Books Like...

Followers by Megan Angelo is a dystopian novel that explores the interconnected lives of characters Orla, Floss, and Marlow in two time periods, 2016 and 2051. The story delves into the impacts of social media, fame, and technology on society, portraying a disturbing yet eerily possible future where individuals are driven by their online presence and the quest for followers. The narrative weaves through themes of loneliness, fame, surveillance, and the consequences of a society obsessed with internet culture, offering a thought-provoking commentary on the direction of modern society.

Brave New Girl by Rachel Vincent is a YA dystopian novel set in a futuristic society where people are genetically designed for specific tasks. The story follows Dahlia 16, a clone engineered to be a hydroponic gardener, who starts to develop forbidden feelings for a Special Forces cadet named Trigger 17. As their relationship unfolds, Dahlia must navigate the strict rules of her society, where individuality is forbidden, and any deviation from the norm could have dire consequences. The book explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the consequences of defying societal norms, all wrapped up in a fast-paced and engaging plot.

The writing style of Brave New Girl is described as simple yet effective, with the ability to convey characters' emotions and settings in a compelling way. The novel pays homage to Aldous Huxley's Brave New World while offering a unique take on a dystopian world where love and individuality are forbidden, and the characters must grapple with the repercussions of following their hearts in a society that demands conformity.

'The Heart Goes Last' by Margaret Atwood is a dark tragicomedy set in a dystopian world where an entrepreneur initiates a social experiment to stabilize a new community devastated by economic collapse. Residents of Consilience alternate between living as inmates in the local Positron prison and as community members, sharing housing and jobs. The plot careens between absurd, frightening, and very possible scenarios, creating a world where characters like Stan and Charmaine struggle with moral dilemmas and unexpected twists, ultimately leading to a bitter yet humorous conclusion.

Atwood efficiently sets up a psychological experiment and moral dilemma in the first hundred pages, gradually upping the ante and taking the narrative to its natural conclusions. The book explores themes of societal collapse, personal freedom, and the consequences of exchanging freedom for stability. With an intriguing premise and a mix of dark and light elements, 'The Heart Goes Last' delves into the complexities of human nature, creating a thought-provoking narrative that keeps readers engaged till the end.

In the book 'An Excess Male' by Maggie Shen King, the story is set in 2030 China, where the country is grappling with the effects of its one-child policy, resulting in an excess of 40 million unmarriageable men. The protagonist, Wei guo, seeks to become the third husband of May Ling, navigating a complex family dynamic involving her two very different brothers as husbands. The dystopian China portrayed in the book serves as a character in itself, observing and influencing the characters' actions as they navigate a potentially dangerous situation. The writing style is engaging and captivating, delving into themes of family dynamics, relationships, gender roles, and societal control in a futuristic setting.

'The Program' by Suzanne Young is a young adult dystopian novel that delves into the theme of a suicide epidemic among teenagers. The story follows the main character, Sloane, who navigates a world where depression is treated by a government-controlled program that erases memories. As Sloane and her boyfriend, James, try to evade being taken into The Program, they face challenges, mysteries, and the consequences of living in a society where mental health is controlled and memories are wiped. The writing style of the book is described as intense, gripping, and compelling, with a focus on themes of love, trust, and the fight for individuality in a dystopian setting.

Only Ever Yours by Louise O'Neill is a dystopian novel set in a post-apocalyptic world where girls are genetically engineered to become companions, concubines, or chastities for men. The story follows the protagonist, Frieda, as she navigates a society where women are objectified, judged based on their appearance, and trained from birth to please men. The book delves into themes of beauty standards, misogyny, and the dark consequences of societal expectations on women. The writing style is described as dark, thought-provoking, and reflective of our own society's attitudes towards women.

'The Farm' by Tom Rob Smith follows the story of Daniel, who receives conflicting information from his parents regarding his mother's mental state. As he navigates through the unraveling tale of lies, deceit, and potential crimes, Daniel is torn between believing his mother's claims or his father's version of events. The narrative is filled with suspense, unexpected twists, and a psychological thriller element that keeps the readers engaged. The writing style is described as well-paced, compelling, and thought-provoking, with a focus on the characters' internal struggles and the complexities of family relationships.

In the Country by Mia Alvar is a collection of short stories that focus on the Filipino diaspora, showcasing different Filipinx characters in various circumstances and locations around the world. The stories explore themes of home, displacement, social class, and matters of the heart, providing insight into the Filipino experience from different perspectives.

The book delves into the lives of Filipino expats living abroad, capturing the struggles and joys of navigating identity, relationships, and cultural heritage in different parts of the world. The writing style is described as beautifully written, with subtle yet wrenching characters who are negotiating the complexities of the Filipino diaspora in a human way.

Flawed by Cecelia Ahern is a young adult dystopian thriller exploring societal perfection. Celestine lives in a world where perfection is expected, and those who break societal norms are physically and emotionally branded. The novel delves into themes of societal influence, discrimination, and the consequences of standing up for what is right. Celestine's journey of self-discovery and rebellion against the oppressive system forms the core of the plot, with a writing style that keeps readers engaged and invested in the characters' transformation.

The Quiet Room is a gripping and haunting journey through the world of schizophrenia, providing readers with a genuine insight into the torment of mental illness. The story follows Lori Schiller's battle with schizophrenia, documenting her struggles, achievements, and setbacks as she navigates through different mental institutions and her daily fight with depression. The writing style is fast-paced, unflinching, and accessible, allowing readers to delve deep into the complexities of the human experience and understand the terrifying world of schizophrenia through the eyes of the author and her loved ones.