Books Like...

The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline is a dystopian novel set in a future Canada where indigenous people are hunted for their bone marrow, the key to dreaming which the rest of the population has lost. The story follows Frenchie, a 16-year-old Metis boy who joins a group of indigenous people fleeing north to escape the recruiters. Through a nonlinear narrative, the book explores themes of survival, loss, family, and the exploitation of indigenous cultures in a post-apocalyptic world.

'Split Tooth' by Tanya Tagaq is a genre-defying book that delves into the raw and brutal experiences of a young Inuit girl growing up in the far north. The story is a blend of coming-of-age narrative, magical realism, and poetry, exploring themes of abuse, violence, and the harsh realities of life in the Arctic. The writing style is described as visceral, electric, and haunting, with scenes that seamlessly shift between the mundane and the mythical, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.

In 'The Dog Stars' by Peter Heller, the story is set nine years after a flu epidemic has devastated the world, leaving only a few survivors. The protagonist, Hig, is a pilot living in eastern Colorado with his dog Jasper and his survivalist partner Bangley. The narrative unfolds as Hig grapples with loss and loneliness, while also seeking hope and connection by investigating a mysterious signal he received years ago. The book's writing style, with a mix of fragmented prose and poetic language, captures the post-apocalyptic setting and the emotional depth of the characters' experiences.

Bad Cree by Jessica Johns is an Indigenous wendigo horror novel that delves into the themes of family bonds and grief, particularly among women. The story follows a Cree woman who is haunted by nightmares of her dead sister and must reconnect with the women in her family to uncover the truth behind these eerie occurrences. Set in Vancouver and rural Alberta, the book combines elements of supernatural horror with a focus on indigenous culture and family relationships, creating a gripping narrative with a slow-building tension that keeps readers engaged until the end.

'Son of a Trickster' by Eden Robinson follows the story of Jared, a young smart-mouthed teenager living with his troubled mother. Despite facing unfortunate events and unreliable adults in his life, Jared's strong core of compassion and sense of duty shines through as he navigates through teenage struggles and family dysfunction. The narrative weaves together elements of magical realism with raw realism, portraying Jared's life with a mix of teenage drama, family dynamics, and the introduction of fantastical elements like talking animals and supernatural beings. The writing style is described as sparse yet engaging, with witty and gritty dialogues that bring the characters to life in a vivid and authentic manner.

Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese is a powerful and heartbreaking story that delves into the life of Saul Indian Horse, an Ojibway boy who was taken from his family and sent to a residential school in Canada. Despite the brutalities he faced, Saul finds solace in the game of hockey, using it as an escape from his traumatic past. The book beautifully captures Saul's journey of healing and self-discovery as he navigates through the challenges of racism, abuse, and addiction, ultimately finding strength in his cultural roots and community support. Wagamese's writing style is described as poignant and poetic, with vivid descriptions that evoke strong emotions in the readers.

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel is a post-apocalyptic novel set 20 years after a deadly flu pandemic wipes out most of the world's population. The story weaves together the lives of various characters before, during, and after the outbreak, exploring themes of survival, hope, community, and the importance of art in a devastated world. The narrative jumps between different timelines, offering glimpses into how individuals adapt to the new reality and find connections amidst chaos.

The novel is praised for its beautiful writing style, rich character development, and intricate plot structure that moves back and forth in time. It incorporates elements like theater, Shakespeare, a symphony, a comic book, and intertwining storylines to create a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that explores the complexities of human relationships and resilience in the face of catastrophe.

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.

'Dies the Fire' by S.M. Stirling is a post-apocalyptic novel where a mysterious event disables all modern technology, throwing the world back into a pre-industrial era. The story follows different groups of survivors as they navigate a world without electricity, guns, or machinery, focusing on their struggles to adapt to the new reality and rebuild society. The book explores themes of community, survival, and the impact of historical models on shaping the new post-technological world. The writing style includes detailed descriptions and complex character development, with a mix of pagan and historical elements woven into the narrative.

The plot of 'Dies the Fire' revolves around how society copes with the sudden loss of technology and the shift to a more primitive way of life. The characters face challenges in food production, defense, and medical care, leading to a reconfiguration of social structures and power dynamics. The book delves into the personal journeys of individuals as they navigate the aftermath of the apocalyptic event, highlighting themes of resilience, adaptation, and the exploration of different responses to a changed environment.

Empire of Wild by Cherie Dimaline weaves together the legend of the rogarou, a werewolf-like creature, with the modern-day story of Joan searching for her missing husband, Victor. Set in a Canadian First People community, the novel explores themes of indigenous myths, colonialism, and the exploitation of indigenous lands, all while blending elements of magical realism with a contemporary setting. Dimaline's writing style is described as beautiful, sometimes profound, and akin to that of a poet, making the story a captivating and thought-provoking read.