Books Like...

Made for Love by Alissa Nutting is a quirky and hilarious novel that explores the impact of technology on modern life. The story follows Hazel, who flees from her controlling tech mogul husband to her father's trailer, only to find him in a relationship with a sex doll. Meanwhile, we are introduced to Jasper, a con artist whose life takes a bizarre turn after an encounter with a dolphin. The book delves into themes of love, relationships, social norms, and the dangers of technology, all while maintaining a fresh and funny writing style that keeps the reader engaged.

Fruiting Bodies is a debut collection of eight short stories by Kathryn Harlan. It features primarily queer female characters who navigate surreal and fantastical situations. The stories delve into themes like obsession, the body, and complex family dynamics, often shrouded in a gothic tone. Rich with environmental horror and beautiful prose, the collection explores the angst of growing up in a world facing ecological decline. Characters grapple with trauma, identity, and the haunting presence of nature, sometimes with a dash of horror. Harlan's writing is both magical and thought-provoking, inviting readers to reflect on their own struggles and relationships.

'Land of Big Numbers: Stories' by Te-Ping Chen is a collection of ten short stories set in contemporary China, exploring the lives of ordinary men and women facing various challenges and struggles in a society focused on progress and economic development. The stories offer a diverse portrayal of Chinese society, blending elements of magical realism with poignant narratives that delve into themes of hope, resilience, and the complexities of everyday life in China.

'Mr. Fox' by Helen Oyeyemi is a complex and metafictional novel that weaves together elements of Bluebeard, fairy tales, Greek mythology, and the Bible. The story revolves around the relationships between a writer named St. John Fox, his wife Daphne, and his imaginary muse Mary Foxe. The narrative is non-linear, with well-developed characters and interwoven short stories that explore themes of writing, dreaming, imagination, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction.

The book is described as experimental fiction that delves into the power dynamics between men and women, the complexities of storytelling, and the intricate connections between the characters' lives and the stories they create. The writing style is praised for being clever, beautifully crafted, and thought-provoking, despite the challenging and sometimes disjointed nature of the plot.

'The Passion' by Jeanette Winterson is a historical novel set during the Napoleonic Wars, primarily focusing on the intertwining lives of Henri, a French soldier, and Villanelle, a Venetian boatman's daughter. The story is full of magical realism, philosophical quotes, and explores themes of passion, love, war, and deception. Winterson's writing style is described as unique, with short sentences that are clear yet elusive, requiring the reader to savor and reflect on the full meaning of the narrative.

The novel is set in France, Russia, and Venice, with a significant emphasis on the evocative and mysterious city of Venice. The characters of Henri and Villanelle are portrayed as complex and engaging, with Venice itself becoming a character in its own right - dangerous, glamorous, and resistant to rationalization. The plot weaves together elements of passion, tragedy, and intimate relationships, creating a story that is both rich and full despite its brevity.

The Book of the Most Precious Substance follows the journey of Lily, a burned-out writer turned rare book dealer, and Lucas, a book trader who indulges in brief flings. The plot revolves around their quest to find an ultra-rare book of sex magic, leading them to various locations and encounters with intriguing characters. The book delves into themes of power, wealth, and the consequences of seeking forbidden knowledge, all intertwined with elements of mystery, magic, and sensuality. The writing style combines detailed descriptions of settings and experiences with a focus on character development and the exploration of human desires and vulnerabilities.

In "The Book of X" by Sarah Rose Etter, readers are taken on a surreal and dark journey through the life of Cassie, a young woman with a knot for a stomach. The book explores themes of body image, relationships, and societal expectations, all wrapped in a layer of magical realism. The narrative is divided into readable chunks that mix dreams, visions, and fact lists, creating an addictive and haunting quality that keeps readers engaged throughout the story.

The book delves into the struggles and agonies of Cassie as she navigates her way through a world that is both bizarre and familiar. From her surreal physical condition to her experiences in a family meat quarry, the story weaves together elements of horror, magical realism, and emotional trauma, all while portraying the complexities of womanhood and otherness in a captivating and unique way.

Angela Carter's book, 'Nights at the Circus', takes readers on a whimsical journey from London to St. Petersburg and into Siberia, set in the year 1899. The story revolves around Fevvers, an aerialiste with seemingly magical wings, whose mystery captivates journalist Jack Walser. As the circus travels to Russia, Carter's characters, described as strange and verging on the insane, unfold their stories in a theatrical, magical, and compelling manner. The narrative weaves between showmanship and reality, blurring the lines with elements of magical realism, dreamlike sequences, and surreal events.

The novel is praised for Angela Carter's smooth and lyrical writing style, creating a world where the impossible seems almost probable. The book challenges traditional aspects of fairytales, gender roles, and sexuality, offering a rich and layered narrative that is both grand and excessive, debauched and lavish. Despite some opinions on the uneven pacing and meandering plot, the book is commended for its unique storytelling, larger-than-life characters, and masterful deployment of language, making it a textual burlesque and a delightful read.

Bliss Montage: Stories by Ling Ma is a collection of eight short stories that blend reality and fantasy in a surreal and captivating manner. The stories are described as thought-provoking, unsettling, and contemplative, touching on themes of misogyny, surrealism, and magical realism. Each story presents a unique narrative, from a woman's transformative journey during a Morning Festival to a professor finding escape in a special way in Office Hours, and a woman navigating an unusual pregnancy in her home country in Tomorrow. Ling Ma's writing style is praised for its dreamlike quality, intertwining fantasy with a touch of reality that keeps readers entertained and intrigued.

Stranger Things Happen by Kelly Link is a collection of short stories that are described as ghost stories without ghosts. The stories are eerie and surreal, blending elements of reality with the supernatural. The book covers a variety of themes and genres, including sci-fi, fantasy, fairy tales, horror, and comedy, creating a unique reading experience that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.