Books Like...

'Daisy Jones & The Six' by Taylor Jenkins Reid is a novel written in an interview format that tells the story of a 70s rock band, reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac. The book delves into the lives of the band members, their rise to fame, struggles with addiction, complex relationships, and the dynamics within the group. The writing style, portrayed through interview transcripts, provides a unique and engaging narrative that captures the essence of the rock 'n' roll era.

City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert is a novel narrated by Vivian Morris, an elderly woman looking back on her youth in 1940s New York City. Vivian is sent to live with her aunt Peg, who owns a theater called the Lily Playhouse, after being asked to leave Vassar. The story unfolds through Vivian's memories as she reflects on her experiences in the theater world, her friendships, and her personal growth. The narrative is a mix of nostalgia, humor, drama, and self-discovery, capturing Vivian's journey from a sheltered young woman to a more worldly and independent individual.

The book explores themes of friendship, women's autonomy, sexuality, forgiveness, and the importance of chosen family. Through Vivian's candid storytelling, readers are taken on a journey filled with vibrant characters, nostalgic descriptions of 1940s New York City, and a reflection on life's ups and downs. The narrative style shifts between light-hearted and poignant moments, offering a glimpse into Vivian's past and the lessons she has learned throughout her life.

In "Malibu Rising" by Taylor Jenkins Reid, the story revolves around the Riva siblings, who are survivors of a dysfunctional family living in Malibu. The book delves into the family dynamics, the struggles each sibling faces, and the annual party held by Nina Riva that brings all their stories to a head. Set in a backdrop of fame, tragedy, and personal growth, the narrative flits between past and present, revealing the family history and leading up to a climactic event at the party. The writing style is engaging, with a mix of glitz and glam hiding underlying pathos, making it a compelling blend of family drama and beach read.

'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller is a beautifully written reimagining of the Iliad, focusing on the relationship between Achilles and his companion Patroclus. The story is narrated from Patroclus' perspective, starting from their childhood together and leading up to the events of the Trojan War. Miller's writing style is described as poetic and engaging, bringing the characters and mythological elements to life in a captivating manner.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab follows the story of Addie, a young woman who makes a deal with the devil to escape a forced marriage, granting her immortality but with the curse of being forgotten by everyone she meets. Spanning 300 years, the book explores Addie's journey through history as she struggles to leave her mark on the world and be remembered. The narrative weaves themes of love, loss, time, and the desire for recognition, creating a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience.

The book is praised for its enthralling and creative storytelling that seamlessly blends past and present, highlighting the importance of being seen and appreciated. Readers are drawn into Addie's world, captivated by the lush descriptions of settings, the well-developed characters, and the exploration of complex themes such as loneliness, memory, and the desire for immortality. The writing style is described as beautiful, eloquent, and engaging, with the author skillfully examining the nuances of love, possession, promises, and the yearning to be remembered.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens is a captivating tale that follows the life of Kya, known as the Marsh Girl, who grows up alone in the marshlands of North Carolina. The story weaves between Kya's lonely childhood, her interactions with the townspeople, and a murder mystery that implicates her. The novel beautifully portrays Kya's deep connection to nature, her struggles with isolation, and her journey to find acceptance and love amidst suspicion and adversity. The plot alternates between past and present, building suspense and intrigue as the mysteries of Kya's life unfold, ultimately culminating in a satisfying and emotional resolution.

The writing style in Where the Crawdads Sing is praised for its lyrical and descriptive nature, painting vivid pictures of the marshlands and capturing the essence of Kya's solitary existence. The author, Delia Owens, skillfully incorporates themes of survival, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships, creating a story that is both poignant and engaging. The novel delves into Kya's growth from a young girl abandoned by her family to a strong, independent woman who navigates life's challenges with courage and grace.

Fingersmith by Sarah Waters is a Victorian gothic novel filled with plot twists and turns, following the story of two orphan girls who unknowingly have intertwined lives. The book delves into themes of betrayal, ruined innocence, treachery, and madness, all set against the backdrop of Victorian London. Through multiple narrators and a complex plot structure, the story unfolds in a gripping manner, keeping readers guessing and engaged till the very end.

Waters' writing style in Fingersmith is described as evocative, rich in historical detail, and atmospheric, successfully transporting readers to the Victorian era. The novel intricately weaves together elements of mystery, romance, and intrigue, creating a dark and fiery tale laced with love, betrayal, and secrecy that is both compelling and immersive.

'Lessons in Chemistry' by Bonnie Garmus is a comedic novel set in the 1950s, following the story of Elizabeth Zott, a chemist whose ambitions are constantly thwarted. The book features quirky characters, such as Elizabeth's precocious daughter, a supportive neighbor, and a few good men, who help create a new style of family and challenge societal norms. Through the lens of Elizabeth's experiences, the book provides a funny and poignant commentary on disrupting societal assumptions, particularly in the male-dominated field of science.

Elizabeth Zott, the protagonist, is portrayed as a brilliant woman breaking into the boys' club of science in the 1950s. Despite facing obstacles and denigration, Elizabeth remains dedicated to her work and empowers other women through her platform on a TV show called 'Supper at Six,' where she gives 'Lessons in Chemistry' to encourage women to pursue greater things beyond traditional roles as wives and mothers.

'Tipping the Velvet' by Sarah Waters is a historical fiction novel set in the 1890s in London, following the story of Nancy Astley, a young oyster girl who falls in love with a male impersonator named Kitty Butler. The book explores Nancy's journey as she follows Kitty into the world of theaters, working as a dresser before becoming a performer herself. The novel delves into themes of lesbian love, gender roles, and self-discovery in Victorian England. The writing style is described as sensual, detailed, and engaging, providing a vivid picture of the lesbian society in the 18th century.

The plot of 'Tipping the Velvet' is divided into three acts, each peopled with vibrant characters and told in lushly written prose. The book captures the sexual growing pains and challenges faced by Nancy as she navigates the complexities of love, identity, and societal expectations. While some readers found the protagonist to be flat or the plot soap-operatic, others praised the realistic characters, compelling storytelling, and historical accuracy in depicting London's lesbian society during that era.

'The 71/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle' by Stuart Turton is a complex murder mystery novel set in a country estate where the protagonist, Aiden Bishop, wakes up in a different body each day to solve the murder of Evelyn Hardcastle. The plot unfolds in a Groundhog Day-like scenario where Aiden must navigate through various perspectives and characters to unravel the mystery. The writing style is described as intricate, original, and engaging, offering a unique blend of genres like murder mystery, time travel, and psychological thriller.