Books Like...
Harley Quinn: Reckoning by Rachael Allen is a gripping young adult novel that delves into the origin story of Harley Quinn. The book follows Harleen Quinzel, a high school student who becomes a vigilante named Harley Quinn after facing sexism and forming a group called the Reckoning. As the group seeks revenge and uncovers sinister truths, Harleen transforms from victim to aggressor, ultimately becoming the iconic character of Harley Quinn. The narrative is filled with clever plot twists, references to familiar characters like Poison Ivy and the Joker, and explores themes of feminism, revenge, and mystery.
The writing style of Harley Quinn: Reckoning is praised for its first-person point of view that immerses the reader in Harley's world. Readers appreciate the author's ability to capture Harley's essence, making them feel connected to the character. The book is described as unputdownable, with a well-paced plot that keeps readers engaged until the final twist. Additionally, the inclusion of real-life incidents of sexual harassment adds depth to the story, while the portrayal of Harley's complex relationship with her father resonates with readers.
If you liked Harley Quinn: Reckoning, here are the top 8 books to read next:
(We also have 33 recommendations for the series: DC Icons)
- #1
Save:Diana, also known as Wonder Woman, is portrayed as a young Amazonian Princess trying to prove herself to her legendary warrior sisters. The story revolves around Diana rescuing a teenage girl named Alia, who is a Warbringer, destined to bring about conflict. Together, Diana and Alia embark on a journey to prevent war, facing enemies both mortal and divine. The book is filled with Greek mythology, action-packed scenes, and strong female friendships, set in a modern world with elements of fantasy and empowerment.
Diana bounced lightly on her toes at the starting line, her calves taut as bowstrings, her mother’s words reverberating in her ears. A noisy crowd had gathered for the wrestling matches and javelin th... - #2
Save:In 'Catfishing on CatNet' by Naomi Kritzer, the story revolves around Steph, a teenager who constantly moves to evade her dangerous father. Her only solace is her online friends on CatNet, a community centered around sharing animal pictures, where one of the users is actually an AI named CheshireCat. As Steph's life takes a dangerous turn when her father resurfaces, she must rely on her online friends, including the AI, to protect herself and uncover the truth about her family. The book combines elements of mystery, adventure, and family drama, with a diverse cast of characters and a strong emphasis on the importance of friendship and found family.
My two favorite things to do with my time are helping people and looking at cat pictures. I particularly like helping people who take lots of cat pictures for me. I have a fair amount of time to alloc... - #3
Save:Fie, a member of the despised Crow caste, finds herself entangled in royal plots that could bring either real change or destruction to her people. The story follows a good adventure with elements of romance and a unique magic system. The book delves into a world where each caste is defined by bird attributes, and the Crows, despite their crucial role in society, face discrimination and violence.
Near ten minutes had run dry since he’d vanished into the quarantine hut, and Fie had spent the last seven of them glaring at its gilded door and trying not to worry a stray thread on her ragged black... - #4
Save:Sister Outsider is a collection of essays and speeches by Audre Lorde, a Black lesbian feminist, that covers a range of topics such as feminism, race relations, homophobia, and classism. The writing style is described as thoughtful, intelligent, critical, and outspoken, with Lorde being praised for her ability to communicate important issues clearly. The book offers a historical perspective on feminism and intersectionality, addressing relevant themes that are as important today as they were 40 years ago.
SINCE I’VE RETURNED from Russia a few weeks ago, I’ve been dreaming a lot. At first I dreamt about Moscow every night. Sometimes my lover and I had returned there; sometimes I would be in warmer, fami... - #5
Save:'A Woman Is No Man' by Etaf Rum is a heart-wrenching novel that delves into the lives of three generations of Palestinian women living in Brooklyn. The story revolves around the struggles faced by these women in breaking free from the oppressive cultural norms and abusive relationships they are trapped in. Through shifting viewpoints, the author paints a vivid picture of the challenges these women endure, from arranged marriages to domestic abuse, while also highlighting themes of resilience, strength, and the desire for individual freedom.
The narrative of 'A Woman Is No Man' unfolds through the voices of different family members, spanning across time frames and generations. It explores the themes of cultural pressure, family traditions, and the complexities of women's roles within the Palestinian community. The author, Etaf Rum, skillfully weaves together a tale of sacrifice, duty, and the quest for autonomy, shedding light on the emotional turmoil and struggles faced by these women as they navigate between their heritage and their desire for independence.
Deya Ra’ad stood by her bedroom window and pressed her fingers against the glass. It was December, and a dust of snow covered the row of old brick houses and faded lawns, the bare plane trees lining t... - #6
Save:Miriam Toews's novel "Women Talking" delves into the harrowing aftermath of a series of brutal rapes in a conservative Mennonite colony in Bolivia. The story follows a group of illiterate women as they grapple with the decision to stay and forgive, stay and fight, or leave the colony to protect themselves and their children. Through heartfelt discussions and emotional debates, the women confront the patriarchal oppression that has shaped their lives, ultimately revealing their deepest fears, concerns, and questions of faith. The book is a powerful exploration of trauma, resilience, and the bonds that women forge in the face of adversity.
In a quiet and contained narrative, "Women Talking" skillfully builds genuine suspense as the women navigate their limited options and confront the spiritual implications of the crimes committed against them. Through the eyes of a male narrator entrusted with documenting their meetings, the book offers a poignant portrayal of the women's struggle for agency and justice within a sequestered religious community. Despite the heavy subject matter, the story is interwoven with moments of sadness, humor, and empowerment, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
My name is August Epp—irrelevant for all purposes, other than that I’ve been appointed the minute-taker for the women’s meetings because the women are illiterate and unable to do it themselves. And as... - #7
Save: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.
I DROVE MYSELF OUT OF New York City where a man shot himself in front of me. He was a gluttonous man and when his blood came out it looked like the blood of a pig. That’s a cruel thing to think, I kno... - #8
Save:In the book 'The Bone Season' by Samantha Shannon, readers are introduced to a dystopian future where clairvoyant individuals like the main character, Paige, are persecuted by the government. Paige is captured and discovers a hidden world ruled by Rephaims who seek to exploit clairvoyant powers. As she navigates this dangerous world, Paige forms alliances, uncovers dark truths, and strives to fight back against her captors. The book is praised for its richly detailed world-building, intricate magic system, and engaging storyline, making it a compelling read for fans of supernatural dystopian novels.
We are the minority the world does not accept. Not outside of fantasy, and even that’s blacklisted. We look like everyone else. Sometimes we act like everyone else. In many ways, wearelike everyone el...
