Books Like...

"The Opposite of Everyone" by Joshilyn Jackson tells the story of Paula Kali Vauss, a tough divorce attorney with a troubled past. The narrative alternates between Paula's present life and her nomadic childhood with her mother, Kai. As Paula receives a cryptic message from her estranged mother after years of no contact, her life takes unexpected turns. The book delves into themes of forgiveness, family dynamics, and self-discovery, painting a picture of a complex and flawed protagonist navigating through her past and present.

The novel is known for its engaging storytelling, compelling characters, and seamless transitions between different timeframes. Readers are drawn into Paula's world, where past traumas and relationships shape her present choices and struggles. Joshilyn Jackson's writing style weaves together humor, heartbreak, and redemption, creating a story that explores the complexities of love, forgiveness, and the impact of family ties on one's identity.

'A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty' by Joshilyn Jackson is a story that delves into the lives of three generations of women - Big Ginny, mother to Liza who suffered a stroke at a young age, and Liza's teenage daughter Mosey. The family is living under a curse that strikes every fifteen years, and when a box of infant bones is discovered, buried secrets are brought to light, changing the Slocumb family forever. The plot revolves around mystery, coming of age, love, and redemption, with a southern setting that combines elements of prestige and wealth with poverty and slums.

The story is narrated through alternating chapters from the perspectives of the three Slocumb women, each with a distinct voice and facing the threat to their family in their own way. The characters are well-developed and multifaceted, with secrets and difficulties that are slowly revealed, making the readers emotionally invested in the story. The book captures the essence of southern women's fiction, blending humor and heartache, along with a core of pain and heartache at its center.

Backseat Saints by Joshilyn Jackson is a gripping tale of a young woman, Rose Mae Lolley, who flees from her abusive husband and embarks on a journey to find her long-lost mother. Through various versions of herself - from a rebellious high schooler to a battered wife named Ro Grandee - the story unfolds across different locations, exploring themes of domestic violence, self-discovery, and the search for truth amidst a backdrop of complex relationships and dark family secrets.

The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht is a novel set in an unnamed Balkan country, following the narrator, Natalia, a young doctor investigating her grandfather's death. Through a series of local legends and stories, including those of The Tiger's Wife and The Deathless Man, the book explores themes of death, relationships, and the impact of war on individuals and communities. The narrative weaves together past and present, magical realism, and rich characterizations, creating a tapestry of interconnected tales that delve into the human condition amidst a backdrop of historical turmoil.

'Lilac Girls' by Martha Hall Kelly is a historical fiction novel set during World War II, focusing on the experiences of three women - Caroline, a New York socialite involved in humanitarian efforts, Kasia, a Polish teenager caught in the underground resistance, and Herta, a German doctor at the Ravensbruck concentration camp. The story spans from the late 1930s to the late 1950s, intertwining the lives of these women as they navigate the horrors of war, including medical experiments and the aftermath of the conflict.

The narrative alternates between the viewpoints of these three women, providing a rich variety of experiences throughout the war and beyond. The author skillfully weaves together their stories, exploring themes of survival, resilience, and the long-lasting effects of both cruelty and hope on the human spirit. delves into the lesser-known aspects of World War II, shedding light on the Rabbits of Ravensbruck and the atrocities committed during the war, while also touching on the post-war recovery and struggles faced by survivors.

'Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood' by Rebecca Wells is a heartwarming story that delves into the complex relationships between mothers and daughters, as well as the enduring bonds of friendship among women. Set in the Southern United States, the novel follows Siddalee Walker as she navigates her strained relationship with her mother, Vivi, and uncovers the secrets of her mother's past through a scrapbook kept by Vivi and her group of lifelong friends, known as the Ya Yas. The writing style captures the essence of Southern charm and explores themes of forgiveness, love, and female empowerment through flawed yet relatable characters.

A young widow, Evvie Drake, who is trying to move on from her difficult marriage, crosses paths with Dean, a former star pitcher struggling with the disappointment of his career coming to an abrupt end. As they navigate their personal challenges, Evvie and Dean form a unique bond, supported by family, friends, and a therapist, leading to a story of resilience, friendship, and starting over. Set in a small town in Maine, the novel weaves humor, romance, and pop culture references into a heartwarming tale of self-discovery and forging genuine connections.

'The Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society' is a heartwarming and poignant story set in the post-World War II period on the Channel Islands, specifically Guernsey Island. The plot is revealed through a series of letters exchanged between characters, shedding light on the German occupation of the island during WWII. The writing style is described as charming, light-hearted, and engaging, with a focus on relationships between characters and the historical backdrop of the war.

'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' by Alexander McCall Smith follows the story of Mma Precious Ramotswe, the first and only female detective in Botswana. Through a series of charming and gentle mysteries, Mma Ramotswe uses her common sense, wit, and understanding of human nature to solve various cases in her rural community. offers a glimpse into the culture and life in Botswana, portraying the protagonist as a strong, intelligent, and endearing character who navigates through life's challenges with optimism and humor.

The writing style of the book is described as light, easygoing, and heartwarming, with a focus on character development and relationships rather than complex plotlines. Readers appreciate the author's ability to create a vivid and picturesque setting in Botswana, allowing them to immerse themselves in the warmth of the narrative and the insights into African culture and traditions.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is a historical fiction novel set in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. The story follows two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, who navigate the challenges of resistance and survival in the face of the Nazi regime. The book delves into the experiences of French civilians, resistance fighters, Jewish individuals, and even German soldiers, providing a compelling and believable portrayal of the time period. Through well-developed characters and a gripping plot, the author weaves a tale of bravery, sacrifice, and the strength of women during wartime.