Books Like...

"Radio Silence" by Alice Oseman is a young adult novel that delves into themes of friendship, identity, and societal pressures. The story follows Frances, a high school student aiming for Cambridge, who finds herself drawn into the world of a podcast called Universe City, where she forms a deep connection with Aled, the creator of the show. The book explores their friendship, struggles with academic expectations, and the complexities of relationships in a modern setting, all while touching upon topics like asexuality, anxiety, and online bullying. Oseman's writing style is praised for its refreshing take on teenage experiences, realistic portrayal of characters, and the nuanced exploration of various themes that resonate with readers of different ages.

"Let's Talk About Love" by Claire Kann follows the story of Alice, a biromantic asexual young woman navigating relationships, friendships, and family dynamics. Readers are introduced to Alice's struggles with her asexuality and biromantic orientation, as well as her journey in finding acceptance and understanding from those around her. delves into themes of self-discovery, communication, and the complexities of romantic relationships, all while portraying diverse representation and addressing important issues with sensitivity and depth. The writing style is described as sweet, funny, and heartwarming, with a focus on Alice's internal thoughts and emotions, making her a relatable and endearing protagonist.

"Elatsoe" by Darcie Little Badger is a fantasy novel set in an alternate USA where supernatural elements are accepted. The story follows Elatsoe, a Lipan Apache girl who can see and summon ghosts, continuing her family's tradition. When her cousin is murdered, Elatsoe sets out to uncover the truth with the help of her family, friends, and her ghost dog. The book blends urban fantasy with Lipan Apache myth, creating a rich and vibrant standalone fantasy with elements of mystery and magic. The writing style is described as easy to fall into, with a snappy plot that touches on themes of grief and compassion.

'Heartstopper: Volume One' by Alice Oseman is a heartwarming graphic novel that follows the friendship and growing romantic relationship between two high school boys, Nick and Charlie. The book beautifully portrays their journey of self-discovery, attraction, and navigating the complexities of young love. Readers praise the adorable and cute moments between the main characters, as well as the gentle and sensitive way Alice Oseman tackles complex sexuality themes with subtle wit. The story is described as a blend of sweet romance, friendship, and coming-of-age, making it a delightful and relatable read.

The plot unfolds with charming and wholesome interactions between Nick and Charlie, drawing readers into a world filled with genuine emotions and relatable experiences. The art style is commended for its simplicity yet ability to evoke strong emotions, while the characters are celebrated for their authenticity and the realistic portrayal of young queer relationships. As the story progresses, readers are left eagerly anticipating the next volumes to witness the evolution of Nick and Charlie's relationship, making 'Heartstopper: Volume One' a heartwarming and captivating read.

The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy follows the adventures of Felicity Montague, a determined young woman who aspires to become a doctor in a world that denies women such opportunities. Alongside her friends Sim and Johanna, Felicity embarks on a journey filled with pirates, dragons, and challenges that test her beliefs and abilities. The book explores themes of feminism, misogyny, imperialism, asexuality, and the complexities of female friendships, all while maintaining a balance between historical fiction and fantastical elements. The writing style is a blend of humor, adventure, and strong character development, with a focus on addressing important societal issues with grace and compassion.

Clariel, a prequel to the Abhorsen trilogy by Garth Nix, follows the story of Clariel, the daughter of a notable family in the Old Kingdom with ties to the Abhorsen and the King. Set in the bustling hub of Belisaere, the capital of the Old Kingdom, Clariel yearns to escape the city and return to the solitude of the Great Forest. However, her family's ambitions for her clash with her own desires, leading her to navigate dangerous political intrigues and hidden sorcery within herself. As events unfold, Clariel must resist the temptations of power, confront unwanted marriage proposals, and ultimately save the King, all while discovering her true heritage and abilities.

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.

'Beyond the Black Door' by A.M. Strickland is a dark fantasy novel that follows Kamai, a soul walker who discovers hidden truths about her past and her abilities after her mother's murder. The story delves into a world of soul walkers, court intrigue, and mysterious black doors that lead to secrets that challenge Kamai's understanding of herself and her society. The writing style is described as atmospheric, compelling, and original, with intricate world-building, nuanced exploration of asexuality, and a fast-paced plot filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged.

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.

In a post-apocalyptic world, Wasp is the Archivist, responsible for capturing and destroying ghosts. When a ghost speaks back to her, Wasp embarks on a quest to find a specific ghost, leading to a journey through the underworld where she learns about her past and abilities. The story showcases strong friendships, world-building, and a constantly twisting plot as Wasp navigates her role as Archivist and her internal conflicts. The writing style immerses readers in a new world, explaining details as the story progresses, with a grand sense of world-building despite the short length of the novel.