Books Like...
'Idol' by Louise O'Neill delves into the world of social media influencers, exploring the themes of online celebrity, authenticity, memory, and trust. The story follows Samantha Miller, a successful lifestyle guru with a massive online following, whose life is turned upside down when she is accused of sexual assault by her childhood best friend. As the narrative unfolds, the reader is taken on a journey through Samantha's past struggles with addiction, her carefully curated online persona, and the blurred lines between truth and perception. The novel skillfully navigates complex contemporary issues such as consent, abortion, and feminism, while keeping the reader hooked with its fast-paced and addictive storytelling.
If you liked Idol, here are the top 15 books to read next:
- #1
Molloy by Samuel Beckett is a novel that delves into the inner monologues of two main characters, Molloy and Moran. Molloy, a homeless wanderer, reflects on his relationships, struggles, and encounters with the authorities, while Moran, a private detective, embarks on a mysterious quest to find Molloy. The book is divided into two parts, with each character narrating their own section, showcasing Beckett's unique writing style that combines existential themes with dark humor and absurdity.
It is midnight. The rain is beating on the windows. I am calm. All is sleeping. Nevertheless I get up and go to my desk. I can’t sleep. My lamp sheds a soft and steady light. I have trimmed it. It wil... - #2
"Death of a Bookseller" by Alice Slater follows the intertwining lives of two women, Laura and Roach, who are both booksellers and have their lives touched by murder. Laura, still coping with the pain of her mother's tragic death, crosses paths with Roach, a true crime enthusiast who becomes obsessed with her. The plot delves into the psychological entanglements of the characters, exploring themes of obsession, morality, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction in the realm of true crime. The narrative switches between Laura and Roach, building a tense and chilling atmosphere as the story unfolds with a mix of thriller elements and social commentary.
- #3
Mrs. March is a psychological thriller that follows the titular character, a New York upper-class housewife, as she spirals into paranoia and madness after suspecting that her husband's bestselling novel is based on her. The book delves into Mrs. March's delusions, her descent into psychosis, and her increasing inability to distinguish between reality and fantasy. Set against the backdrop of New York's upper class society, the novel explores themes of identity, perception, and the weight of societal expectations.
It was a large tome, the cover featuring an old Dutch oil painting of a young handmaiden touching her neck modestly. Mrs. March passed a rather impressive pyramid of hardcovers in the window of one of... - #4
'The Devil of Nanking' by Mo Hayder is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that delves into the atrocities of the Nanjing Massacre in 1937. The story follows Grey, an English woman obsessed with uncovering the truth about the massacre, and Shi Chongming, a Chinese professor who holds a key piece of evidence. As Grey navigates through Tokyo, she finds herself entangled in a dangerous mission involving an old Yakuza boss and a mysterious Chinese folk remedy. The narrative weaves together themes of history, war, love, and mental health, culminating in a gripping and heart-wrenching tale that explores the depths of human darkness and redemption.
The writing style of 'The Devil of Nanking' is described as beautifully written, deeply disturbing, and meticulously paced. The author, Mo Hayder, skillfully blends elements of crime fiction, mystery, and horror, creating a narrative that leaves a lasting impact on the reader. The characters, including the protagonist Grey, the Chinese professor, and the menacing Yakuza boss, are vividly portrayed, each with their own dark secrets that contribute to the overall atmosphere of tension and suspense.
Sometimes you have to really make an effort. Even when you’re tired and hungry and you find yourself somewhere completely strange. That was me in Tokyo that summer, standing in front of Professor Shi ... - #5
'What Lies Between Us' by John Marrs is a psychological thriller that delves into the twisted and dysfunctional relationship between a mother, Maggie, and her daughter, Nina. The story unfolds in a domestic setting, revealing dark secrets and unexpected twists that keep the readers on edge. The narrative alternates between Maggie and Nina's perspectives, creating unreliable narrators that add layers of suspense and intrigue to the plot. Marrs skillfully weaves a tale of manipulation, abuse, and hidden truths, leaving readers questioning the reality of the characters' motives and actions.
The book is praised for its gripping and disturbing storyline that explores the depths a mother would go to protect her daughter, even if it means resorting to extreme measures. Marrs' writing style is commended for its ability to captivate the readers, with each chapter unraveling shocking revelations and keeping the suspense high until the very end. The plot is described as a rollercoaster ride full of twists and turns, offering a unique and intense reading experience that sets it apart from traditional psychological thrillers.
You can’t see me from my place up here in the crow’s nest. No one going about their business in the street can. I know that because I must have waved at my neighbours hundreds of times and they’ve nev... - #6
'Motherthing' by Ainslie Hogarth is a darkly humorous exploration of complex family dynamics, mental illness, and intergenerational trauma. The story follows Abby, who moves in with her husband Ralph to care for his mother, Laura, after her suicide. As Ralph spirals into depression following his mother's death, Abby grapples with her own troubled past and the eerie presence of Laura's ghost. The narrative delves into themes of parental rejection, dysfunctional relationships, and the desperate search for love and validation.
The book is narrated from Abby's perspective, providing a nuanced portrayal of her struggles with self-worth, emotional instability, and the desire for familial connection. Through Abby's interactions with various characters, including Mrs. Bondy, her workplace surrogate mother, and Ralph, the author navigates the delicate balance between dark humor and disturbing scenes, creating a captivating and thought-provoking read.
The night Ralph’s mother flayed her forearms, a woman in a red dress handed him a business card. I know how woman in a red dress sounds because I thought the same thing at first. When I got back to th... - #7
'A Touch of Jen' by Beth Morgan is a novel that delves into the lives of a couple, Remy and Alicia, who become consumed by their obsession with a woman named Jen. Initially exploring themes of shallow lives and selfishness, the book takes a bizarre turn that leads to a nightmarish and hallucinatory experience for the characters. As they are drawn deeper into Jen's world, the story evolves into a blend of genres, offering a wild and unpredictable narrative that challenges traditional storytelling boundaries. The author's writing style is described as sharp, realistic, and sophisticated, with a focus on psychological states and character development that keeps readers engaged throughout the book.
Their movements are theatrical and corny. They mash their faces together like soap opera stars. Remy shuts his eyes and plays a movie in which Alicia has been replaced by Jen, with her freckled boobs ... - #8
In The Drowning Girl, the story revolves around India Morgan Phelps, also known as Imp, a young woman struggling with schizophrenia. Through a complex and layered narrative, Imp recounts her encounters with Eva Canning, a character who embodies various identities such as a ghost, a mermaid, and a werewolf. The book delves into themes of reality versus fantasy, mental illness, artistic obsession, and the blurred lines between truth and imagination. The writing style of the book is described as dense, immersive, and non-linear, challenging readers with its unreliable narrator and requiring attention to detail to unravel the story's complexities.
The Drowning Girl is a haunting and dark exploration of Imp's journey as she navigates her mental illness and grapples with her own perceptions of reality. The narrative is filled with symbolism, cultural references, and a mix of dreamlike sequences that blur the boundaries between fact and fiction. The book's rich storytelling weaves together themes of love, friendship, madness, and self-discovery, creating a compelling and thought-provoking reading experience.
My name is India Morgan Phelps, though almost everyone I know calls me Imp. I live in Providence, Rhode Island, and when I was seventeen, my mother died in Butler Hospital, which is located at 345 Bla... - #9
The Red Tree by Caitlin R. Kiernan is a psychological horror novel that follows writer Sarah Crowe as she moves to a small town in Rhode Island and gets entangled in eerie events surrounding an ancient red oak. The story unfolds through Sarah's journal, blending personal traumas with mysterious occurrences, creating a sense of psychological horror. Kiernan's writing style incorporates elements of Lovecraftian horror, with an unreliable narrator and a focus on the psychological aspects of fear and dread.
I’m almost awake now, starting in on my second cup of coffee, sitting here at the kitchen table, and writing this in the spiral-bound notebook I purchased down in Coventry, a little over a week ago. I... - #10
Lisa Taddeo's first novel, 'Animal', delves into the disturbing story of Joan, a complex character whose sardonic and cryptic first-person account reveals a lost soul trapped in the prison of her own life. Joan's traumatic past and unwise choices force her to navigate two simultaneous lives - one superficial, necessary for survival in New York's tumultuous social scene, and the other filled with rage, insecurities, and mistrust. The book takes readers on a grimy and visceral journey through Joan's emotional and mental state, mirroring the chaos of her experiences.
The plot unfolds as Joan flees her past in New York to seek answers in the counter-culture world of Los Angeles, particularly in Topanga Canyon, where she embarks on a quest to uncover the mysterious Alice's secrets. Through a raw depiction of human experiences, the book explores themes of trauma, grief, anger, and love, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable emotions and societal constructs. Taddeo's writing style, characterized by genius descriptions and truncated, impactful sentences, immerses readers in a narrative that is both horrifying and beautiful, ultimately leading to a complex exploration of femininity, victimhood, and societal expectations.
I DROVE MYSELF OUT OF New York City where a man shot himself in front of me. He was a gluttonous man and when his blood came out it looked like the blood of a pig. That’s a cruel thing to think, I kno...