Books Like...

'Crosstalk' by Connie Willis is a fun, fast-paced romantic comedy exploring the concept of telepathy and over-communication in a modern technological world. The plot follows the protagonist, Briddey Flannigan, as she undergoes elective surgery to enhance her emotional connection with her boyfriend, only to discover unexpected consequences when she starts hearing voices in her head. The writing style is described as humorous, engaging, and full of well-developed characters, blending elements of science fiction, romance, and social satire.

Bellwether by Connie Willis is a light-hearted and humorous tale about Sandra Foster, a scientist studying fads and chaos at a high tech company called Hi Tek. The book follows Sandra's interactions with quirky characters like an inept mail clerk, bureaucratic hurdles, and a fad-resistant coworker as she navigates her research on the origins of trends. The story combines elements of romance, humor, and social commentary, while also delving into themes of workplace dynamics and human behavior.

'Impossible Things' by Connie Willis is a collection of short stories that showcase the author's talent for weaving together science fiction elements with personal and warm narratives. The stories cover a wide range of themes, from time travel to political correctness, bureaucracy, and romance. Willis's writing style is praised for its humor, compassion, and innovative ideas, creating engaging and funny tales that often carry deeper meanings. The book includes stories that range from hilarious and delightful to heartbreaking and thought-provoking, with settings that vary from World War II London to alternate Earths and space colonies.

Fire Watch by Connie Willis is a collection of short stories that explore various themes such as time travel, WWII England during the Blitz, and different aspects of human nature. The title story, "Fire Watch," serves as a prequel to her later works in the Oxford Time Travel series, featuring characters like Mr. Dunworthy and Kivrin Engle. The stories range from dark and disturbing to light and humorous, each showcasing Willis's skill in character development and world-building. The writing style incorporates elements of sci-fi, historical fiction, and fantasy, with a focus on character-driven narratives and thought-provoking twists.

'Chocky' by John Wyndham is a science fiction novel that follows the story of eleven-year-old Matthew who starts conversing with an imaginary friend named Chocky. As the plot progresses, it becomes clear that Chocky is more than just a figment of Matthew's imagination; it is an alien being teaching him about advanced mathematics, biology, and art. The book explores the reactions of Matthew's family, psychologists, and society as they try to comprehend the unusual situation, ultimately revealing the true nature of Chocky as an alien scout from a distant planet.

The writing style of 'Chocky' is described as engaging, thought-provoking, and easy to read. The narrative is primarily focused on the family dynamics and the characters' reactions to the extraordinary circumstances rather than solely on the science fiction elements. The book maintains a balance between a mysterious, almost comical scenario and the underlying tension as the story unfolds, drawing readers into the situation and offering insights into societal issues and human behavior.

'Chasing Shadows' in the series 'Sekret Machines' by Tom DeLonge, A.J. Hartley is a thrilling blend of historical events and fiction, exploring secret black projects, UFOs, and extraterrestrial technologies. The narrative follows a diverse set of characters, including military pilots, investigative reporters, and individuals entangled in mysterious events spanning different timelines and locations, such as Afghanistan, Poland during WWII, and present-day New York. Through a fast-paced and alternating format, the authors weave a complex story that delves into government conspiracies, ancient technologies, and the enigmatic world of UFOs, leaving readers captivated and eager to uncover the truth behind the secrets being unveiled.

'Way Station' by Clifford D. Simak is a science fiction novel that follows the story of Enoch Wallace, a Civil War veteran living in Wisconsin who is chosen to operate a way station for intergalactic travelers on Earth. Despite being over a hundred years old and not aging, Enoch must navigate his quiet life and the complexities of his role as a keeper of the station, all while facing threats to the galactic federation and decisions about Earth's future. The book explores themes of identity, humanity, and the consequences of violence through Enoch's introspective journey and interactions with various alien species.

'Station Eternity' in 'The Midsolar Murders' series by Mur Lafferty follows Mallory Viridian, a protagonist with the unique ability to attract murders and solve them before the police, making her unpopular with law enforcement. The story is a blend of clever detective fiction and complex xeno diplomacy, set in a space station with well-designed aliens and multiple mysteries that all tie up satisfyingly by the end. The writing style is described as deeply clever, human, funny, and gripping, with Mallory being portrayed as an intensely clever detective.

Lincoln's Dreams by Connie Willis is a historical fantasy novel that follows the story of Jeff, a researcher for a Civil War novelist, who meets Annie, a woman tormented by dreams that seem to be those of General Robert E. Lee. The book alternates between historical facts about the Civil War and the present-day efforts of Jeff to understand and stop Annie's troubling dreams. As the plot unfolds, Jeff becomes entangled in a journey to uncover the meaning behind Annie's dreams and prevent them from causing her harm, all while exploring themes of duty, love, and the connection between dreams and reality.

The writing style of Connie Willis in Lincoln's Dreams combines meticulous research with a gripping narrative that delves into the complexities of dreams and their significance. The novel expertly weaves together historical accuracy with a modern-day setting, creating a compelling story that explores the impact of the Civil War on individuals and the enduring mysteries of the human psyche.