Books Like...

Appleseed by Matt Bell is a unique novel that blends elements of literary fiction, climate change, mythology, and technology to explore the fate of humanity and life on Earth. The book weaves together three separate storylines that converge to tell a grand story about humanity's impact on the natural world and the potential for redemption. The writing style is described as smooth, engaging, and thought-provoking, with chapters structured to keep readers intrigued and invested in the narrative.

'Apeirogon' by Colum McCann is a novel that intricately weaves together the true stories of Rami Elhanan, an Israeli, and Bassam Aramin, a Palestinian, both fathers who tragically lost their daughters in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The book delves into the complexities of their lives, the grief they endure, and their journey towards reconciliation and peace. The writing style of the book is described as transcendent, breaking the linear progression of the story by exploring time backwards, forwards, and across geographies, creating a narrative that is both factual and metaphorical.

Radio Life by Derek B. Miller is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi novel set in a future world where humanity has destroyed itself and survivors are fighting to recover information from the past. The story revolves around the Commonwealth, a group of people inhabiting a sports stadium on the East Coast, who believe that knowledge is power. They are pitted against the Keepers, another group that suppresses history and believes accessing ancient knowledge could lead to catastrophic destruction. The plot involves conflicts between these factions, the discovery of the Internet in captivity, and the struggle to navigate a world built on the remnants of a lost civilization.

The writing style of Derek B. Miller in Radio Life is praised for its intelligence, beauty, and ability to create fully fleshed-out characters. The novel touches on themes of loss, survival, love, friendship, betrayal, power, knowledge, and intellect. It is described as a departure from Miller's earlier works, with some readers finding it a brilliant and thought-provoking read that hooks them from the start. The world-building is intricate, with a mix of drama, adventure, and wit, making it a compelling and engaging story.

This book, 'This Blinding Absence of Light' by Tahar ben Jelloun, is a haunting tale based on the true story of a man's 18-year imprisonment in a dark, underground prison in Morocco. The protagonist, Salim, survives in unimaginable conditions, alongside other prisoners, enduring physical and emotional hardships. The novel delves into themes of survival, faith, and inhumanity, portraying the resilience of the human spirit in the face of extreme adversity. Jelloun's writing style is described as sparse yet effective, capturing the complexities of the characters and the chilling reality of their circumstances.

La Horde du Contrevent by Alain Damasio is a science fiction fantasy masterpiece that follows a team of adventurers, known as the 34th horde, on a quest to uncover the origin of the wind. The story is narrated through multiple points of view, with each character's writing style reflecting their role in the group and their unique personality. The book showcases a diverse range of characters, each with their own distinct prose, making it an immersive and engaging read that captivates readers.

The novel is set in a world where the characters face the relentless fury of the wind as they journey to discover its source. Through intricate storytelling and character development, La Horde du Contrevent offers a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Despite the challenges of translation due to the complexity of the writing style, the book has garnered praise for its originality and depth, solidifying its status as a beloved work in French science fiction and fantasy literature.

Set in Spokane and other parts of the Northwest, 'The Cold Millions' by Jess Walter is a historical novel following the lives of two brothers, Gig and Rye, as they navigate the labor movement in the early 1900s. Gig, the older brother, is involved with the IWW while Rye, the younger one, is just trying to survive and find stability. The book weaves together real historical events and characters, such as Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, with fictional elements, showcasing the struggles for workers' rights and the societal divide between the rich and the poor.

The novel delves into themes of labor unrest, police brutality, corruption, and the fight for justice during a tumultuous time in American history. Through the perspectives of multiple characters, including the Dolan brothers and real-life figures like Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, the book explores the complexities of the labor movement and the sacrifices made by those involved.

Exodus by Julie Bertagna is a dystopian novel set in the year 2100, where global warming has caused massive flooding due to the melting of the polar ice caps. The story follows Mara, a young girl from an island community facing the threat of being engulfed by rising sea levels. Mara discovers evidence of a new world high above the ocean and convinces her people to embark on a perilous journey to find refuge in the legendary city of New Mungo. As they face numerous challenges and obstacles, including a barrier wall and a refugee camp, Mara must navigate through a world of survival, sacrifice, and ethical dilemmas to ensure the safety of her community.

Exodus unfolds as a lyrical and thought-provoking narrative, focusing on Mara's leadership, determination, and moral compass in the face of a changing world. The novel delves into themes of climate change, societal collapse, and the struggle for survival, offering a richly detailed and vividly described setting that captivates readers with its immersive world-building and complex characters.

'Skin' by Liam Brown is a dystopian novel set in a world where physical contact can be fatal due to a deadly virus. The story follows Angela and her family as they navigate life in isolation, each confined to separate rooms within their home. The narrative unfolds through two timelines, exploring the challenges they face living in a world where human skin has become the host of the contagion. As Angela volunteers for the neighborhood watch, she discovers a man outside without protective gear, leading to a series of events that unravel their isolated existence.

The author, Liam Brown, employs a first-person narrative style akin to a 'Dear Diary,' allowing readers to delve into Angela's perspective as she grapples with the extreme circumstances of the quarantine. Through thought-provoking storytelling, the novel delves into themes of remote parenting, societal adaptation, and the mental toll of isolation, offering a chilling and compelling glimpse into a world where physical touch is forbidden.

In 'The Book of Koli' by M. R. Carey, readers are introduced to a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is struggling to survive amidst genetically modified trees and plants that are lethal. The story follows Koli Woodsmith, a teenager living in the village of Mythen Rood, who embarks on a journey beyond the safety of his village walls after discovering a shocking truth. The narrative is told through Koli's unique dialect, which some readers found challenging but ultimately engaging as it immerses them in the world of transformed English. As Koli navigates this dangerous world, he uncovers mysteries, faces dangers, and embarks on a coming-of-age adventure filled with twists and revelations.