Books Like...
Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi is a unique and compelling novel that delves into the experiences of Ada, a young woman with multiple personalities shaped by trauma and traditional Igbo spirituality. The book explores themes of internal conflict, mental illness, and self-discovery through the lens of Ada's relationships with the spirits inhabiting her body. The narrative is described as raw, visceral, and deeply disturbing, with a focus on Ada's struggles to navigate her identity and existence between two worlds.
If you liked Freshwater, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
'Split Tooth' by Tanya Tagaq is a genre-defying book that delves into the raw and brutal experiences of a young Inuit girl growing up in the far north. The story is a blend of coming-of-age narrative, magical realism, and poetry, exploring themes of abuse, violence, and the harsh realities of life in the Arctic. The writing style is described as visceral, electric, and haunting, with scenes that seamlessly shift between the mundane and the mythical, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.
We are picking up stale old cigarette butts and smoking the last puffs off them, burning our lips and fingers on the indignity of it all. There are always plenty of butts around the Bay or the Co-op, ... - #2
'The Death of Vivek Oji' by Akwaeke Emezi is a heartbreaking and powerful novel that explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the tragedy of being different in Nigerian society. The story revolves around the mysterious death of Vivek Oji, a young genderfluid individual, and is narrated from the perspectives of his friends, family, and Vivek himself. Through flashbacks and multiple viewpoints, the novel delves into Vivek's struggles with societal norms, family expectations, and the complexities of his relationships, ultimately leading to a tragic end that leaves a lasting impact on those who knew him.
The narrative is beautifully written, with a blend of heart-wrenching storytelling and vivid character portrayals that unravel the layers of love, pain, and acceptance surrounding Vivek. Emezi's non-linear structure adds suspense to the plot, drawing readers into the emotional journey of Vivek's life and the aftermath of his death. The novel tackles important topics such as gender identity, cultural expectations, and the quest for self-discovery, creating a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience.
If this story was a stack of photographs—the old kind, rounded at the corners and kept in albums under the glass and lace doilies of center tables in parlors across the country—it would start with Viv... - #3Petby:
In the book 'Pet' by Akwaeke Emezi, the story follows Jam, a black trans girl living in Lucille, a seemingly utopian town in a future version of America. The town is free from monsters and fear, thanks to the angels who rid it of evil. However, when Jam accidentally brings to life a creature named Pet from her mother's painting, she discovers that not all monsters are gone. The narrative explores themes of angels, monsters, and the blurred lines between utopia and dystopia, all told in a beautifully unique way. Through the characters, the story delves into identity, diversity, and the importance of seeing the unseen truths in the world.
The city used to have them, of course—what city didn’t? They used to be everywhere, thick in the air and offices, in the streets and in people’s own homes. They used to be the police and teachers and ... - #4
Aster lives on a generational space ship that resembles the antebellum south, where dark-skinned residents are confined to lower levels and controlled through brutal violence. She navigates through a world of trauma, power systems, and societal conflicts, seeking to uncover secrets that could save them all. The story unfolds on the spaceship Matilda, where the characters grapple with themes of slavery, brutality, hope, and rebellion, set against the backdrop of a dystopian society on a journey through space.
Aster removed two scalpels from her med-kit to soak in a solution of disinfectant. Her fingers trembled from the cold, and the tools slipped from her grasp, plopping ungracefully into the sanitizer. I... - #5
Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters follows the intertwined relationships of three characters over the past eight years: Reese, a trans woman, Ames (formerly Amy) who detransitioned after their breakup, and Katrina, Ames' current girlfriend. The novel delves into themes of gender identity, family dynamics, and relationships, with a mix of humor, emotion, and commentary on life's complexities. The book is praised for its realistic portrayal of characters who are flawed, complex, and not meant to be ideal representatives of trans women.
THE QUESTION, FOR Reese: Were married men just desperately attractive to her? Or was the pool of men who were available to her as a trans woman only those who had already locked down a cis wife and co... - #6
"Phoenix Extravagant" by Yoon Ha Lee is a fantasy novel set in a secondary fantasy world inspired by Asian countries like Korea, Japan, and China. The story follows Jebi, a nonbinary artist who is forced to work for the invaders controlling their country, leading Jebi to uncover dark secrets about the destruction of art and artifacts to create magical pigments for automatons. Jebi's journey involves political intrigue, rebellion, and a forbidden romance with a duelist named Vei, all while navigating complex societal themes and a unique magical system involving special paints and automatons.
The book is praised for its originality, world-building, and the exploration of themes such as art, gender, and family honor. Readers appreciate the diverse representation of nonbinary and gay characters, the intricate magical elements tied to the story's history, and the engaging plot that balances political thriller elements with character-driven narratives. The writing style is described as beautiful, nuanced, and immersive, with a focus on exploring the inner values of humans through the characters' perspectives and moral struggles.
GYEN JEBI STROVE to keep their hand from shaking as they dipped their brush into the paint they’d mixed from pigments, a part of every artist’s training. Remember, they reminded themself, you’re good ... - #7
Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee is a middle-grade space opera novel that seamlessly blends Korean mythology with science fiction elements. The story follows Min, a 13-year-old fox spirit, who embarks on a quest to find her brother Jun, who may have deserted his post in search of the powerful Dragon Pearl. As Min navigates through a universe filled with supernatural beings and space adventures, she must use her shapeshifting abilities and charm to uncover the truth about her brother's disappearance. The book is praised for its engaging plot, diverse representation, and unique world-building that combines elements of fantasy and science fiction.
Dragon Pearl stands out from typical middle-grade fantasy novels by offering a fresh take on the genre, featuring gender-neutral characters, Korean folklore, and a strong female protagonist. The book explores themes of family, loyalty, and self-discovery as Min defies societal norms and embarks on a daring journey across the Thousand Worlds to unravel the mystery surrounding her brother's actions. With its richly imagined universe and fast-paced storytelling, Dragon Pearl captivates readers with its blend of mythology, space exploration, and intricate character dynamics.
I liked to sleep in, though I didn’t get to do it often. Waking up meant waking early. Even on the days I had lessons, my mom and aunties loaded me down with chores to do first. Scrubbing the hydropon... - #8
The Famished Road by Ben Okri is a surreal, magical realist novel set in Africa, focusing on the life of a spirit child named Azaro. The story delves into the struggles between the spiritual and earthly worlds, portraying the complexities of Azaro's existence and his interactions with both human and supernatural beings. The narrative weaves together themes of good versus evil, poverty, political power struggles, and the mystical realm, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience filled with allegory and symbolism. Okri's writing style is described as poetic, colorful, and at times surreal, drawing readers into a world where reality and fantasy blur seamlessly.
In that land of beginnings spirits mingled with the unborn. We could assume numerous forms. Many of us were birds. We knew no boundaries. There was much feasting, playing, and sorrowing. We feasted mu... - #9
Sorrowland is a genre-bending mix of adult fiction, sci-fi, and magical realism, following the story of Vern, a pregnant teenager who escapes a Black commune into modern society, only to face haunting challenges in the woods with her twins. The plot is described as twisty, dark, and violent, with elements of horror, fantasy, and LGBT themes woven throughout. The writing style is praised for being unique, imaginative, and powerful, delving into themes of racism, corruption, and dark history with a surrealist bent.
THE CHILD GUSHED out from twixt Vern’s legs ragged and smelling of salt. Slight, he was, and feeble as a promise. He felt in her palms a great wilderness—such a tender thing as he could never be parse... - #10
Ryka Aoki's 'Light From Uncommon Stars' is a captivating blend of science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary realism, following the intersecting lives of characters like Katrina, a transgender runaway violinist seeking refuge, and Shizuka Satomi, a legendary violin teacher known as the Queen of Hell. The narrative weaves together elements of demonic curses, violin competitions, and interstellar travel, creating a unique and diverse story that explores themes of identity, redemption, and the transformative power of music. Aoki's writing style is praised for its richly imaginative world-building, sensitive portrayal of transgender experiences, and skillful balance of profound themes with moments of warmth and humor.
There’d be no reason to doubt her; of course she would go there. That’s where the queers went. Her father would punch the wall, throw something heavy and breakable; her mother would cross herself and ...