Books Like...
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.
If you liked Lincoln's Dreams, here are the top 42 books to read next:
- #1
Save:In the world of 'Dreamhunter' by Elizabeth Knox, set in an early 1900s-like time period, special individuals known as Dreamhunters have the ability to enter a mysterious place called The Place to capture dreams. These dreams are then shared with the public in dream palaces, where people can experience them together. The story follows the famous Dreamhunting family as dreams start turning into nightmares, the government exploits them for control, and a young Dreamhunter endeavors to uncover the secrets of The Place.
The narrative of 'Dreamhunter' revolves around cousins Laura and Rose, who are expected to follow in their family's footsteps as Dreamhunters. As Laura delves deeper into the world of dream hunting, she begins to question the nature of dreams and their impact on society, leading to unexpected revelations and challenges that test their beliefs and abilities.
On a hot day near the end of summer, Laura Hame sat with her father, her cousin Rose and her aunt Grace against the fern-fringed bank of a forest track. She watched as her uncle Chorley and the rest o... - #2
Save:The Dream Peddler by Martine Fournier Watson is a novel set in a small farming town in the early 1900s. The story revolves around a traveling salesman named Robert Owens who arrives in town offering dream potions to the residents. As the town grapples with the disappearance of a young boy, Ben, the arrival of Mr. Owens brings a mix of magic and mystery to the community. The book explores themes of grief, love, desires, and hopes against the backdrop of a close-knit rural community where neighbors look out for each other and where life is centered around simple pleasures and traditional values. The narrative unfolds poetically, drawing readers into the lives of the characters and their struggles to reconcile their needs and desires with grace and love.
The dream peddler came to town at the white end of winter, before the thaw. He had no horse or motorcar, but a low wagon harnessed to himself that he pulled along. He whistled as it bumped over the ro... - #3
Save:Paprika by Yasutaka Tsutsui is a surrealistic sci-fi novel set in an experimental psychiatric research institute where a powerful dream technology is stolen, leading to chaos as reality merges with the dream world. The story follows Atsuko Chiba, a brilliant psychotherapist who uses psychotherapy devices to enter and manipulate patients' dreams, including disguising herself as Paprika to conduct secret therapy sessions. As the line between reality and dreams blurs, Atsuko must navigate through overlapping worlds to uncover the culprit behind the malicious use of the stolen technology.
The book explores themes of dream manipulation, reality control, and the consequences of merging the subconscious with the conscious mind. It delves into the complexities of human psyche, the potential dangers of advanced technology, and the blurred boundaries between dreams and reality, all while maintaining a surreal and intriguing narrative style that challenges traditional storytelling conventions.
The Senior Staff Room of the Institute for Psychiatric Research had five desks but only two regular occupants – Kosaku Tokita and Atsuko Chiba. Their desks jostled for space near the window at the far... - #4
Save:'Poet Anderson ...of Nightmares' by Suzanne Young and Tom DeLonge is a young adult novel that delves into the world of dreams, lucid dreaming, and the power of the mind. The story follows Jonas, a teenager who discovers he is a Dream Walker and has the ability to navigate the Dreamscape, a world where dreams and nightmares come to life. As Jonas embarks on a journey filled with danger, mystery, and self-discovery, he must confront his fears and face the darkness lurking within the dream world. The writing style of the book is described as gripping and immersive, blending elements of sci-fi, fantasy, and coming-of-age themes.
The book is praised for its thought-provoking concepts, unique world-building, and fast-paced adventure. Readers are drawn into the story through the vivid descriptions of the Dreamscape, the thrilling action sequences, and the exploration of ancient studies and meditation practices. The main character, Jonas, is depicted as a relatable teenager experiencing growth, love, and the complexities of adolescence, making the book accessible and engaging for young adult readers as well as adults.
The rain followed Jonas Anderson everywhere he went. It was with him the cold autumn morning when he came into the world, and on the day he lost his first tooth. The rain tapped the windshield of the ... 'Sleepless' by Cyn Balog is a unique take on the legend of the Sandman, where Eron, a Sandman, is tasked with watching over Julia, his human charge. The story unfolds as Eron's term of service is coming to an end, but complications arise when Julia's boyfriend, Griffin, unexpectedly becomes a Sandman as well. The book explores themes of forbidden love, mystery surrounding Julia's past, and the challenges faced by the characters in a world where Sandmen exist.
My eyes flicker open. All I see is a pink satin pillow, which I’ve clamped over my face to block out the rest of the world. When I remove it, I recoil in the morning sunlight like the undead and crane...- #6
Save:'Poet Anderson: The Dream Walker' is a graphic novel that follows the story of Jonas Anderson, who discovers he can traverse the dream world with his older brother, Alan. Together, they encounter a young woman named Ayo and the evil ruler of the dreamland, Rem, who sees potential in Jonas and renames him Poet Anderson. As Poet navigates this dream world, he must protect others from the villain Rem, who seeks to control him and cross over into the real world. The narrative moves briskly, introducing readers to vivid characters, dream battles, and a complex world where dreams and nightmares come alive.
The writing style of 'Poet Anderson: The Dream Walker' is described as engaging, imaginative, and layered. The narrative not only establishes the logic of the dream world effectively but also creates a unique reading experience that feels like stepping into the author's imagination. The artwork complements the story well, combining clean lines and a distinct style that enhances the overall storytelling.
- #7
Save:The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker is a dystopian sci-fi novel set in a small town in California where a mysterious sleeping sickness befalls the residents, causing them to fall into a deep slumber. The story unfolds through the perspectives of various characters, including a college student, a married couple with an infant, and a survivalist with his daughters. The narrative explores themes of isolation, fear, hope, and the impact of the unknown epidemic on society, presented in a lyrical and dream-like writing style. The novel delves into the characters' emotions and experiences amidst the crisis, focusing on their reactions and interactions rather than the urgency of the situation.
It’s an old idea, a poison in the ether, a danger carried in by the wind. A strange haze is seen drifting through town on that first night, the night the trouble begins. It arrives like weather, or li... - #8
Save:'The Anatomy of Dreams' by Chloe Benjamin follows a young woman who becomes an assistant in a dream study, only to uncover that things are not as they seem. The novel delves into intrigue, romance, and the immersive experience of dreams. The writing style is described as smart and aims to be clever, with a focus on landscapes like California and unexplainable moments like Sylvie's black paintings. The narrative is slow-paced, jumping between periods to build towards a reveal that some readers found predictable yet lacking in depth.
When Gabriel returned to me, I was twenty-one, and I was in the middle of the long summer before my senior year of college. At the time, I was a realist. I was at the top of my class, and I didn’t thi... - #9
Save:Bryan Pierce, a painter who learns to draw from past lives, experiences vivid dreams that he translates into his artwork. When neurogeneticist Linz Jacobs recognizes her recurring nightmare in one of Bryan's paintings, their meeting leads to a journey through time and memories. The novel weaves together history, science fiction, fantasy, and romance as the protagonists uncover their intertwined past lives and face a potential enemy hidden in their history.
The plot unfolds in a richly woven, multi-leveled narrative where relationships are revealed through Bryan's dreams, offering glimpses into varied historical periods and different characters. With elements of mystery, time travel, and conspiracy, the story builds towards a climactic ending that engages readers with unexpected twists and turns.
The paintings hung in the dark like ghosts. Too many to count—not an inch of wall space remained. The canvas eyes looked alive in the darkness, staring at their surroundings as if wondering what alche... - #10
Save:Goldenland Past Dark by Chandler Klang Smith is a darkly atmospheric novel that delves into the search for identity through the lens of a traveling circus. The book introduces readers to a cast of unforgettable characters, each with unique personalities that mesh perfectly with their circus talents. Through dramatic and sometimes hilarious circumstances, the author creates indelible characters that invite multiple reads to fully grasp the depth of the storytelling. The plot unfolds with startling developments and moments of breathtakingly beautiful prose, offering a character study of abnormal psychology intertwined with inside jokes about 20th-century music and post-WW2 America.
The main character, Webern Bell, stands out as a small giant who navigates a world where reality blurs with illusion, showcasing the complexities of human relationships and the shared struggles of individuals both inside and outside the circus. As Webern confronts his past and embraces his present in the circus, the narrative explores themes of imagination, empathy, and the art of clowning, inviting readers to ponder profound questions about life, family, and the nature of performance.
Webern Bell woke up face down on the dirt floor of his tent, arms and legs splayed, as if he’d just been thrown a great distance. All around him, the canvas walls rippled in the wind, hitting the tent...
