Books Like...

'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.

Maeve Fly by C.J. Leede is a disturbing and immersive horror novel that follows the story of Maeve, an ice princess by day at Disneyland who indulges in bloody murders at night. The book explores Maeve's dark inclinations, her desire to destroy those around her, and her chaotic nature as she navigates her world. The plot takes a thrilling turn when Gideon Green, the brother of her best friend, enters her life, adding complexity to the storyline. The writing style of C.J. Leede is described as fantastic, with the author's ability to build suspense and grasp readers' attention, sending them into shock.

The book is enriched with well-rounded characters like Maeve and Gideon, each with their own shades of complexity that add depth to the plot. The vivid descriptions of gore and violence throughout the novel contribute to the overall thrill and immersive experience for readers. The pacing is perfect, with enough action and suspense to keep readers engaged and turning the pages, reminiscent of the style of Bret Easton Ellis, making it a perfect pick for horror enthusiasts.

'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.

Readers describe 'Mary' as an exciting and creepy read with a unique and unusual plot that keeps getting better as the story progresses. The book follows a woman who returns to her childhood hometown only to encounter strange occurrences, hallucinations, and a connection to a serial killer from the past. The story is filled with twists, interesting characters, and a satisfying ending, all written in a captivating and convincing style that delves into themes of menopause, cults, and the supernatural.

'A Certain Hunger' by Chelsea G. Summers is a dark and sophisticated novel that follows a marvelously complex protagonist who is a woman that kills and eats her lovers, all while maintaining a sharp, satiric eye on the world around her. The writing style is described as gorgeous, with an absolute mastery of language that combines elegance with the rawest matter of humanity. The novel is a compelling and addictive story that delves into visceral, bloody shock while providing poignant insights into human nature.

The book introduces a significant character near the end, which is described as a devastating and well-executed move by the author. The plot is filled with surprising twists and turns, with a narrative that is witty, academic, and meant to shock. The author's writing is poetic, highly descriptive, and captivating, making the reader feel awkward even trying to write about it due to its brilliance and complexity.

'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.

Lisa Taddeo's first novel, 'Animal', delves into the disturbing story of Joan, a complex character whose sardonic and cryptic first-person account reveals a lost soul trapped in the prison of her own life. Joan's traumatic past and unwise choices force her to navigate two simultaneous lives - one superficial, necessary for survival in New York's tumultuous social scene, and the other filled with rage, insecurities, and mistrust. The book takes readers on a grimy and visceral journey through Joan's emotional and mental state, mirroring the chaos of her experiences.

The plot unfolds as Joan flees her past in New York to seek answers in the counter-culture world of Los Angeles, particularly in Topanga Canyon, where she embarks on a quest to uncover the mysterious Alice's secrets. Through a raw depiction of human experiences, the book explores themes of trauma, grief, anger, and love, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable emotions and societal constructs. Taddeo's writing style, characterized by genius descriptions and truncated, impactful sentences, immerses readers in a narrative that is both horrifying and beautiful, ultimately leading to a complex exploration of femininity, victimhood, and societal expectations.

"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.

'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.

'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.