Books Like...

'We Are Satellites' by Sarah Pinsker is a near-future novel that delves into the societal implications of a brain implant technology called Pilot. The story follows a family consisting of two mothers and their two teenage children, each with a unique relationship to the Pilot technology. As the family navigates the impact of the new gadget on their lives, the novel explores themes of trust, family dynamics, societal pressure, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding technological advancements. Through multiple viewpoints, the author skillfully portrays the complexities of human emotions and thought processes, offering a thought-provoking narrative that challenges readers to reflect on the intersection of technology and humanity.

Pinsker's writing style in 'We Are Satellites' is praised for its ability to blend elements of science fiction with intimate family drama. The story unfolds gradually, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the lives of the characters and the moral quandaries they face. The novel tackles themes of love, trust, and societal critique, all against the backdrop of a world where a groundbreaking brain implant technology threatens to divide individuals and communities. Pinsker's exploration of the consequences of embracing new technologies and the struggles of personal choice adds depth to the narrative, making it a compelling and engaging read.

Vera returns home at the request of her dying mother, Daphne, to prepare the house for sale after years of estrangement. The book delves into the complex dynamics of Vera's family, particularly her relationships with her abusive parents. As Vera uncovers the dark secrets of the house and her past, she is confronted with eerie occurrences and animosity from her neighbors. The narrative weaves between past and present, exploring themes of intergenerational trauma and the impact of domestic violence on a child's psyche. The book combines elements of horror and psychological thriller, with surprising twists and a haunting atmosphere that keeps readers engaged.

'The City in the Middle of the Night' by Charlie Jane Anders is set on a tidally locked planet called January, where humans live in precarious cities straddling the narrow temperate zone between extreme heat and cold. The story follows two key characters, Sophie and Bianca, as they navigate life in a repressive state enforcing an artificial day-night cycle. The novel delves into themes of politics, history, culture, relationships, personal vs social responsibility, colonialism, and climate change, all set against the backdrop of a world where survival is a constant struggle. The narrative explores the complexities of societal structures, toxic relationships, and the blurred lines between humanity and inhumanity.

The author, through immersive world-building and detailed storytelling, presents a unique and imaginative science fiction narrative that challenges readers to think about language, culture, and the impact of human actions on the environment and society. The book's slow geological unfolding of story and place, combined with its subtle exploration of cultural forces and political power, offers a thought-provoking and engaging reading experience that delves deep into the complexities of the human condition.

Ammonite by Nicola Griffith is a science fiction novel set on a planet called Jeep where only women live due to a virus that is fatal to men. The story follows anthropologist Marghe as she navigates the challenges of this world, including competing for resources, resisting change, and exploring the cultural differences between her Earth background and the new society she finds herself in. The book delves into themes of self-discovery, identity, and building a society out of the ruins of the old, all while addressing the unique reproductive mechanisms and social dynamics of the female-only planet.

In a dystopian future America where resources are funneled into a never-ending war, the novella "Upright Women Wanted" follows Esther as she escapes an arranged marriage after witnessing her girlfriend's execution for possessing unauthorized material. Hoping to atone for her sins, Esther joins a group of traveling librarians who distribute approved materials but are secretly part of the rebellion. Set in a wild west-style world, the story blends elements of western and science fiction genres, focusing on queer self-discovery, resistance against a repressive society, and the journey of acceptance and empowerment.

The book features a diverse cast of characters, including queer and lesbian protagonists, who navigate a society where traditional gender roles and heterosexuality are strictly enforced. Through Esther's perspective, readers explore themes of freedom, rebellion, and the power of knowledge in a world where the state controls media and resources, offering a mix of action, romance, and hope in a compact and engaging narrative.

Sister, Maiden, Monster by Lucy A. Snyder is a unique blend of horror, fantasy, cosmic elements, and apocalyptic themes. The story revolves around a new virus with harsh qualities that leads to an impending apocalypse, as experienced by three women who are transformed in different ways by the virus. The novel starts off strong, setting the tone for a scary horror story with creepy situations and disturbing events, but takes unexpected twists and turns that delve into cosmic horror, biblical folklore, and Lovecraftian mythos. The writing style is even and approachable, with foreshadowing and just enough explanation to keep readers curious and engaged.

In "Trouble With Lichen" by John Wyndham, the plot revolves around two scientists who discover a drug from a rare lichen that has the potential to triple human lifespan. The book explores the societal implications of this discovery, touching on themes of feminism, scientific responsibility, and social upheaval. The writing style is described as very English, reflecting the author's time and social values, with some opinions noting the book's relevance to contemporary issues despite being written in the 1960s.

In a future world where interstellar travel is possible but time dilation leaves colonies stranded, 'The Vanished Birds' follows the story of a woman mathematician hoping to revolutionize space travel, a boy with a mysterious genetic mutation, and a spaceship crew navigating vast distances through time and space. The novel delves into themes of trauma, dehumanization, and the consequences of greed, offering a poignant exploration of love in its various forms amidst a backdrop of capitalism, colonization, and corporations.

'Her Body and Other Parties' by Carmen Maria Machado is a collection of dark and compelling short stories that delve into themes of horror, body autonomy, feminism, and sexuality. The stories range from eerie retellings of urban legends to surreal summaries of Law and Order SVU episodes, all with a focus on the struggles faced by women and LGBTQ people. Machado's writing style is described as colorful, compelling, and powerful, with each story offering a unique perspective on the female experience.

'Leech' by Hiron Ennes is a unique horror sci-fi novel set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is struggling to rebuild after mass destruction. The story revolves around parasitic protagonists in a complex fictional world filled with various lands, species, and diseases. is described as chilling, gripping, and compelling, with a focus on finding freedom from those that control us by selling us the lie that we cannot survive without them.