan of the late 1700s and early 1800s.