Books Like...

'Still Alice' by Lisa Genova is a heart-wrenching story that follows the life of Alice Howland, a talented Harvard professor diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The novel chronicles Alice's journey as she rapidly loses her memory and sense of self, all written from her own point of view. The reactions of Alice's husband, children, colleagues, and friends are portrayed in a human and illuminating manner, showcasing the impact of the disease on their lives. provides a compassionate and insightful look into the struggles of living with Alzheimer's, offering a unique perspective on the disease.

True Biz by Sara Novic is a heartfelt and riveting story that delves into the world of a Deaf teenage girl named Charlie who finds herself stuck between different worlds. The novel expertly combines palpable emotions such as grief, anger, and self-realization as Charlie embarks on a journey to discover her identity. Through dynamic and relatable characters, the author artfully conveys the struggles and triumphs of the Deaf community, shedding light on the importance of Deaf schools and the challenges faced by Deaf individuals. The narrative also intertwines historic background stories, providing a clear picture of the discrimination and genocide attempts towards the Deaf community.

The book is praised for its engaging plot, well-developed characters of different ages and genders, and the inclusion of ASL American Sign Language lessons within the story. It offers a unique perspective on Deaf culture, family dynamics, and coming-of-age experiences, all set within the backdrop of the politics surrounding Deafness. True Biz not only explores the complexities of Deaf identity but also touches on themes of love, friendship, and activism, making it a must-read for those seeking a profound understanding of the Deaf experience.

'Cycle of the Werewolf' by Stephen King is a short novel that follows the small town of Tarker Mills as it grapples with a werewolf terrorizing its residents each month. The story is divided into 12 chapters, one for each month of the year, with the full moon marking the werewolf attacks. The book combines text with illustrations, creating a unique reading experience that showcases the horror of the situation. The protagonist, a young boy named Marty Coslaw, becomes an unlikely hero in the town's fight against the werewolf, while the identity of the villain remains a mystery until the end. The writing style is described as concise, evoking a sense of terror and tension within the small town setting.

The Gray House by Mariam Petrosyan is a story set in a school for children with disabilities where strange and mystical events occur. The narrative is non-linear and character-driven, focusing on a group of boys with unique abilities who navigate through a world that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy. The House itself is a living entity, full of tribes, tinctures, and mysterious laws seen through the eyes of teenagers, creating a rich and detailed setting that immerses the reader in a complex and captivating storyline.

"A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara is a novel that delves into the lives of four men and their enduring friendship, with a focus on the character Jude who has survived significant abuse in his past. The book intricately portrays the struggles and relationships of the characters over time, leading readers through a rollercoaster of emotions from happiness to utter sadness. The author's writing style is described as immersive, intense, and at times, graphic, as it explores themes of love, trauma, and resilience in the face of adversity.

'A Monster Calls' by Patrick Ness is a heart-wrenching story about a 13-year-old boy named Conor who is struggling to cope with his mother's terminal cancer. Throughout the book, Conor is visited by a monster who guides him through dealing with his mother's illness and helps him confront his deepest fears and emotions. The story explores themes of grief, loss, and acceptance in a poignant and honest manner. The writing style is described as beautifully written, quick-paced, and emotionally impactful, with illustrations that complement the narrative perfectly.

'All the Bright Places' by Jennifer Niven is a young adult novel that follows the story of Finch and Violet, two teenagers who meet on the ledge of a bell tower at school. Their unlikely friendship leads them on a journey to discover the natural wonders of Indiana, but also helps them uncover deeper truths about themselves and each other. The book delves into themes of mental illness, grief, and the complexities of teenage emotions, portraying a poignant and heart-wrenching tale of love, loss, and self-discovery. Niven's writing style intricately weaves together the characters' struggles and emotions, creating a narrative that is both moving and thought-provoking.

Finch and Violet's relationship evolves from a chance meeting on the bell tower to a profound connection that helps them navigate their personal challenges and find reasons to live. The book explores the depths of their characters, portraying their vulnerabilities, fears, and moments of hope with raw honesty. Niven's storytelling captures the essence of teenage emotions and the complexities of mental health issues, offering a compelling narrative that resonates with readers and leaves a lasting impact.

'The Great Alone' by Kristin Hannah is a gripping tale set in the harsh wilderness of Alaska during the 1970s. The story follows the Allbright family as they move to Alaska in an attempt to escape their past traumas. The father, Ernt, a Vietnam War POW, struggles with inner demons which lead to abusive behavior, impacting his wife, Cora, and teenage daughter, Leni. The novel delves into themes of love, survival, resilience, and the dark realities of domestic violence, all set against the backdrop of the unforgiving Alaskan landscape.

Kristin Hannah's writing style in 'The Great Alone' is praised for its vivid descriptions of Alaska, bringing the wilderness to life as a central character in the story. The narrative is emotionally intense, exploring complex relationships and deep-seated family dynamics. The book expertly weaves together themes of love, hardship, abuse, and the unbreakable bonds that tie families together, creating a compelling and thought-provoking read.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini is a heart-wrenching tale that follows the intertwined lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, who find themselves married to the same abusive man, Rasheed. Set against the backdrop of war-torn Afghanistan from the 1970s to the 2000s, the book delves into the struggles and sacrifices these women endure, shedding light on the harsh realities of life in a male-dominated society. The narrative captures the strength, resilience, and unlikely friendship that blossoms between the two women amidst the turmoil they face, painting a vivid picture of the oppressive conditions and violence experienced by women in the region.

Hosseini's storytelling in A Thousand Splendid Suns is described as captivating, moving, and powerful, as he skillfully weaves a narrative that explores themes of love, friendship, sacrifice, and resilience. Through the eyes of Mariam and Laila, the reader gains insight into the plight of women in Afghanistan, the impact of war and political unrest on ordinary people, and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The book offers a poignant and emotional portrayal of the struggles faced by its characters, providing a window into the complexities of life in Afghanistan during tumultuous times.

"The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green follows the story of Hazel, a teenager battling terminal cancer who meets Augustus at a support group, leading to a deep and poignant romance. The book delves into themes of life, love, friendship, and death, offering a unique perspective on facing mortality with humor and grace. Green's writing style is described as witty, emotionally captivating, and realistic, portraying teenage characters dealing with philosophical issues and existential questions in a relatable manner.