Books Like...

Set during the summer heatwave of 1976, the book follows Nif and her family as they seek solace in a small Welsh village after the death of Nif's younger sister. The narrative weaves secrets of various characters to create tension and mystery, leading to a creepy and satisfying conclusion. The story explores themes of grief, mental breakdown, coming of age, witchcraft, and the feeling of being an outsider in a small community.

Veniss Underground by Jeff VanderMeer is a captivating and surreal tale set in a futuristic world where cities have become high tech city states. The story follows Nicholas and Nicola, siblings born in the same vat but now leading different lives. As Nicholas goes missing after a failed art deal with the enigmatic Quinn, Nicola sets out to find him with the help of Shadrach, a friend to both siblings. The narrative unfolds through different perspectives, showcasing unique writing styles from first person to second to third limited, immersing readers in a world filled with grotesque creations, underground mysteries, and a quest for love and redemption.

The book is praised for its intricate plot, memorable characters, and experimental writing techniques. From the vivid descriptions of the futuristic city of Veniss to the deeply surreal underground levels, the author paints a captivating and immersive world that blends elements of horror, wonder, and dystopia. Readers are drawn into a journey filled with evocative imagery, haunting themes, and a narrative that seamlessly transitions between different viewpoints, keeping them engaged from start to finish.

'Sweetpea' by C.J. Skuse is a dark and twisted novel following the diary entries of Rhiannon, a sarcastic and humorous serial killer. The story delves into Rhiannon's mind, where she candidly shares her thoughts on killing, violence, sex, and her daily interactions. Despite the gruesome content, the book is described as highly entertaining and filled with dark English humor.

The plot of 'Sweetpea' revolves around Rhiannon's unconventional life as she navigates between her mundane day job and her secret life as a vigilante killer. The narrative style, presented in diary format, offers a unique insight into Rhiannon's character, showcasing her dark humor and unfiltered perspective on the world around her.

"Lives of the Monster Dogs" by Kirsten Bakis is a unique tale set in a near-future New York City where bioengineered dogs, possessing human intelligence and prosthetic hands, arrive from the 19th century acting like Victorian-era aristocrats. The story explores themes of friendship, love, identity, and sanity through the perspective of Cleo, a human friend to these genetically altered dogs. The narrative delves into philosophical reflections on what it means to be different yet entirely human, while also touching on elements of magical realism and the eerie relationship between humans and these intelligent dogs.

Barbara Kingsolver's novel, "Unsheltered," delves into the lives of two families, separated by two centuries, residing in the same neighborhood during times of turmoil. The story unfolds through alternating chapters, focusing on the challenges faced by Willa and Thatcher as they navigate a world undergoing significant cultural shifts. The narrative explores themes of crisis, change, and the resilience of the human spirit amidst uncertain futures. Kingsolver weaves together the stories of Victorian-era characters and present-day protagonists, shedding light on societal issues and the enduring struggles faced by families striving to find stability.

The novel intricately intertwines the lives of the Knox family in modern times, dealing with financial insecurity, aging, and the quest to salvage a deteriorating home, with the historical account of inhabitants from the 1870s grappling with similar dilemmas. Through vivid storytelling and engaging character dynamics, Kingsolver provides a thought-provoking narrative that touches on themes of nature, science, politics, and the evolving socio-political landscape, drawing parallels between past and present challenges faced by individuals striving to adapt to changing circumstances.

'How to Disappear Completely and Never Be Found' by Sara Nickerson is a YA mystery novel focused on a young girl named Margaret trying to solve the mystery of her father's death. The story involves a mysterious old house, comic pages intertwined with the narrative, and a creepy yet satisfying conclusion. The plot kicks off when Margaret discovers a shocking envelope that leads her on a quest to uncover the truth, with the help of a young boy named Boyd. is described as absorbing, fast-paced, and with a balance of suspense, mystery, and humor that keeps readers engaged.

The Violent Bear It Away by Flannery O'Connor is a dark Southern Gothic novel that delves into the themes of religious fanaticism, mental health, and the struggle between faith and reason. The story follows 14-year-old Francis Tarwater, who is kidnapped as a baby by his fanatically evangelist uncle and raised to fulfill a prophetic destiny. As Tarwater navigates his indoctrination and grapples with his anti-Christian beliefs, he faces inner turmoil and severe mental health complications. The novel explores the deep-rooted conflict between extreme religion and humanism through its grotesque characters and relentless narrative.

O'Connor's writing style in The Violent Bear It Away is characterized by powerful prose, vivid imagery, and complex character motivations. The author skillfully weaves together themes of suffering, tragedy, and perseverance, creating a narrative that challenges both secularism and fundamentalism. The book presents a stark and dark portrayal of humanity, filled with insecurities, contradictions, and a lack of redemption, ultimately leaving readers questioning the nature of good and evil, faith and reason.

The Basketball Diaries by Jim Carroll is a raw and intense autobiographical account of Jim's teenage years in 1970s New York City, where he navigates the challenges of drug addiction, basketball dreams, and self-destruction. Through vivid and poetic writing, Carroll delves into the dark and gritty realities of his life, showcasing a journey filled with highs and lows, humor, and tragedy. The book captures the essence of growing up amidst addiction and the struggle to find oneself in the midst of chaos, making it a compelling and impactful read for readers of all ages.

The Chronology of Water by Lidia Yuknavitch is a memoir that delves into the author's tumultuous life journey, from being a competitive swimmer to battling with abuse, addiction, and self-destruction, ultimately finding solace in writing. Yuknavitch's writing style is described as raw, poetic, and engaging, drawing readers into her chaotic and transformative experiences with vivid detail and unapologetic honesty. The book explores themes of grief, rage, abuse, freedom, self-destruction, and survival, offering a compelling narrative that weaves together elements of trauma, resilience, and the power of storytelling.

'The Member of the Wedding' by Carson McCullers is a Southern coming-of-age story set in a small town in Georgia during World War II. The novel follows twelve-year-old Frankie Adams, who yearns for adventure and a sense of belonging. Frankie becomes obsessed with her older brother's upcoming wedding and fantasizes about escaping her mundane life by joining the newlyweds on their honeymoon. The story revolves around Frankie's interactions with her family's maid, Berenice, and her young cousin, John Henry, as she navigates the complexities of adolescence and the desire for connection and escape.

McCullers' writing style is described as dreamy, hazy, and meandering, capturing the emotions and thoughts of a young girl on the brink of adulthood. The novel delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the yearning for a different reality, all portrayed through the innocent and imaginative perspective of Frankie as she grapples with the challenges of growing up in the Southern town.