Books Like...

Heroes by Robert Cormier is a dark and gripping novel set during World War II, following the story of Francis Joseph Cassavant, a young war hero who returns home without a face. The book delves into Francis's quest for revenge against his childhood hero, Larry LaSalle, who committed a heinous act that changed Francis's life forever. Through flashbacks and suspenseful storytelling, the author explores themes of heroism, betrayal, and the impact of war on individuals' lives.

"The Half-Life of Planets" is a young adult novel that follows the story of two teens, Lianna and Hank, who meet and form a close bond despite their differences. The book is written from dual points of view, with each author capturing the distinct voices of the characters. Lianna is a science geek with a passion for astronomy, while Hank is on the Asperger's spectrum and deeply connected to music from before 1990. As their relationship blossoms, they navigate issues such as social anxieties, family dynamics, and societal labels, all while maintaining a sense of humor and honesty. The alternating chapters provide insight into each character's perspective, adding depth and richness to the story.

'Free as a Bird' by Gina McMurchy-Barber narrates the heartbreaking story of Ruby Jean, a girl born with Down syndrome, who is mistreated and placed in an institution called Woodlands School. Despite the challenges she faces, Ruby Jean's narrative is filled with moments of hope, friendship, and resilience. The writing style is honest, direct, and simple, capturing the raw emotions of the characters and the harsh realities of the institutional setting.

The book sheds light on the dark truths of institutional living, highlighting the abuses, isolation, and lack of compassion faced by individuals like Ruby Jean. Through Ruby Jean's perspective, readers are taken on a journey of sadness, hope, and ultimately, triumph. The author, drawing from her own experiences working at Woodlands, brings authenticity to the narrative, making it a powerful and thought-provoking read.

Tenderness by Robert Cormier tells the story of two main characters, Eric and Lori, both with troubled pasts and emotional issues. Eric is a complex serial killer released from juvenile detention, while Lori is a runaway seeking affection and love. Their paths cross, leading to a disturbing and suspenseful relationship that unfolds through different perspectives, creating a chilling and gripping tale of psychological terror. The narrative explores themes of obsession, love, innocence, and justice, as the characters navigate their dark desires and twisted emotions towards each other.

The writing style in Tenderness is dark, gritty, and complex, drawing readers into the minds of the protagonists as they struggle with their inner demons and traumatic pasts. Robert Cormier skillfully crafts a suspenseful plot with unexpected twists, allowing readers to delve into the psychological depths of the characters and their actions. handles mature topics delicately, making it suitable for high school psychology or ethics classes, while also offering a thought-provoking exploration of tenderness amidst darkness and tragedy.

"My Sweet Audrina" by V.C. Andrews is a mysterious and haunting tale of a young girl named Audrina, who is trapped in a life overshadowed by her deceased older sister. The story revolves around Audrina's struggles with her controlling parents, the dark secrets of her family, and her journey to uncover the truth about her past. The book is filled with twisted family relationships, psychological complexity, and a shocking revelation that changes Audrina's life forever.

The narrative is characterized by gothic horror, sick family dynamics, and a sense of mystery that keeps the reader hooked until the haunting conclusion. Through the eyes of Audrina, the reader is drawn into a world of stifling parental love, abuse, and deceit, all set within the eerie backdrop of the Whitefern family estate. The plot unfolds with layers of secrets, lies, and disturbing revelations, culminating in a chilling exploration of the legacy of the Whitefern family.

Fade by Robert Cormier is a captivating novel that follows the life of Paul Moreaux, a young boy who discovers he has the unique ability to fade or disappear at will. As Paul navigates the challenges of adolescence, his newfound power leads him to uncover dark secrets within his town and within himself. The book seamlessly weaves together coming-of-age themes, elements of sci-fi thriller, and a touch of horror, creating a literary mystery that keeps readers spellbound until the end. Through multiple perspectives and timelines, Cormier explores the struggles of being an adolescent, the complexities of human emotions, and the eternal battle between good and evil.

The plot of Fade delves into the consequences of possessing a supernatural ability, the impact of family history on individual lives, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. Cormier's writing style is both nostalgic and realistic, capturing the essence of youth while delving into the deeper complexities of adulthood. The novel skillfully balances tenderness and violence, realism and fantasy, intimacy and disorientation, offering a thought-provoking and immersive reading experience.

The Skook by J.P. Miller is a captivating novel that follows Span Barrman, a middle-aged businessman trapped in a mundane life, who finds himself entombed in an underground cavern after a chance encounter with a satanic biker gang. As Span navigates the darkness and isolation of the cave, he is accompanied by the mystical creature known as the Skook, which challenges him to reevaluate his life and beliefs. Through introspective conversations with the Skook, Span embarks on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with existential questions and confronting his vulnerabilities. The novel weaves together elements of survival, psychological exploration, and dark humor, engaging readers with its unexpected twists and thought-provoking narrative.

Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott is a haunting and heartbreaking story that follows the life of a fifteen-year-old girl, known only as Alice, who has been living in captivity for the past five years after being abducted by a man named Ray. The book delves into the disturbing and tragic realities of Alice's daily life filled with emotional, physical, and sexual abuse at the hands of her abductor. Through a raw and compelling narrative, the author provides a glimpse into Alice's mental state and the horrors she endures, shedding light on the dark and harrowing world of an abused teenager.

The writing style in Living Dead Girl is described as frank and straightforward, yet evocative and powerful. Elizabeth Scott's narrative captures the reader's attention from the very beginning, drawing them into Alice's world of torment and despair. The book is praised for its ability to convey the emotional depth of the protagonist and the unsettling circumstances she finds herself in, making it a gripping and thought-provoking read that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.

"The Bumblebee Flies Anyway" by Robert Cormier is a poignant young adult novel set in a special clinic for experimental drugs and treatments. The protagonist, Barney, is a teenager who is not terminal like the other patients at the clinic. The story follows Barney's journey of self-discovery as he grapples with his mysterious past, befriends his peers, and falls in love with Mazzo's twin sister, Cassie. As the doctors at the clinic conduct experiments on Barney's memory, the narrative takes a strange and compelling turn, delving into themes of identity, friendship, and hope amidst terminal illness.

Barney's character is intricately woven into a narrative that balances elements of mystery, emotion, and introspection. Through dream sequences and interactions with his fellow patients, Barney's quest for self-understanding unfolds against the backdrop of experimental treatments and the looming specter of mortality. Robert Cormier's writing style shines in this novel, capturing the complexities of teenage experiences, the nuances of relationships, and the profound impact of memory and identity on one's sense of self.

The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton is a gripping novel that follows the life of Mike, a young man who is unable to speak due to a traumatic event in his childhood. Despite his silence, Mike discovers a talent for picking locks, which leads him into a life of crime. The narrative alternates between different timelines, gradually revealing the events that shaped Mike's life and his journey into the criminal world, all while exploring themes of trauma, love, and redemption.

Hamilton's writing style in The Lock Artist is described as engaging and suspenseful, with a unique structure that keeps readers hooked. The story unfolds through a first-person narrative by Mike, providing insight into his inner thoughts and struggles as he navigates his way through a dangerous world of safecracking and criminal activities.