Books Like...
Multiple Choice by Alejandro Zambra is a novel structured as a multiple choice test, mimicking the Chilean Academic Verbal Aptitude Test. The book delves into various topics such as human nature, politics, marriage, and relationships through a series of questions that range from inane to insightful. The format of the book presents a mix of the mundane and the extraordinary, the absurd and the rational, all within its 100 pages, providing a unique and thought-provoking reading experience.
If you liked Multiple Choice, here are the top 33 books to read next:
Bats of the Republic is a novel that weaves together two stories separated by 300 years, connected by a mysterious letter enclosed in an envelope at the very end. The book uses prose interspersed with letters, newspaper clippings, maps, and illustrations to create an immersive experience for the reader, offering a unique format that can feel unwieldy at times but is praised for its innovation and beauty.
The novel takes readers on a journey through time and place, exploring themes of interconnectedness, circular storytelling, and the impact of design on the reading experience. It combines elements of historical fiction, science fiction, and dystopia to deliver a creative and wacky narrative that is both engaging and visually stunning.
10/6/43 Mr. Joseph Sloper Gray, I write to ask your formal permission for your daughter Elswyth’s graceful hand in marriage. I believe she would be amenable to the idea. The fruition of this bright ar...- #2
"Death and the Maiden" by Ariel Dorfman is a powerful play that delves into the complexities of justice and reconciliation in a newly democratic country post-dictatorship. The story follows the characters of Gerardo, Paulina, and Roberto, as they navigate the aftermath of a dictatorship and grapple with the crimes of the past, particularly focusing on issues of truth, justice, and punishment. Through intense storytelling and a thriller-like plot, the author paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by individuals in a society transitioning from oppression to democracy.
Set in Chile during a time of political upheaval, the play raises significant questions about the nature of truth and justice, particularly through the character of Paulina who must confront her past trauma of being a political prisoner. The narrative is gripping and thought-provoking, leaving readers riveted as they explore the complexities of the characters and the moral dilemmas they face in a post-dictatorship era.
GERARDO (voice off). You sure you don’t want to come in? Just one for the road (Muffled reply.) . . . Right then, we’ll get together before I leave. I’ve gotta be back by . . . Monday. How about Sunda... - #3
The Unfortunates by B.S. Johnson is a unique novel that challenges traditional storytelling by presenting the narrative in a non-linear format. The book consists of twenty-seven chapters that are separately bound, with only the first and last chapters to be read in a specific order, while the rest can be read in any sequence. The story follows the narrator as he reflects on his memories of his friend Tony, who passed away from cancer, interwoven with his experiences in Nottingham reporting on a football game. Johnson's writing style is described as stream of consciousness, utilizing run-on sentences and interrupted thoughts to mirror the randomness and persistence of memory.
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The Dictionary of the Khazars by Milorad Pavic is a unique and intricate novel that combines historical facts with lyrical storytelling. The book is presented in the form of a lexicon, with entries arranged in alphabetical order, creating a non-linear narrative structure that allows readers to piece together the story by connecting different entries. The plot spans across different time periods and features fantastical elements, fantastical characters, and a blend of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim mythology.
The writing style of The Dictionary of the Khazars has been described as magical realism, reminiscent of authors like Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Jorge Luis Borges. The novel is composed of entries that read like a dictionary, each describing a specific element relevant to the plot. The unconventional format of the book, along with its dreamlike and strange storytelling, makes it a captivating and thought-provoking read.
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In 'War with the Newts' by Karel Capek, a new species of intelligent newts is discovered in Southeast Asia and their intelligence and capabilities are exploited by humans for economic and military purposes. The newts' significance grows gradually, leading to a point where the survival of human civilization and the existence of earth's continents are at risk. The book serves as a timeless satire on consumerism, capitalism, socialism, racism, and human rights, using humor and satire to critique human civilization's greed and disregard for consequences.
The novel follows the story of a sea captain who discovers sea devils or newts in the ocean and finds a way to exploit them for economic gain. As the world economy becomes increasingly dependent on the newt workforce, tensions rise as the newts start to rebel against the human race. Through a mix of science fiction and satire, Capek cleverly weaves a narrative that tackles political and social issues of the time, providing a darkly humorous and thought-provoking commentary on human nature and society.
If you were to look for the little island of Tana Masa on a map you would find it right on the equator slightly to the west of Sumatra. But if you asked Captain J. van Toch of the Kandong Bandoeng wha... - #6
"Exercises in Style" by Raymond Queneau is a collection of the same story, told in 99 different ways. The book revolves around a simple encounter on a bus, where a man accuses another of jostling him, and later the same day, the two characters meet again. Queneau's writing style showcases a variety of narrative techniques and literary forms, from different perspectives to various styles like comedy, sonnet, and even mathematical permutations. The book is a playful exploration of how style can transform a story, demonstrating the impact of narration and writing techniques on storytelling.
Towards the middle of the day and at midday I happened to be on and got on to the platform and the balcony at the back of an S-line and of a Contrescarpe-Champerret bus and passenger transport vehicle... - #7
Building Stories by Chris Ware is a highly unique collection of stories presented in various formats such as hardback graphic novel, cards, foldouts, and a board game. The stories primarily focus on one woman's life and the people who inhabited the same apartment building as her. The reader is encouraged to piece together the non-linear narrative by diving in anywhere, resulting in a rich, wistful, and unromanticized slice of life that is both fantastic and engaging. The format of the book allows readers to experience the storyline through fragments presented in different mediums, creating a truly immersive and interactive reading experience.
The book showcases the lives of various characters living in an apartment building, including an old lady landlord, an unhappy married couple, and a single mother amputee. Each item within the collection presents a fragment of a larger narrative, allowing readers to explore the intricacies of the characters' lives in a unique and engaging way. Through a combination of graphic novel elements and innovative storytelling techniques, Building Stories offers a compelling exploration of human experiences, emotions, and relationships within the confines of a single building.
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'Griffin & Sabine: An Extraordinary Correspondence' by Nick Bantock is a unique and enchanting story that unfolds through letters and postcards exchanged between two artists, Griffin and Sabine, who have never met but share a psychic connection. The plot revolves around the mysterious and magical correspondence between the two characters, where the readers get to physically interact with the letters and postcards by removing them from envelopes to read, adding an intimate touch to the storytelling. is a blend of art and novel, offering a tactile reading experience that delves into the relationship between the characters and their shared artistic experiences, creating a mesmerizing and immersive journey for the readers.
Written in an epistolary format, 'Griffin & Sabine' provides readers with a visually stunning and psychologically intriguing narrative that combines beautiful artwork with a love story told through correspondence. showcases the evolving relationship between Griffin and Sabine through their written exchanges, inviting readers to explore the depths of their connection and the mysteries surrounding their bond. With elements of magic, romance, and suspense, the story captivates readers by offering a glimpse into the private world of the characters through their letters and postcards, creating a one-of-a-kind reading experience that is both captivating and unforgettable.
- #9
'Blow-Up and Other Stories' by Julio Cortazar is a collection of short stories that masterfully blend the fantastic with the mundane, often leaving readers with a sense of unease or disturbing dreams. From the opening tale of 'Axolotl' to the grisly fate of characters in stories like 'The Night Face Up' and 'The Bestiary', Cortazar takes readers on a journey across invisible lines between incompatible states, exploring themes of identity, perception, and reality. The writing style of Cortazar is described as unique, with sentences that are intimate, slightly illogical, and filled with lovely imagery, creating a chthonic slow turning over and over that lingers in the reader's mind.
There was a time when I thought a great deal about the axolotls. I went to see them in the aquarium at the Jardin des Plantes and stayed for hours watching them, observing their immobility, their fain... "Someone Who Will Love You in All Your Damaged Glory" by Raphael Bob-Waksberg is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of relationships, both romantic and familial. The stories are described as subtly heartbreaking yet inherently comedic, blending surreal humor with dark, disturbing emotions and situations. The writing style is noted for its rich language infused with humor, effortless reading experience, and undercurrent of magic realism that transforms the worlds into curious new places.
The book captures the worst versions of relationships, exploring themes of love, loneliness, and the nuances of human connections. The stories range from ordinary failed workplace romances to surreal experiences, with characters navigating breakups, heartbreak, and the trials and tribulations of love. The author's unique voice, smart storytelling abilities, and wistful wit create a collection that is both weird and beautiful, offering unexpected truths and interpretations of meaning that resonate with readers on a personal level.
So if you ever want to hear a whole bunch of people’s opinions about the Right Way to Have a Wedding, the best thing to do is tell people you’re getting married, and then I guarantee you will be up to...