Books Like...

'Touch' by Claire North is a supernatural thriller that delves into the concept of ghosts being able to jump from body to body with a mere touch. The story follows Kepler, an entity that can move its consciousness from person to person, leaving the previous host with no memory of the possession. Kepler embarks on a journey to find the group responsible for the murder of its present host, encountering a path of destruction and a hunt for a being known as Galileo. The narrative is fast-paced, action-packed, and includes elements of science fiction, exploration of the corrupting nature of power, and the real-world implications of body-hopping abilities.

The writing style of 'Touch' is described as dark, sharp, and filled with unexpected turns of phrase. The book is commended for its unique and imaginative concept, the exploration of philosophical points about life choices, and the fast-paced thriller elements. Readers are drawn into the story of Kepler, a being that has inhabited numerous bodies over centuries, and the moral dilemmas and challenges it faces as it navigates a world where its abilities are both a gift and a curse.

The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North is a unique and captivating novel that explores the concept of reincarnation in a fresh and intriguing way. The story follows Harry August, a man who is reborn with all his memories intact, living his life over and over again in the same body. As he navigates through his multiple lives, he discovers others like him and learns of a looming threat that could end the world. The book delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, and the complexities of living through endless cycles, all while trying to prevent a catastrophic event orchestrated by a fellow immortal.

"The Pursuit of William Abbey" by Claire North is a novel that follows the story of William Abbey, an Englishman cursed by the mother of a black boy he failed to save from a brutal murder in Africa. The curse forces Abbey to see and speak the truth in people's hearts, with dire consequences if the ghost of the boy catches up to him. The book combines elements of sci-fi, historical fiction, and thriller genres, taking readers on a journey across different continents and time periods. The writing style is described as beautiful, flowing, and lucid, with a mix of supernatural twists and realistic characters that keep readers engaged despite some structural challenges.

'Saint Mazie' by Jami Attenberg is a historical fiction novel that follows the life of Mazie Phillips, a woman living in New York City during the Jazz Age, Prohibition, and the Great Depression. Mazie works as a cashier at the Venice Movie Theatre during the day and spends her nights aiding the homeless men of the streets. The story is told through Mazie's diary entries and interviews with people who knew her, capturing her generosity, independence, and unique personality. As Mazie navigates through the challenges of the era, the book paints a vivid picture of the city and its neighborhoods through her cynical yet empathetic eyes.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab follows the story of Addie, a young woman who makes a deal with the devil to escape a forced marriage, granting her immortality but with the curse of being forgotten by everyone she meets. Spanning 300 years, the book explores Addie's journey through history as she struggles to leave her mark on the world and be remembered. The narrative weaves themes of love, loss, time, and the desire for recognition, creating a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience.

The book is praised for its enthralling and creative storytelling that seamlessly blends past and present, highlighting the importance of being seen and appreciated. Readers are drawn into Addie's world, captivated by the lush descriptions of settings, the well-developed characters, and the exploration of complex themes such as loneliness, memory, and the desire for immortality. The writing style is described as beautiful, eloquent, and engaging, with the author skillfully examining the nuances of love, possession, promises, and the yearning to be remembered.

'84K' by Claire North is a dystopian novel set in a near future UK where life revolves around monetary value. The story follows the protagonist, Theo, who challenges the oppressive system controlled by The Company and the government. The narrative is non-linear, jumping between timelines and locations, creating a bleak yet thought-provoking atmosphere. Claire North's unique writing style, characterized by disjointed sentences and fragmented thoughts, adds to the unsettling nature of the dystopian world portrayed in the book.

'The Sirian Experiments' in the series 'Canopus in Argos' by Doris Lessing is a science fiction novel that follows the memoir of Ambien II, a powerful administrator of a vast empire, as she meddles in the affairs of a pseudo Earth. Ambien II reflects on her role in planning Galactic enterprises, interacting with primitive societies, and conducting experiments on various planets. The narrative explores themes of social upheavals, planetary engineering, and the ethical dilemmas faced by advanced civilizations when intervening in less developed societies. Lessing's writing style, although criticized for being wooden and passive at times, delves into big social issues and presents a thought-provoking perspective on humanity and colonization.

'Truth and Beauty' by Ann Patchett is a memoir that delves into the complex and tumultuous friendship between the author and Lucy Grealy, author of 'Autobiography of a Face'. Patchett's writing style captures the raw emotions and challenges faced by both women throughout their friendship, exploring themes of love, loyalty, addiction, and the impact of physical and emotional struggles on their relationship.

The book offers a poignant portrayal of the deep bond between Patchett and Grealy, shedding light on the joys and sorrows of their friendship. Through Patchett's heartfelt narrative, readers are taken on a journey that navigates the complexities of human connection, the enduring power of friendship, and the profound impact that one person can have on another's life, even amidst struggles and hardships.

'The Ministry for the Future' by Kim Stanley Robinson is a speculative fiction novel that presents a possible future where humanity works together to combat climate change and avert catastrophic scenarios. Set in a near future where the planet is heating up, the book follows various characters dealing with the effects of climate disasters, inequality, and the urgency of implementing solutions. Through a mix of character drama and idea-driven narrative, Robinson explores themes of ecological disaster, political activism, and the potential for change in the face of impending crises.

'The Rook' by Daniel O'Malley follows the story of Myfanwy Thomas, a high-ranking operative in a secret government agency called The Checquy, who wakes up with amnesia surrounded by dead bodies. She discovers letters left by her former self guiding her through her identity and role in the agency, while also dealing with internal threats and a dangerous enemy. The plot is a mix of supernatural elements, mystery, and humor, set in an alternate London where paranormal forces are kept hidden by the agency.

The writing style of 'The Rook' is described as engaging and clever, with a first-person narrator who has had her memory wiped but leaves letters for her successor, providing detailed incluing for the reader. The characters are rounded and interesting, the plot is deftly handled, and the book is seen as an origins story that sets the stage for future installments in the series, promising more depth and development in the Checquy Files universe.