Books Like...
'A Touch of Jen' by Beth Morgan is a novel that delves into the lives of a couple, Remy and Alicia, who become consumed by their obsession with a woman named Jen. Initially exploring themes of shallow lives and selfishness, the book takes a bizarre turn that leads to a nightmarish and hallucinatory experience for the characters. As they are drawn deeper into Jen's world, the story evolves into a blend of genres, offering a wild and unpredictable narrative that challenges traditional storytelling boundaries. The author's writing style is described as sharp, realistic, and sophisticated, with a focus on psychological states and character development that keeps readers engaged throughout the book.
If you liked A Touch of Jen, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'Big Swiss' by Jen Beagin follows a therapist's transcriber named Greta as she breaks the fourth wall and engages in an affair with one of the people in therapy, Hudson. The story is filled with quirky elements like bees in the house, purple-haired geriatrics, and ultra Trump supporters. Despite some readers feeling let down by the lack of a satisfying ending, the book is praised for its humor, realness, and the way characters deal with difficult situations.
- #2
Save:'Boy Parts' by Eliza Clark is a darkly comic novel that follows the protagonist, Irina, a photographer in her late twenties who takes explicit photos of random men in Newcastle. The book delves into Irina's downward spiral as she immerses herself in photography, drugs, alcohol, and self-destruction. The narrative explores Irina's relationships, her grip on reality, and her constant spirals and blackouts, all while integrating texts, emails, and blog entries to portray how people react to her and how she interprets their words. The writing style is intense, sometimes violent, and sometimes strange, with a strong voice that brings out the intriguing and complex character of Irina.
When the bus pulls over, I wobble on my heels. I imagine going over on my ankle, the bone snapping and breaking the skin. I imagine taking a photo in A&E and sending it to Ryan; yikes, guess I can’t c... - #3
Save:'Nightbitch' by Rachel Yoder is a novel that delves into the complexities of motherhood, exploring the challenges and joys of being a stay-at-home mother in the US. The story follows the protagonist as she navigates the twin pulls of external acceptance and the magic of child-rearing, providing a unique perspective on procreation without sugar-coating the tribulations. Through a blend of weird yet addictive writing style, the book offers a psychological exploration of motherhood, incorporating themes of modern middle-class existence and the struggles faced by women in society.
The narrative of 'Nightbitch' weaves together elements of horror, humor, and introspection, creating a feminist manifesto that challenges traditional notions of motherhood. The book artfully blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, with a focus on the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and the raw emotions associated with maternal instincts. Yoder's unconventional approach to storytelling, including the use of unnamed characters and dark humor, adds depth to the narrative and makes the book a thought-provoking exploration of womanhood and societal expectations.
And only now in her remembering did the events of the recent weeks begin to make sense. For of course she had known about it since she was a child, growing up as she had within the old German ways, wi... - #4
Save:"All's Well" by Mona Awad follows the story of Miranda Fitch, a former theater actress turned teacher, who is dealing with chronic pain after a career-ending fall. The plot revolves around her college's production of "All's Well that Ends Well," a choice that is met with resistance from her students. As Miranda navigates her personal struggles and the challenges within the theater department, she encounters mysterious strangers who offer her a cure for her pain, leading to unexpected consequences. The novel is described as darkly funny, empathetic, and infused with elements of magic, creating a unique and captivating narrative that explores themes of female pain, self-discovery, and the complexities of human relationships.
WHEN I GET to the theater, they’re already sitting on the stage as they were in my daymare. Legs swinging over the edge. Faces shining but unreadable. Mutinous? Maybe. Hard to tell. Still, they’re her... 'Rouge' by Mona Awad is a dark and haunting tale that delves into the toxic sides of beauty standards and the impact of body image on mental and physical health. The story follows Belle as she uncovers the mysterious death of her mother and the unsettling secrets behind their obsession with beauty. The narrative is nonlinear, filled with surreal imagery and a gothic atmosphere, akin to a dangerous Grimm fairytale, as Belle navigates through a macabre journey of self-discovery and uncovering dark truths about societal expectations.
The writing style of 'Rouge' is described as unique, adding to the creepy depths of the story. It is likened to a fever dream, with an unreliable narrator that keeps readers on edge, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare. The book explores contemporary beauty regimens, intergenerational female relationships, and mental health, all wrapped in a mysterious and gothic narrative that keeps readers engaged and intrigued.
- #6
Save:'Motherthing' by Ainslie Hogarth is a darkly humorous exploration of complex family dynamics, mental illness, and intergenerational trauma. The story follows Abby, who moves in with her husband Ralph to care for his mother, Laura, after her suicide. As Ralph spirals into depression following his mother's death, Abby grapples with her own troubled past and the eerie presence of Laura's ghost. The narrative delves into themes of parental rejection, dysfunctional relationships, and the desperate search for love and validation.
The book is narrated from Abby's perspective, providing a nuanced portrayal of her struggles with self-worth, emotional instability, and the desire for familial connection. Through Abby's interactions with various characters, including Mrs. Bondy, her workplace surrogate mother, and Ralph, the author navigates the delicate balance between dark humor and disturbing scenes, creating a captivating and thought-provoking read.
The night Ralph’s mother flayed her forearms, a woman in a red dress handed him a business card. I know how woman in a red dress sounds because I thought the same thing at first. When I got back to th... Bunny by Mona Awad is a bizarre and unsettling novel that follows Samantha, a graduate writing student, as she navigates the strange world of her creative writing program. The book delves into themes of loneliness, struggle, female friendship, and the power of the mind, all wrapped in a surreal and twisted narrative. As Samantha becomes entangled with a group of girls called The Bunnies, the story takes a dark turn, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. The writing style is described as unique, audacious, and at times, darkly humorous, keeping the reader engaged with its unpredictable plot twists and eccentric characters.
And then they hug each other so hard I think their chests are going to implode. I would even secretly hope for it from where I sat, stood, leaned, in the opposite corner of the lecture hall, departmen...- #8
Save:Milk Fed by Melissa Broder is a novel that delves into the complex relationship between food, love, and identity. The story follows Rachel, a woman with a restrictive eating disorder, who begins to explore a newfound sense of freedom and self-acceptance when she meets Miriam, an Orthodox Jewish woman. Their lesbian relationship serves as a catalyst for Rachel to embrace her body and soul, while also questioning elements of her religion and cultural background. The book is described as a mix of humor, wit, and insightful observations on women, daughterhood, and the struggles of forming one's own identity.
The narrative of Milk Fed is filled with graphic details, sharp writing, and a blend of cultural, religious, and nourishment-related themes. Through Rachel's journey of self-discovery and indulgence, the novel explores themes of desire, intimacy, and the importance of breaking societal and personal boundaries. The book offers a unique and sometimes controversial perspective on relationships, self-image, and the complexities of human connection.
It didn’t matter where I lived—Mid-City, Mid-Wilshire, or Miracle Mile. It didn’t matter where I worked; one Hollywood bullshit factory was equal to any other. All that mattered was what I ate, when I... - #9
Save:'Natural Beauty' by Ling Ling Huang delves into the complex themes of beauty, race, class, and identity through a captivating storyline. The narrator, an unnamed Asian woman, undergoes a transformation at a beauty company called Holistik, where extreme beauty standards are enforced through their products. As she navigates this world of societal pressures and transformations, the book explores the impact of these standards on women's decisions and bodies. Through a mix of lyrical writing, social commentary, and elements of body horror, the book highlights the struggles faced by women in conforming to unrealistic beauty ideals.
- #10
Save:'The Pisces' by Melissa Broder is a novel that delves into the life of Lucy, a woman struggling with depression and love addiction after a breakup. The story follows Lucy as she housesits for her sister in Venice Beach, attending group therapy and engaging in Tinder hookups while writing her thesis on Sappho. Things take a fantastical turn when Lucy meets a mysterious merman by the ocean, leading to surreal and creative elements of magical realism. The book explores themes of personal responsibility, intellectual ambition, interpersonal relationships, and mental health through the lens of an unlikable yet intriguing protagonist.
The writing style of 'The Pisces' immerses readers in the unhealthy thought processes of the main character, with horrifically unsexy sex scenes and a depiction of depression that is moving and incisive. The novel combines elements of humor, surrealism, and introspection, challenging readers to consider the consequences of self-destructive behavior and the complexities of human desires and relationships.
I was no longer lonely but I was. I had Dominic, my sister’s diabetic foxhound, who followed me from room to room, lumbering onto my lap, unaware of his bulk. I liked the smell of his meaty breath, wh...
