Books Like...

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.

In "The Road to Roswell," Francie Driscoll travels to Roswell, New Mexico, to dissuade her friend Serena from marrying a UFO enthusiast. However, Francie's plans take an unexpected turn when she encounters an alien creature that she is forced to drive out of town. Along the way, she picks up a quirky group of characters, including a UFO abduction insurance salesman, a UFO enthusiast, a gambling granny, and an RV owner, all while forming a bond with the alien they nickname Indy. The plot unfolds with twists and turns that include miscommunication, media frenzy, and a love story, all in Connie Willis' signature style that combines humor, charm, and unexpected developments.

'The Corner Shop' by Elizabeth Cadell follows the story of Lucille Abbey, an independent woman running a secretarial agency in London. When her employees fail to complete a job for Professor Hallam, Lucille decides to investigate herself. As she navigates a mysterious situation and a budding romance with the Professor, she encounters a cast of quirky characters and unexpected challenges, all set against the backdrop of English humor and mid-century charm.

'Passage' by Connie Willis is a science fiction novel that delves into the exploration of Near Death Experiences (NDEs) through the eyes of researchers at a hospital. The story follows the investigations of two scientists, a psychologist, and a neurologist, who are studying NDEs both naturally and artificially induced. The book portrays a deep dive into the human psyche, mortality, and the mysteries surrounding life after death. Willis weaves a complex narrative filled with suspense, scientific exploration, and a touch of the supernatural, all set in a modern hospital setting.

Willis' writing style in 'Passage' is characterized by intricate plotting, detailed scientific explanations, and well-developed characters. The author creates a sense of urgency and intensity throughout the book, keeping readers engaged with a fast-paced narrative that explores profound themes of death, spirituality, and the human spirit. The story unfolds through a series of twists and turns, leading to a climactic revelation that challenges the characters' beliefs and perceptions about the afterlife.

Possession by A.S. Byatt is a novel that intricately weaves together the stories of two contemporary literary scholars who uncover a hidden love affair between two Victorian poets. Through letters, journals, and poems, the scholars delve into the mystery of the poets' relationship, while also reflecting on their own connections. The book combines elements of romance, academia, and literary criticism, creating a multi-layered narrative that explores themes of passion, possession, and the power of language. Byatt's writing style is described as rich, textured, and engaging, with the inclusion of poetry and multiple writing forms adding depth to the storytelling.

Stonemouth by Iain M. Banks is a novel set in a small insular Scottish town where the protagonist, Stewart Gilmour, returns after five years of exile. The story unfolds gradually through flashbacks and introspective thoughts, revealing a world of violence, drugs, and complex relationships. The narrative delves into Stewart's past, his interactions with the townspeople, and the reasons behind his departure. The book is described as a gritty drama with elements of suspense, guilt, and redemption, showcasing Banks's ability to create compelling characters and vividly portray the town and its inhabitants.

The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley is a contemporary novel set in Scotland, following the story of Verity Grey, an archaeologist who joins an eccentric team led by Peter Quinnell to search for evidence of the missing Ninth Roman Legion. The book combines elements of archaeology, mystery, romance, and the paranormal, as Verity navigates ghostly presences, a developing romance, and the challenges of the dig site. The writing style is described as clean, humorous, and engaging, with a mix of suspense and romance that keeps readers intrigued.

Verity's journey unfolds against the backdrop of a Scottish coastal village, where she encounters psychic vibrations, a ghostly sentinel, and a mix of characters including her former lover, Adrian, and the charming local Scotsman, Davy. The plot includes elements of danger, mystery, and the importance of honesty, as Verity uncovers the truth behind the Roman Legion and faces unexpected challenges, all while developing relationships and dealing with the supernatural occurrences at the site.

'The Impossible Us' by Sarah Lotz is a unique and innovative story that follows the unlikely friendship and romance between Nick, an underemployed freelance writer, and Bee, a successful business owner who reworks wedding dresses. The two characters live in parallel universes with significant differences, but a twist of fate brings them together through an error in email correspondence. The plot revolves around their interactions, struggles, and the exploration of parallel worlds without delving deep into the science aspect. The writing style is engaging, with well-developed characters and snappy dialogue that keeps the readers invested in the story.

Peter Heller's 'Celine' follows the story of an eccentric private investigator named Celine, who takes on a cold missing person's case involving a father who disappeared over 20 years ago. Along with her husband, Celine embarks on a journey across the west, uncovering secrets and mysteries hidden in the wilderness. The narrative seamlessly weaves between the present investigation and Celine's intriguing past, revealing layers of her character and motivations. Heller's descriptive writing shines through in vividly portraying the landscapes and settings, adding depth to the story.

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.