Books Like...

'What Dreams May Come' by Richard Matheson is a novel that delves into the concept of life after death. The protagonist, Chris, dies in a tragic accident and finds himself in the afterlife, where he discovers a mental world shaped by the minds of its inhabitants. The book follows Chris's journey as he navigates through different realms, including heaven and hell, in an attempt to reunite with his beloved wife, Annie, who is struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts in the wake of his passing. Matheson's writing style presents a thought-provoking exploration of themes such as love, devotion, the afterlife, and the power of belief.

'Elsewhere' by Gabrielle Zevin is a young adult novel that follows the story of fifteen-year-old Liz Hall who wakes up on an ocean liner in the afterlife after dying in a hit-and-run accident. In Elsewhere, the dead age backward until they are infants and sent back to Earth. Liz must come to terms with her death, let go of her past life, and navigate her new existence in Elsewhere. The book explores themes of life, death, grief, acceptance, and the concept of starting anew in the afterlife.

The writing style of 'Elsewhere' is described as imaginative, thought-provoking, and engaging. The author, Gabrielle Zevin, presents a unique perspective on the afterlife, creating a world that is both familiar and different from our own. The plot unfolds with a mix of humor, touching moments, and deep reflections on life and loss, making it a compelling read for young adult readers.

'Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives' by David Eagleman is a collection of short stories exploring various hypothetical scenarios of the afterlife. Each story presents a unique version of what happens after death, sparking the reader's imagination and contemplation. The writing style is concise, imaginative, and thought-provoking, with each tale offering a different perspective on life after death.

'Crosstalk' by Connie Willis is a fun, fast-paced romantic comedy exploring the concept of telepathy and over-communication in a modern technological world. The plot follows the protagonist, Briddey Flannigan, as she undergoes elective surgery to enhance her emotional connection with her boyfriend, only to discover unexpected consequences when she starts hearing voices in her head. The writing style is described as humorous, engaging, and full of well-developed characters, blending elements of science fiction, romance, and social satire.

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.

Journey of Souls: Case Studies of Life Between Lives by Michael Newton is a thought-provoking exploration of the afterlife through regression hypnotherapy sessions with 29 individuals. The book delves into the experiences between lives, discussing topics such as the purpose of life, the role of guides, karma, soul groups, and the nature of the spirit world. Newton's writing style combines dialogue from regression sessions with his clients, providing insights into the gate of death, interactions in the spirit world, and the continuous journey of souls through reincarnation. The book challenges traditional beliefs about heaven, hell, and judgment, offering a more comforting and inclusive perspective on the eternal evolution of souls.

'The Brief History of the Dead' by Kevin Brockmeier is a unique exploration of life, death, and the afterlife. The story alternates between the City of the Dead, where deceased individuals reside until they are no longer remembered by the living, and the real world where a woman named Laura Byrd is stranded in Antarctica amidst a global pandemic. The novel delves into deep philosophical questions about memory, human connections, and the concept of an afterlife, all while weaving together multiple storylines that gradually intersect as the narrative progresses.

Doomsday Book by Connie Willis is a time-travel science fiction novel that intertwines two timelines - one in the near future at Oxford University, where a historian named Kivrin is sent back to the Middle Ages, specifically to the year 1348 during the Black Death. Meanwhile, a contemporary viral outbreak adds a layer of complexity to the story, creating a sense of urgency and suspense. The book delves into themes of human resilience, historical accuracy, and the impact of catastrophic events on individuals across different time periods.

'After: A Doctor Explores What Near-Death Experiences Reveal about Life and Beyond' by Bruce Greyson delves into the fascinating realm of near-death experiences (NDEs), exploring the profound impact these experiences have on individuals and their perspectives on life and death. Through a scientific lens, Dr. Greyson presents compelling accounts of individuals who have had NDEs, discussing themes such as reuniting with lost loved ones, the transformational effects of NDEs on one's life, and the exploration of consciousness beyond the physical realm. The writing style combines personal anecdotes, research findings, and a reflective tone to guide readers through the exploration of the afterlife and the mysteries surrounding NDEs.

A Kiss Before Dying by Ira Levin is a suspenseful crime noir novel that follows a young man's sinister plot to secure a wealthy woman's inheritance by any means necessary, including murder. The novel is structured in three parts, each focusing on a different sister from the wealthy Kingship family as they uncover clues to unravel the identity of the cunning and manipulative killer. Levin's writing style is described as clean, crisp, and engaging, with a symmetrical plot that builds suspense through active scenes and sharp dialogue.