Books Like...

'Jillian' by Halle Butler follows the lives of two women, Jillian and Meghan, who work together and face practical and psychological challenges in their young lives. The narrative delves into the internal struggles of these ordinary women, portraying their complex relationships and personal dilemmas. Jillian, a single mother, strives to create the perfect life for herself and her son but finds herself spiraling downwards when faced with unexpected challenges, while Meghan, her coworker, harbors resentment and pushes people away with her caustic attitude. The story explores themes of self-criticism, societal expectations, and the struggles of trying to maintain a facade of domestic bliss amidst mounting difficulties.

Luster by Raven Leilani is a novel that delves into the complex relationships and messy realities of life, particularly focusing on the protagonist, Edie, a 23-year-old black woman. The story follows Edie as she becomes involved with a 46-year-old white man named Eric, who has an open marriage with Rebecca, a doctor dealing with autopsies. As Edie moves in with them, the dynamics of their relationships unfold, exploring themes of race, sex, isolation, and self-discovery. The narrative is described as a mix of dark humor, raw emotions, and compelling storytelling, capturing the struggles and growth of the characters amidst their unconventional circumstances.

The writing style of Luster is praised for its brutal beauty and unique voice, offering a blend of witty narration, dark humor, and poignant observations. Through Edie's perspective, the novel explores themes of creation, identity, and the complexities of human relationships, presenting a narrative that is both compelling and thought-provoking. The book navigates through Edie's journey of self-discovery, her interactions with Eric, Rebecca, and their adopted daughter Akila, and the various challenges she faces in her pursuit of purpose and connection.

'Eileen' by Ottessa Moshfegh is a dark and weird novel that follows the story of the titular character, Eileen, as she navigates her unhappy life living with her alcoholic father and working at a juvenile prison. The book is character-oriented, delving deep into Eileen's psyche and odd thoughts, creating a mysterious and uncomfortable atmosphere. The plot, although loose and non-linear, keeps the reader engaged by revealing Eileen's inner life and her impending departure from her small town.

The narrative style of 'Eileen' is described as absorbing, weird, and unsettling, resembling a psychological thriller with a strong focus on character development. The book explores themes of loneliness, obsession, and transformation, with unexpected twists and dark alleys that lead the reader through Eileen's disturbing journey towards self-discovery.

'My Year of Rest and Relaxation' by Ottessa Moshfegh follows an unnamed narrator, a young woman in New York City who, after inheriting her parents' wealth, decides to spend a year in a drug-induced sleep, cutting off contact with the world. The book delves into themes of depression, escapism, and societal disdain, as the narrator navigates a year of numbness and self-imposed isolation, reflecting on relationships, privilege, and the pursuit of rest and relaxation. Moshfegh's writing style is described as dark, raw, and honest, capturing the protagonist's apathy and vulnerability, while also maintaining a sense of humor and quirkiness throughout the narrative.

Milk Fed by Melissa Broder is a novel that delves into the complex relationship between food, love, and identity. The story follows Rachel, a woman with a restrictive eating disorder, who begins to explore a newfound sense of freedom and self-acceptance when she meets Miriam, an Orthodox Jewish woman. Their lesbian relationship serves as a catalyst for Rachel to embrace her body and soul, while also questioning elements of her religion and cultural background. The book is described as a mix of humor, wit, and insightful observations on women, daughterhood, and the struggles of forming one's own identity.

The narrative of Milk Fed is filled with graphic details, sharp writing, and a blend of cultural, religious, and nourishment-related themes. Through Rachel's journey of self-discovery and indulgence, the novel explores themes of desire, intimacy, and the importance of breaking societal and personal boundaries. The book offers a unique and sometimes controversial perspective on relationships, self-image, and the complexities of human connection.

"Everyone in This Room Will Someday be Dead" by Emily R. Austin follows the story of a late 20s atheist lesbian dealing with severe depression and anxiety who unexpectedly lands a job at a Catholic Church. The novel delves into the struggles of the main character, highlighting her battles with mental health issues, particularly depression and anxiety, in a darkly humorous and relatable manner. The writing style is described as immensely relatable, funny, and moving, with a touch of dark humor and existential dread that resonates with readers dealing with similar issues.

The book is a blend of comedy and drama, offering a mix of hilarious, sad, and relatable moments. Despite addressing heavy topics like depression, suicide ideation, anxiety, and dissociation, the novel maintains a hopeful tone and concludes with a touch of romance. The main character's journey through life's challenges, including her hyperfixation on death and loss, is portrayed with accuracy, tenderness, and queer representation, making it a compelling and engaging read.

In "The Guest" by Emma Cline, the story follows Alex, a mysterious and complex character who navigates through different settings while keeping her secrets hidden. The plot revolves around Alex's attempts to escape a troubling past while moving through a world of affluent individuals in the Hamptons. The writing style captures the reader's attention with its taut and propulsive narrative, leading us through a week in Alex's life that is filled with intrigue and moral ambiguity.

'The Idiot' by Elif Batuman follows the story of Selin, a college freshman at Harvard in 1995, as she navigates her first love, friendships, and academic life. The narrative is presented in a diary-like format, offering insights into Selin's thoughts and experiences with humor and honesty. The plot meanders slowly, focusing on Selin's musings on language, self-discovery, and the challenges of young adulthood. The story is filled with quirky characters and absurd moments, providing a glimpse into the protagonist's journey of finding meaning and purpose in a world full of uncertainties.

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.

'The Pisces' by Melissa Broder is a novel that delves into the life of Lucy, a woman struggling with depression and love addiction after a breakup. The story follows Lucy as she housesits for her sister in Venice Beach, attending group therapy and engaging in Tinder hookups while writing her thesis on Sappho. Things take a fantastical turn when Lucy meets a mysterious merman by the ocean, leading to surreal and creative elements of magical realism. The book explores themes of personal responsibility, intellectual ambition, interpersonal relationships, and mental health through the lens of an unlikable yet intriguing protagonist.

The writing style of 'The Pisces' immerses readers in the unhealthy thought processes of the main character, with horrifically unsexy sex scenes and a depiction of depression that is moving and incisive. The novel combines elements of humor, surrealism, and introspection, challenging readers to consider the consequences of self-destructive behavior and the complexities of human desires and relationships.