Books Like...

Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune is a heartwarming and emotional story that explores the themes of life, death, grief, and acceptance. The book follows Wallace, a workaholic lawyer who unexpectedly dies and finds himself in a tea shop in the afterlife, guided by Meiying and Hugo. Through interactions with the residents of the tea shop and the reapers, Wallace undergoes a journey of self-discovery and redemption, learning the true meaning of life and love even after death. The writing style is described as tender, insightful, and kind, offering a unique perspective on death and the afterlife with a touch of humor and whimsy.

'Wolfsong' by T.J. Klune is a paranormal romance novel that delves into the intricate relationships between werewolves in the Green Creek series. The story follows the character Ox, who has been told his whole life that he is nothing special until he meets Joe, the local alpha's son. As their relationship develops over time, they face challenges, separations, and intense emotions that shape their journey of self-discovery and growth. is praised for its vivid portrayal of characters, supernatural elements, and the deep emotional connections that drive the plot forward.

In "How to Be a Normal Person" by T.J. Klune, readers follow the quirky and hilarious journey of Gus, a socially awkward but lovable character who runs a video rental store and doesn't own a smartphone. When Gus meets Casey, an asexual stoner hipster, their friendship blossoms into something more, leading to a heartwarming and humorous exploration of their relationship. The book is character-driven, focusing on the endearing characters and their experiences as they navigate love, friendship, and the challenges of being true to oneself in a world that values normalcy.

The story is filled with laughter, poignant moments, and a vein of grief that adds depth to Gus's character. The asexual representation in the book is praised for its excellence, contributing to the overall charm of the narrative. Through witty dialogues, relatable characters, and a touch of absurdity, "How to Be a Normal Person" offers a unique and entertaining reading experience that delves into themes of acceptance, individuality, and finding happiness in being true to oneself.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune follows the story of Linus Baker, a bureaucratic caseworker who is tasked with investigating an orphanage for magical children on Marsyas Island. Through his interactions with the children, including Lucy the Antichrist and other unique characters like a were pomeranian and an endearing blob, Linus undergoes a transformative journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and love. The book combines elements of fantasy, found family, and queer romance, all wrapped in a heartwarming and enchanting narrative that explores themes of empathy, understanding, and the power of love.

The writing style in The House in the Cerulean Sea is described as charming, delightful, and heartwarming, with a touch of humor and magical realism. The story unfolds with a mix of whimsical elements, poignant moments, and gentle allegory, creating a narrative that celebrates diversity, found family, misfits, and queer love. The characters, especially the magical children, are portrayed with real and relatable emotions, making the book a comforting and uplifting read that resonates with readers on a deep emotional level.

Set in a future where AI creation has been banned, "The Cybernetic Tea Shop" follows Sal, one of the few remaining sentient AIs, who runs a tea shop as a tribute to a woman she loved. When Clara, a restless technician specializing in AI companions, enters Sal's life, unexpected change ensues. The novella delicately explores themes of identity, belonging, grief, and moving on, highlighting the emotional depth of nonhuman characters like Sal and the complexities of human-robot relationships. Meredith Katz's writing masterfully blends romance and sci-fi elements, offering a quick yet profound read that leaves readers pondering the essence of personhood and connection.

'A Closed and Common Orbit' by Becky Chambers is a heartwarming and introspective science fiction novel that delves into the lives of two characters, Pepper and Lovelace, as they navigate their search for purpose and identity in a universe filled with diverse life forms and cultures. The book intricately weaves together their stories, exploring themes of friendship, found family, self-determination, and the meaning of personhood, all while offering insightful glimpses into human nature and the AI experience. Through dual timelines and parallel narratives, the author crafts a moving and humane tale that challenges traditional space opera tropes by focusing on the emotional journeys of its protagonists rather than space battles or galactic intrigue.

Bookshops & Bonedust is a prequel in the Legends & Lattes series, focusing on a young orc warrior named Viv who finds herself recovering from an injury in a quiet seaside village called Murk. While there, she befriends a bookseller named Fern and becomes entangled in a mystery involving a necromancer. The book explores Viv's journey of self-discovery, friendship, and the joy of reading, all set in a cozy low-stakes fantasy world. The writing style, narrated by Travis Baldree, brings the characters and the story to life, with vivid descriptions and distinct character voices.

Legends & Lattes is a delightful and heartwarming tale about an orc named Viv who decides to retire from a life of adventuring and open a coffee shop, despite the city of Thune being unfamiliar with the concept of coffee. The story follows Viv's journey of renovating an old premises, navigating the criminal underworld, and building a community around her new venture. Along the way, she is joined by charming and diverse characters like a hob carpenter and a succubus, forming a found family that supports her in this new chapter of her life.

The writing style of Legends & Lattes is described as cozy, charming, and immersive, with vivid descriptions that teleport the reader into the coffee shop setting, evoking all five senses. The book offers a mix of low-intensity cozy development and higher stakes conflict, while also featuring a strong wlw romance subplot that feels organic and not forced. Overall, the novel is a refreshing take on epic fantasy quests, focusing on the beauty of everyday moments and the power of friendship and community.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna tells the story of Mika Moon, a witch who has always hidden her identity, moving from place to place to protect her secret. When she receives a mysterious invitation to teach young witches at Nowhere House, she starts feeling at home among people who know her secret, finding a sense of belonging. The book follows Mika's journey of fitting in, forming relationships with the eccentric residents of the house, and uncovering secrets, including a potential romance with the grumpy librarian, Jamie. The writing style is described as bright and colorful, filled with humor, quirky characters, and heartwarming moments that make the readers feel like they are wrapped in a warm hug.

'The Silver Metal Lover' by Tanith Lee is a science fiction romance set in a future Earth where a young girl named Jane falls in love with a Silver robot. The story explores themes of love, identity, and personal growth as Jane's relationship with Silver leads her to discover new aspects of herself and her existence. The plot delves into the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and societal norms in a futuristic setting shaped by economic and environmental challenges.