Books Like...
'A Place Called Here' by Cecelia Ahern follows the story of Sandy Shortt, a woman obsessed with finding missing people and things. One day, she mysteriously finds herself in a place called Here, where all the missing things and people end up. In Here, Sandy meets the people she had been searching for and discovers a community of lost individuals who have made a life for themselves. The plot is described as interesting, original, and different, with a touch of supernatural elements that make it a compelling read.
The narrative style of the book is praised for its modern-day fairy tale quality, exploring themes of loss, love, and obsession that resonate with readers on a personal level. The character of Sandy is portrayed as flawed and engaging, leading the reader on a quest to uncover the mysteries of the missing things and people in a whimsical yet thought-provoking manner.
If you liked A Place Called Here, here are the top 18 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'The' Time of Mystical Life' by Cecelia Ahern tells the story of Lucy, a woman whose life is in disarray due to her lies and past mistakes. The plot revolves around Lucy's encounter with Life, a physical personification of her own life, who begins sending her letters and urging her to meet. As Lucy navigates her messy life and relationships, she learns to face her past decisions and strive for a more positive future. The writing style of the book is described as charming, witty, and fast-paced, with a unique fantasy twist that adds depth to the narrative.
I didn’t read the rest. I didn’t need to, I knew who it was from. I could tell as soon as I arrived home from work to my studio apartment and saw it lying on the floor, halfway from the front door to ... "Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance" by Ruth Emmie Lang is a magical realism novel that follows the extraordinary life of Weylyn Grey, a boy with special gifts who is raised by wolves and possesses unique powers that affect the world around him. The story is narrated through the perspectives of those who encounter Weylyn throughout his life, showcasing his adventures, relationships, and the impact he has on others. Lang's writing style is described as enchanting, engaging, and lyrical, with a focus on character development and a seamless blend of magical elements into a character-driven narrative.
It was the morning of my eleventh birthday, and as usual, my dad had failed to notice. It wasn’t that he didn’t care; he had just never been one for party planning or affection in general. That had be...- #3
Save:The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey is a tale set in 1920s Alaska, following a childless couple, Mabel and Jack, who find a new chance at family when a mysterious young girl, Faina, appears in the snowy wilderness. The novel beautifully blends magical realism with themes of love, loss, and hope, drawing inspiration from Russian folklore to create a captivating and emotional narrative. Ivey's writing style is described as poetic and dreamlike, evoking the harsh yet enchanting Alaskan landscape while delving into the characters' inner struggles and desires.
Mabel was too long at the window. The raven had since flown away above the treetops. The sun had slipped behind a mountain, and the light had fallen flat. The branches were bare, the grass yellowed gr... - #4
Save:Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen is a whimsical and enchanting tale set in North Carolina, focusing on the lives of two sisters, Claire and Sydney Waverley. The story revolves around their family's unusual gifts and the magical garden they tend to, including an apple tree that plays a central role in their lives. The book combines elements of love, family, magic, and self-discovery, creating a charming and heartwarming narrative that explores themes of relationships, acceptance, and the power of familial bonds.
The author, Sarah Addison Allen, weaves a story that is both light-hearted and magical, blending everyday life with mystical elements seamlessly. Through the characters of Claire and Sydney, readers are taken on a journey of reconnecting with the past, embracing their unique abilities, and finding solace in the bonds of sisterhood. With a touch of romance, a sprinkle of fantasy, and a dash of Southern charm, Garden Spells offers a delightful escape into a world where the ordinary is intertwined with the extraordinary.
Every smiley moon, without fail, Claire dreamed of her childhood. She always tried to stay awake those nights when the stars winked and the moon was just a cresting sliver smiling provocatively down a... - #5
Save:'The Satanic Verses' by Salman Rushdie is a complex and thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of immigration, empire, morality, identity, and the story of the satanic verses themselves. The book follows the lives of Gibreel Farishta and Saladin Chamcha, who are transformed into representations of good and evil after a terrorist attack. Rushdie's writing style is often described as surreal and hallucinogenic, with elements of magical realism and stream of consciousness narrative. The novel weaves together multiple storylines, dream sequences, and historical parables, creating a rich and intricate narrative that explores religion, individuality, and the boundaries of reality and belief.
Satan, being thus confined to a vagabond, wandering, unsettled condition, is without any certain abode; for though he has, in consequence of his angelic nature, a kind of empire in the liquid waste or... - #6
Save:'Jitterbug Perfume' by Tom Robbins is a whimsical and eccentric novel that weaves together multiple storylines revolving around immortality, perfume-making, and the love story of Alobar and Kudra. The book is known for its unique blend of mythology, romance, humor, and eccentricity, with characters pursuing the quest for eternal life and the perfect perfume recipe. Robbins' writing style is characterized by clever similes, witty humor, and imaginative storytelling, creating a fantastical world where beets, immortality, and New Orleans perfumeries play central roles.
Blacksmiths hammered the Edge Serpent on the anvils of their closed eyelids. Wheelwrights rolled it, tail in mouth, down the cart roads of their slumber. Cooks roasted it in dream pits, seamstresses s... - #7
Save:'The House of the Spirits' by Isabel Allende is an epic tale spanning three generations of the Trueba family, set against the backdrop of politically turbulent times in Latin America. The story revolves around the strong women of the family, their struggles for independence, and their interconnected lives filled with secrets, seduction, revenge, and forgiveness. Allende weaves magical realism into the narrative, creating a captivating journey of imagery and family ties, while exploring themes of love, power, politics, and the impact of historical events on personal lives.
The book delves into the lives of the Trueba family members, showcasing their complex relationships, personal growth, and the interplay between practicality and spirituality. Allende's vivid and descriptive writing style brings the characters to life, making the reader feel the importance of family in Latin American culture. Through a blend of magical realism and historical facts, the author creates a compelling narrative that explores themes of feminism, political upheaval, and the power of forgiveness.
Barrabás came to us by sea, the child Clara wrote in her delicate calligraphy. She was already in the habit of writing down important matters, and afterward, when she was mute, she also recorded trivi... - #8
Save:'Coraline' by Neil Gaiman is a dark and twisted children's tale about a young girl named Coraline who discovers a parallel world that mirrors her own but is filled with eerie and unsettling differences. As Coraline navigates this strange world, she encounters an Other Mother and Other Father who seem loving and caring, but she soon realizes their true intentions are malevolent. With the help of a talking cat, Coraline must summon her courage and wit to save herself, her real parents, and other lost souls trapped in this nightmarish alternate reality. Neil Gaiman's writing style effectively combines elements of horror, fantasy, and adventure to create a gripping and suspenseful story that keeps readers on edge.
Miss Spink and Miss Forcible lived in the flat below Coraline's, on the ground floor. They were both old and round, and they lived in their flat with a number of ageing Highland terriers who had names... - #9
Save:'Kafka on the Shore' by Haruki Murakami is a surreal and fantastical tale that intertwines the stories of a 15-year-old boy named Kafka and an elderly man named Nakata. The narrative weaves between Kafka's journey of self-discovery and Nakata's mystical quest, incorporating elements of magical realism such as talking cats, fish raining from the sky, and encounters with enigmatic characters like Colonel Sanders and Johnnie Walker. The book explores themes of adolescence, identity, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, all presented in Murakami's signature minimalist writing style that creates a haunting and compelling world for the characters to navigate.
The novel is a complex and layered narrative that delves into the characters' inner turmoil and existential questions, inviting readers to ponder deeper meanings and metaphors embedded within the text. Murakami's storytelling unfolds through multiple storylines that converge in mysterious ways, offering a blend of myth, imagery, and philosophy that keeps readers engaged and questioning the boundaries of the ordinary and the extraordinary.
Cash isn't the only thing I take from my father's study when I leave home. I take a small, old gold lighter—I like the design and feel of it—and a folding knife with a really sharp blade. Made to skin... - #10
Save:'Pines' by Blake Crouch follows the story of Secret Service Agent Ethan Burke, who finds himself in the mysterious town of Wayward Pines, Idaho, after a car accident. As Ethan tries to investigate the disappearance of two fellow agents, he realizes that things in the town are not what they seem. With a mix of thriller, suspense, and a touch of sci-fi, the book keeps readers on edge as Ethan uncovers the dark secrets of the town and struggles to find a way out. The writing style is described as fast-paced, suspenseful, and cinematic, with vivid descriptions that immerse readers into the eerie atmosphere of the story.
He came to lying on his back with sunlight pouring down into his face and the murmur of running water close by. There was a brilliant ache in his optic nerve, and a steady, painless throbbing at the b...
