Books Like...
'Smithy' by Amanda Desiree is a novel that follows a group of young students and their professor conducting a unique study on a chimpanzee named Webster, also known as Smithy, to see if he can learn and understand human language through American Sign Language. The story is told in an epistolary format, using journals, letters, memos, and video and audio transcripts to piece together a narrative that unfolds in a creepy mansion in Rhode Island. As the summer of 1974 progresses, mysterious and unexplainable events start occurring, leading to a blend of horror and suspense as the tension builds through the eyes of the characters involved in the research project.
The narrative structure of 'Smithy' is reminiscent of a slow burn horror story with moments of terror and eeriness. The book gradually introduces supernatural elements, keeping the reader engaged and intrigued as they follow Smithy's interactions and behaviors in the eerie setting of Trevor Hall. The meticulous research done by the author on the subject of language acquisition in apes adds a layer of realism to the story, grounding the novel in a gritty and believable world where the characters navigate both scientific curiosity and unexplained phenomena.
If you liked Smithy, here are the top 3 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'Episode Thirteen' by Craig DiLouie is a ghost story that follows the Fade to Black team as they investigate the Paranormal Research Foundation's abandoned mansion, known for strange experiments in the 70s. The story unfolds through blog entries, raw footage transcripts, journals, emails, news articles, and more, creating a Blair Witch Project-style narrative. As the team explores the mansion, eerie encounters and bizarre discoveries lead to escalating tension and suspense, blurring the lines between reality and the paranormal. delves into themes of trust, character dynamics, and the evolving nature of the ghost story genre.
- #2
Save:"We Need to Talk About Kevin" by Lionel Shriver is a gripping and emotionally charged story told through letters from a mother to her estranged husband. The narrative delves into the complexities of parenthood, particularly the mother's struggle to understand and come to terms with her son Kevin's heinous act of committing a school shooting. Shriver's writing style captures the raw emotions and introspective thoughts of the protagonist, making the reader question the nature versus nurture debate in the context of a disturbing family tragedy.
unfolds as a haunting exploration of motherhood, marriage, and the aftermath of a school massacre perpetrated by the protagonist's son. Through the letters, the reader gains insight into the protagonist's inner turmoil, self-reflection, and the societal implications of raising a child who turns out to be a murderer. Shriver's narrative skillfully navigates the complexities of familial relationships, societal expectations, and the psychological impact of such a tragic event, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
I’m unsure why one trifling incident this afternoon has moved me to write to you. But since we’ve been separated, I may most miss coming home to deliver the narrative curiosities of my day, the way a ... - #3
Save:Dracula by Bram Stoker is a classic novel that introduces the legend of Dracula, a Transylvanian royal seeking new hunting grounds in London. The story unfolds through letters, journals, and recordings, following a group led by Dr. Abraham Van Helsing as they combat the vampire. The book, written in 1897, captures the attention of readers from the first page to the last, defining the rules of vampires and kickstarting the vampire craze of the 20th and 21st centuries. Despite its familiarity due to movies and cultural references, Dracula remains a suspenseful and engaging read, perfect for Halloween.
Left Munich at 8.35 p.m. on 1st May, arriving at Vienna early next morning; should have arrived at 6.46, but train was an hour late. Buda-Pesth seems a wonderful place, from the glimpse which I got of...
