Books Like...
'Unaccustomed Earth' by Jhumpa Lahiri is a collection of interconnected short stories that delve into the experiences of Indian immigrants, mainly Bengali, living in America and other countries. The stories explore themes of love, family relationships, cultural identity, and the complexities of navigating between different cultures. Lahiri's writing style is praised for its emotional depth, clear language, and ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences.
If you liked Unaccustomed Earth, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'Interpreter of Maladies' by Jhumpa Lahiri is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of Indian immigrants and their experiences living in different countries. The stories capture the essence of cultural encounters, relationships, and the struggles of fitting in while holding onto one's identity. Lahiri's writing style beautifully portrays the everyday joys and heartbreaks of ordinary people, creating vivid and relatable characters that resonate with readers.
The book explores themes of diaspora, cultural disconnect, and the complexities of human nature through the simplicity of characters' lives. Lahiri's storytelling weaves together tales of love, acceptance, and self-discovery, offering glimpses into the hopes, sorrows, and love in the lives of immigrants from India in the USA and in India itself. The stories are poignant, touching on themes of alienation, grief, and the search for connection in a foreign land.
THE NOTICE INFORMED THEM that it was a temporary matter: for five days their electricity would be cut off for one hour, beginning at eight P.M. A line had gone down in the last snowstorm, and the repa... - #2
Save:'The Namesake' by Jhumpa Lahiri is a compelling narrative that follows the life of Gogol Ganguli, a first-generation Indian American born in Boston to Bengali parents. The story delves into the complexities of cultural identity, family dynamics, and the struggle to find one's place in a foreign land. Lahiri's writing style beautifully captures the nuances of immigrant experiences, blending themes of tradition, assimilation, and self-acceptance.
The book intricately weaves together the stories of the Ganguli family, exploring the generational conflicts, personal growth, and emotional journeys of its characters. Through the lens of Gogol's coming-of-age tale, readers are taken on a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the search for identity amidst the clash of cultures and the weight of family expectations.
On a sticky august evening two weeks before her due date, Ashima Ganguli stands in the kitchen of a Central Square apartment, combining Rice Krispies and Planters peanuts and chopped red onion in a bo... - #3
Save: 'Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self' by Danielle Evans is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of young African American women, exploring themes of adolescence, relationships, family dynamics, and personal growth. The stories are praised for their authenticity, strong character development, and insightful portrayal of contemporary race relations. The writing style is noted for its clarity, emotional depth, and ability to evoke empathy from readers through relatable and diverse characters facing a range of challenges.
Me and Jasmine and Michael were hanging out at Mr. Thompson’s pool. We were fifteen and it was the first weekend after school started, and me and Jasmine were sitting side by side on one of Mr. Thomps...- #5
Save:'Florida' by Lauren Groff is a collection of short stories, many of which are set in Florida and explore themes of motherhood, womanhood, and self-discovery. The stories feature vivid character development and unique, thoughtful plots, with recurring themes of hurricanes, snakes, and existential dread. Groff's writing style is praised for its lyrical prose, detailed descriptions of settings, and its ability to capture the essence of Florida's atmosphere and wildlife.
I have somehow become a woman who yells, and because I do not want to be a woman who yells, whose little children walk around with frozen, watchful faces, I have taken to lacing on my running shoes af... "Someone Who Will Love You in All Your Damaged Glory" by Raphael Bob-Waksberg is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of relationships, both romantic and familial. The stories are described as subtly heartbreaking yet inherently comedic, blending surreal humor with dark, disturbing emotions and situations. The writing style is noted for its rich language infused with humor, effortless reading experience, and undercurrent of magic realism that transforms the worlds into curious new places.
The book captures the worst versions of relationships, exploring themes of love, loneliness, and the nuances of human connections. The stories range from ordinary failed workplace romances to surreal experiences, with characters navigating breakups, heartbreak, and the trials and tribulations of love. The author's unique voice, smart storytelling abilities, and wistful wit create a collection that is both weird and beautiful, offering unexpected truths and interpretations of meaning that resonate with readers on a personal level.
So if you ever want to hear a whole bunch of people’s opinions about the Right Way to Have a Wedding, the best thing to do is tell people you’re getting married, and then I guarantee you will be up to...- #7
Save:'Runaway' by Alice Munro is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of seemingly ordinary women facing a variety of challenges and crises. The stories are interconnected, exploring themes of love, betrayal, isolation, and change. Munro's writing style is described as haunting, lyrical, and evocative, with characters that engage, surprise, and linger in the reader's mind long after finishing the book. The narratives are often set in Canada, depicting domestic dramas and everyday life experiences with a touch of surrealism and sincerity.
I’ll die,” said Robin, on an evening years ago. “I’ll die if they don’t have that dress ready.” They were in the screen porch of the dark-green clap-board house on Isaac Street. Willard Greig, who liv... - #8
Save:'How to Breathe Underwater' by Julie Orringer is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of adolescent American girls and young women, often with Jewish backgrounds. The stories explore dark themes, such as violence, guilt, and isolation, while also touching on moments of grace and resilience. The writing style is described as emotionally engaging, with skillful use of flashbacks to compress a significant amount of story and emotion into each narrative.
It was Thanksgiving Day and hot, because this was New Orleans; they were driving uptown to have dinner with strangers. Ella pushed at her loose tooth with the tip of her tongue and fanned her legs wit... 'The Thing Around Your Neck' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a collection of short stories that delve into the experiences of Nigerian individuals, both in Nigeria and as immigrants in the United States. The stories explore themes such as the clash of cultures, displacement, personal change, and the struggles faced by women in navigating their identities in different environments. Adichie's writing style is praised for its vivid descriptions, poignant characters, and the ability to seamlessly switch between heavy subject matters and lighter moments.
Adichie's mastery of the short story form shines through in this collection, with each story presenting complete and rounded characters who undergo growth and change. The narratives are compelling, with satisfying endings that leave readers pondering long after finishing the stories. The book is lauded for its ability to bridge the gap between the American experience and the liminal existence of African immigrants, offering a fresh perspective on cultural dynamics and societal issues.
The first time our house was robbed, it was our neighbor Osita who climbed in through the dining room window and stole our TV, our VCR, and the Purple Rain and Thriller videotapes my father had brough...- #10
Save:'Difficult Women' by Roxane Gay is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of women facing various challenges and hardships. The stories explore themes of relationships, trauma, power dynamics, and resilience. The writing style is described as raw, dark, and compelling, with some stories touching on magical realism and dystopian elements. Gay's narratives portray women navigating through difficult situations, showcasing their strength and complexity.
Carolina married when she was nineteen. Darryl, her husband, was a decade older but he had a full head of hair and she thought that meant something. They lived with us for the first year. My mom calle...
