Books Like...

In a dystopian future America where resources are funneled into a never-ending war, the novella "Upright Women Wanted" follows Esther as she escapes an arranged marriage after witnessing her girlfriend's execution for possessing unauthorized material. Hoping to atone for her sins, Esther joins a group of traveling librarians who distribute approved materials but are secretly part of the rebellion. Set in a wild west-style world, the story blends elements of western and science fiction genres, focusing on queer self-discovery, resistance against a repressive society, and the journey of acceptance and empowerment.

The book features a diverse cast of characters, including queer and lesbian protagonists, who navigate a society where traditional gender roles and heterosexuality are strictly enforced. Through Esther's perspective, readers explore themes of freedom, rebellion, and the power of knowledge in a world where the state controls media and resources, offering a mix of action, romance, and hope in a compact and engaging narrative.

In Ling Ma's 'Severance', the protagonist Candace Chen navigates a post-apocalyptic world where a fever pandemic has decimated the population, leaving only a few survivors. The story follows Candace and a small group of immune individuals as they travel towards safety under the leadership of Bob. Through Candace's reminiscences about her past and observations of the world around her, the novel weaves together themes of routine, consumerism, and the immigrant experience. The writing style is described as darkly humorous, precise, and enthralling, with a focus on the protagonist's introspection and the exploration of modern life amidst a devastating epidemic.

In the not so distant future, California and the Southwestern part of the United States are plagued by a catastrophic drought, leading to the collapse of civilization. Luz and Ray, two survivors, find themselves in a starlet's mansion and decide to escape with a neglected baby to seek a better life. Their journey through the Mohave Desert and the Dune Sea is filled with challenges, leading them to encounter rebel survivors and a cult-like leader in a radically changed landscape. The book is described as a dystopian and realistic storyline that delves into themes of survival, adaptation, and uncertainty in a post-apocalyptic world.

'The Peripheral' by William Gibson is a science fiction novel that explores a near future and a future 70 years ahead, where characters can interact with both time frames through technology. The story involves time travel, virtual presences, and altering timelines, all while navigating through a world dominated by corporate and political greed. Gibson's writing style is described as compelling, vivid, and challenging, requiring readers to work to understand the complex situations and terminology introduced in the narrative.

Adrian Tchaikovsky's 'Cage of Souls' is a standalone story set in a distant future Earth where civilization has collapsed, leaving only one city inhabited by a population obsessed with vanity and politics. The protagonist, Stefan Advani, documents his life as an academic condemned to a prison on an island, amidst a dying world where humanity has accepted its fate. The narrative weaves together elements of science fiction, dystopia, and existential horror, creating a rich and engrossing world filled with strange prisons, monstrous creatures, and eerie apocalyptic sights.

The book is narrated by Stefan, an academic with a complex and sometimes contradictory character, who finds himself entangled in world-changing events that he observes as an outsider. The story unfolds non-linearly, offering glimpses of a doomed future and impending apocalypse through Stefan's personal and intimate perspective, keeping readers on their toes with unpredictable plot twists and a sense of impending doom.

'Earth Abides' by George R. Stewart is a post-apocalyptic novel that follows the protagonist Isherwood Williams as he navigates a world devastated by a deadly disease. The story explores Ish's journey as he encounters the rapid loss of knowledge, attempts to rebuild society, and reflects on the changes in human civilization over generations. The writing style is introspective and insightful, delving into themes of survival, loss, and the resilience of humanity in the face of catastrophe.

'The End of October' by Lawrence Wright is a gripping thriller that explores the outbreak of a deadly pandemic that starts in Indonesia and spreads worldwide. The plot follows epidemiologist Henry Parsons as he races against time to find a cure while countries shut down and chaos ensues. The book is described as intense, uncanny, and eerily prescient, with parallels to real-life events such as the Covid-19 pandemic. The writing style is fast-paced, suspenseful, and well-researched, incorporating details about viruses, pandemics, and the heroic efforts to combat them.

The narrative delves into the complexities of a global crisis, touching on themes of political intrigue, conspiracy theories, and the fragility of society in the face of a catastrophic event. The book keeps readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns, while also providing a thought-provoking exploration of the potential consequences of a widespread pandemic. Overall, 'The End of October' offers a dark and gripping portrayal of a world grappling with a devastating outbreak, drawing readers into a thrilling and unsettling story.

In "Bannerless" by Carrie Vaughn, the story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where strict rules on population control and resource management are enforced in small, tight-knit villages along the Coast Road. The plot follows Enid, a young investigator, as she delves into a murder mystery in the seemingly idyllic town of Pasadan, uncovering the unsettling truths about the society's foundations and its darker undercurrents. Through alternating timelines, the narrative weaves together Enid's past and present, providing a deeper understanding of the characters and the intricacies of the world they inhabit.

The book combines elements of dystopian fiction with a murder mystery, offering a unique perspective on a future society grappling with the consequences of environmental disaster and societal collapse. Vaughn's writing style intricately explores themes of population control, societal pressures, and the complexities of human relationships within a carefully constructed post-apocalyptic setting.

Parable of the Talents is a dystopian SciFi novel set in America in 2032, where society has collapsed due to climate change and economic crises. The story follows Lauren Olamina's efforts to establish her Earthseed belief system amidst chaos and oppression. The narrative delves into the clash between Earthseed and a right-wing Christian government, highlighting themes of survival, power struggles, and the struggle for a new belief system in a deteriorating society.

After a devastating pandemic kills off most of the male population, 'Afterland' by Lauren Beukes follows the story of Cole and her son Miles, who is one of the few remaining males immune to the virus. The novel explores their journey as they try to escape captivity in the United States and make their way back to South Africa. Along the way, they encounter various challenges, including dealing with a religious cult, dodging authorities, and navigating a world where women are now in charge. The alternating points of view between Cole, Miles, and Cole's sister Billie provide insight into their struggles and motivations as they navigate a post-pandemic world.