Books Like...

In "The Knowing," readers are transported to a separate community from the one in "The Forgetting." Samara, a member of this group, discovers that their belief in creating a utopia is challenged when they encounter Earth people, leading to a complex exploration of truth and motives. The plot, set long after the first book, introduces new characters like Samara and Beckett, whose experiences on a new planet and revelations about the past intertwine with themes of love, discovery, and survival.

In the city of Canaan, society experiences the Forgetting every 12 years, where everyone loses their memories unless they have been documented in a book. The protagonist, Nadia, stands out as she retains her memories, leading her to question the truth behind the Forgetting and the origins of their society. Along with her friend Gray, they uncover sinister secrets that challenge everything they have been told. The book explores themes of manipulation, truth, and the importance of memory, with a mix of dystopian and sci-fi elements that keep readers engaged. The narrative is described as unique, engaging, and filled with surprising twists that culminate in a satisfying ending.

'Wilder Girls' by Rory Power is set in the Raxter School for Girls, placed under quarantine due to a mysterious disease called the Tox. The Tox affects the girls in various ways, from physical mutations to death, leaving them largely isolated. The protagonist, Hetty, embarks on a journey across the island to uncover a dark secret while navigating friendships, survival, and the horrors of the Tox. The writing style is described as engaging, with a forward-focused plot that keeps readers on edge, while the author successfully balances scene-setting with a dramatic finish that leaves readers hoping for a sequel.

Only Ever Yours by Louise O'Neill is a dystopian novel set in a post-apocalyptic world where girls are genetically engineered to become companions, concubines, or chastities for men. The story follows the protagonist, Frieda, as she navigates a society where women are objectified, judged based on their appearance, and trained from birth to please men. The book delves into themes of beauty standards, misogyny, and the dark consequences of societal expectations on women. The writing style is described as dark, thought-provoking, and reflective of our own society's attitudes towards women.

In a world where everyone's thoughts are audible, Todd, the last boy in Prentisstown, is on the cusp of manhood when he discovers a patch of silence, leading him to flee his town. Along with a girl named Viola, Todd embarks on a journey to find Haven, a settlement rumored to have no Noise, all while being pursued by the men from Prentisstown. The book explores themes of identity, friendship, and survival in a post-apocalyptic setting, with a unique writing style that immerses readers in the protagonist's thoughts and emotions.

'Gather the Daughters' by Jennie Melamed is set on an isolated island where a strict society follows laws passed down by their ancestors. The story follows a group of young girls on the brink of womanhood who start questioning the rules and traditions that govern their lives, leading to rebellion and despair. The narrative unfolds with a quiet eeriness, exploring themes of gender roles, family dynamics, and the consequences of rebelling against an oppressive system. The writing style is described as articulate, gentle yet disturbing, and it delves into dark subject matters such as incestuous relationships and the control of women's bodies.

The Rain trilogy by Joseph Turkot follows the story of a female protagonist who embarks on an epic journey in a world where it rains 24/7 nonstop every day. The series explores a post-apocalyptic setting where the main characters face the challenges of relentless rain, survival, and self-discovery. The writing style is described as descriptive and immersive, allowing readers to feel and visualize the cold and damp environment vividly.

In 'The Power' by Naomi Alderman, women around the world suddenly develop the ability to generate electricity, leading to a dramatic shift in power dynamics. The story is told through the perspectives of various characters, including a daughter of a London crime family, a young woman claiming the title of Eve, a male reporter, and an American politician and her daughter. The novel explores themes of gender roles, power, religion, politics, and societal upheaval, offering a thought-provoking narrative that challenges assumptions about gender and power structures.

The book delves into a speculative world where women wield electrical power, leading to a reevaluation of societal norms and power structures. Through a mix of characters and perspectives, 'The Power' examines the impact of this newfound power on individuals and society as a whole, raising questions about the potential consequences of such a shift in power dynamics.

In a dystopian America, women are silenced by a government controlled by fundamentalists. They are limited to speaking only 100 words a day, enforced by electric shocks if they exceed the limit. The story follows Jean, a former linguist, who is coerced into helping the oppressive government in exchange for regaining her voice. Through a realistic and cautionary tale, the book explores themes of complicity, resistance, and the consequences of staying silent in the face of oppression.

When She Woke by Hillary Jordan is a dystopian novel set in a not so distant future America where the evangelical right has taken over the government. The story follows Hannah Payne, a woman convicted of murder after having an abortion, resulting in her skin being dyed red as punishment. The narrative explores themes of religious fundamentalism, women's rights, the intertwining of church and state, and the societal implications of government control over personal choices. Jordan's writing style captivates readers with a chilling and thought-provoking storyline that delves into the complexities of faith, ethics, and personal freedom in a repressive society.