Books Like...
'Reincarnation Blues' by Michael Poore is a unique and thought-provoking novel that follows the journey of Milo, a soul who has been reincarnated nearly 10,000 times in various lives throughout history and the future. The book explores Milo's quest to achieve perfection before his 10,000th life, all while navigating his unconventional relationship with Death, personified as Suzie. Through a blend of humor, philosophy, and science fiction elements, the story delves into themes of love, life's absurdity, and the pursuit of meaning across multiple lifetimes.
The narrative style of 'Reincarnation Blues' is characterized by its non-linear timeline, diverse settings, and interconnected stories that provide a rich tapestry of Milo's experiences. The novel seamlessly weaves together elements of reincarnation, love, and existential exploration, offering a compelling and engaging exploration of the human experience across different lives and time periods.
If you liked Reincarnation Blues, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'Up Jumps the Devil' by Michael Poore is a clever and original story that delves into the character of the Devil himself. The book follows the Devil, also known as John Scratch, through history as he interacts with various individuals, including General Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and a young band who sell their souls for fame. The narrative jumps around in time, mixing history, mythology, and fiction in a twisted and hilarious manner. Poore's writing style is described as funny, wry, sacrilegious, and occasionally moving, with a unique blend of history and inventive storytelling.
The plot of the book revolves around the Devil's interactions with humanity, his Faustian bargains, and his observations about the human condition in a celebrity-obsessed culture. The Devil's character is portrayed as complex and intriguing, with a focus on his relationships with both individuals and society over the centuries. The writing style of the book is noted for its ability to change readers' perspectives on the Devil, combining humor, cleverness, and a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers engaged.
The guests were always different, and always kind of the same. They might be rich or poor. They were always surprised by the lights and cameras. They always seemed a little scared of John Scratch, who... - #2
Save:'French Exit' by Patrick DeWitt is a dark comedy novel that follows Frances Price, a middle-aged widow, and her son, Malcolm, as they face financial ruin and decide to move to Paris with their cat, Small Frank. The story is filled with eccentric characters, including misfits and ne'er do wells, who join Frances and Malcolm on their escapade to Paris. The narrative is described as witty, bizarre, and at times, darkly humorous, with elements of absurdity and pathos woven throughout the plot. The book explores themes of wealth, privilege, dysfunctional relationships, and the complexities of human nature, all set against the backdrop of a quirky and unconventional storyline.
She was a moneyed, striking woman of sixty-five years, easing her hands into black calfskin gloves on the steps of a brownstone in New York City’s Upper East Side. Her son, Malcolm, thirty-two, stood ... - #3
Save:'The Family Fang' by Kevin Wilson follows the story of the Fang family, consisting of performance artists Caleb and Camille, and their children Annie and Buster. The parents involve their children in their disruptive art pieces since childhood, leading to a dysfunctional upbringing where the children struggle to establish their own identities separate from their parents' performances. As adults, Annie becomes an actress and Buster an aspiring writer, both trying to break free from their manipulative parents. The book delves into themes of family dynamics, art, self-discovery, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences on adulthood.
The narrative of 'The Family Fang' is described as whimsical, darkly humorous, and at times disturbing. The writing style is noted for being creative, unique, and engaging, with a plot that unfolds with elements of tension, mystery, and self-destructive tendencies. The story navigates through the complexities of parent-child relationships, showcasing the struggles of the Fang siblings as they come to terms with their unconventional upbringing and strive to find their own paths in life.
Buster was standing in a field in Nebraska, the air so cold the beers he was drinking were freezing as he held them. He was surrounded by former soldiers, a year returned from Iraq, young and strangel... - #4
Save:'The Years of Rice and Salt' by Kim Stanley Robinson is an alternate history novel that explores a world where the Black Plague decimates Europe, leading to a timeline where Asia and the Middle East become dominant powers. The story follows interconnected souls reincarnated throughout centuries, offering a unique perspective on how history unfolds with Buddhism and Islam at the forefront. Readers experience a vast narrative spanning different eras, from the devastation of the plague to the rise of new civilizations, all intricately woven together through the reincarnations of characters and the exploration of philosophical themes like life, death, and progress.
The book presents a thought-provoking premise of a world shaped by different cultural influences and historical events, offering a rich tapestry of interconnected stories that delve into themes of spirituality, reincarnation, and the complexities of human progress. Through vivid storytelling and intricate world-building, Kim Stanley Robinson presents a compelling vision of an alternate reality where familiar historical events take unexpected turns, inviting readers to contemplate the impact of different belief systems and societal structures on the course of civilization.
Now he had taken on the form of a small Mongol named Bold Bardash, horseman in the army of Temur the Lame. Son of a Tibetan salt trader and a Mongol innkeeper and spirit woman, and thus a traveller fr... - #5
Save:The Hike by Drew Magary is a fantastical journey that follows Ben, a businessman, who embarks on a hike in the Pocono Mountains that takes a bizarre turn. He encounters man-eating giants, demons, and a foul-mouthed crab as he navigates through a surreal world filled with challenges and mysteries. The story is a blend of fantasy, horror, and adventure, with a touch of humor and irony. As Ben tries to find his way back home, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of laughs, chills, and suspense, making it an entertaining and offbeat read.
The writing style of The Hike is described as unique, compelling, and at times, bizarre. The narrative is fast-paced, with short chapters that keep the story moving along swiftly. The author, Drew Magary, creates a world that is both terrifying and hilarious, with unexpected twists and turns that leave readers on the edge of their seats. The book offers a mix of fantasy elements, horror themes, and philosophical undertones, making it a thought-provoking and engaging read.
There were deer all over the road. He drove past a street crew in orange vests carrying a dead one off to the side of the highway, gripping the animal by its dainty hooves and moving it like they were... - #6
Save:The Sisters Brothers follows the journey of two hired killers, Eli and Charlie Sisters, in the Wild West during the California Gold Rush era. The narrative is presented in a first-person perspective by Eli, who reflects on their violent lifestyle as they travel from Oregon City to California on a mission to assassinate a prospector named Hermann Kermit Warm. The book combines elements of dark comedy, gritty Western settings, and unexpected plot twists, all wrapped in a narrative style that is both charming and authentic.
The story delves into themes of brotherhood, redemption, and self-discovery as Eli grapples with his desire for a different life while remaining loyal to his bloodthirsty brother, Charlie. The novel captures the essence of the Old West with vivid characterizations, engaging dialogues, and a blend of humor and melancholy that keeps the reader entertained and emotionally invested in the characters' journey.
I was sitting outside the Commodore's mansion, waiting for my brother Charlie to come out with news of the job. It was threatening to snow and I was cold and for want of something to do I studied Char... - #7
Save:'Replay' by Ken Grimwood is a captivating tale of a man named Jeff Winston who dies at age 43 only to wake up in his college dorm room at age 18, with full knowledge of his previous life. He finds himself trapped in a time loop, reliving the same 25-year sequence repeatedly, making different choices each time. The book explores themes of second chances, life choices, love, and the inevitability of loss. The writing style is described as compelling, thought-provoking, and engaging, with a mix of time travel elements and deep explorations of human emotions and relationships.
“We need—” she’d said, and he never heard her say just what it was they needed, because something heavy seemed to slam against his chest, crushing the breath out of him. The phone fell from his hand a... - #8
Save:'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.
Liz (who is Elizabeth to her teachers; Lizzie at home, except when she’s in trouble; and just plain Liz everywhere else in the world) sits up in bed, bumping her head on an unforeseen upper bunk. From... - #9
Save:'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.
I began to hear a whispering voice. I couldn’t make out the words. Briefly, I could see a form nearby. My eyes were closed but I saw it. I couldn’t tell if the form was male or female but I knew that ... - #10
Save:'How to Stop Time' by Matt Haig follows the life of Tom Hazard, who at over 400 years old ages very slowly due to a rare genetic condition. The book explores Tom's struggles with living through centuries, his encounters with historical figures, and his search for love and meaning in a world where he must constantly keep his condition a secret. The narrative alternates between Tom's present-day life as a history teacher in London and his memories of past experiences, blending elements of historical fiction and contemporary romance. The writing style is introspective and melancholic, delving into themes of time, memory, love, and the fear of the future.
To give you an idea: I was born well over four hundred years ago on the third of March 1581, in my parents’ room, on the third floor of a small French château that used to be my home. It was a warm da...
