Books Like...
If you liked Millennium Approaches, here are the top 100 books to read next:
A sharp, hilarious, and philosophical spin-off that transforms minor Shakespearean characters into major existential fun - best appreciated if you enjoy wordplay, meta-theatre, and a little intellectual chaos.
The reason being: they are betting on the toss of a coin, in the following manner: GUILDENSTERN (hereafter "GULL") takes a coin out of his bag, spins it, letting it fall. ROSENCRANTZ (hereafter "Ros")...- #2
Save:An urgent, profound, and sometimes harrowing chronicle of activism and survival during the AIDS epidemic - required reading for understanding the power (and limits) of protest and community resilience. It’s tough but vital.
I arrived in New York City for the first time on a college sojourn from Michigan, in September 1978, for an internship at the United Nations and a chance to explore Christopher Street, the mountaintop... - #3
Save:A gripping, beautifully written American classic - raw, tragic, and thought-provoking, but not for the faint of heart.
The exterior of a two-story corner building on a street in New Orleans which is named Elysian Fields and runs between the L & N tracks and the river. The section is poor but, unlike corresponding sect... A moving, vital, thoroughly-researched chronicle that re-centers overlooked voices and hard truths - it's essential reading for understanding activism, queer history, and the fight against AIDS, but its sprawling style may not suit every reader.
Although the story of AIDS activism is one of heroism, it actually starts in suffering. AIDS without medication is a grotesque display of loss. Every faculty disintegrates: the brain, the lungs, the n...- #5
Save:The Normal Heart by Larry Kramer is a poignant and emotional portrayal of the early AIDS crisis during the 1980s. The play follows the personal and political struggles of Ned Weeks, a passionate advocate fighting against the neglect surrounding AIDS, which initially affected mainly gay men. It captures the frustration and panic within the gay community as they grappled with a looming health crisis that many refused to acknowledge. Through powerful characters and dramatic storytelling, the audience witnesses the intersection of personal loss, societal indifference, and the fight for recognition and justice.
Kramer's writing style is visceral and often confrontational, reflecting his determination to shed light on the injustices faced by those affected by AIDS. His raw emotions manifest through Ned Weeks' character, pushing the narrative forward with both anger and a call to action. The play is not just a historical account; it is a compelling reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy. This combination of personal stories and broader historical context makes The Normal Heart a significant piece for understanding both gay life and public health responses.
- #6
Save:Gritty, brave, and heartbreakingly human - this memoir is an unforgettable testament to quiet heroism and the power of compassion. Keep tissues handy, but don't miss it.
I was at the hospital that weekend looking after one of my best girlfriends. Bonnie was stuck at the Med Center in Little Rock, recovering from cancer surgery. She was thirty-one and I was twenty-six... - #7
Save:A tense, richly layered classic that peels back the façade of a Southern family to expose raw truths and deep wounds - a landmark of American drama, but be ready for emotional intensity and unresolved heartbreak.
It is sad and embarrassing and unattractive that those emotions that stir him deeply enough to demand expression, and to charge their expression with some measure of light and power, are nearly all ro... - #8
Save:A modern classic of darkly comic American theater - brilliantly written, fiercely acted, and relentlessly honest. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but unforgettable for those who like their family drama with extra bite.
A rambling country house outside Pawhuska, Oklahoma, sixty miles northwest of Tulsa. More than a century old, the house was probably built by a clan of successful Irish homesteaders. Additions, renova... - #9
Save:A witty, biting, and still relevant classic; perfect for fans of sharp social commentary and strong female characters, but less suited to those wanting straightforward romance or easy answers.
The English have no respect for their language, and will not teach their children to speak it. They spell it so abominably that no man can teach himself what it sounds like. It is impossible for an En... - #10
Save:A powerful, beautifully written novel that's equal parts devastating and hopeful. It’s not an easy read, but it’s a vital and unforgettable story of love, family, and resilience amidst crisis.
On Sunday we go to church, like we do every Sunday. Like every Sunday, my husband sits beside me. We’re in our usual spot—five rows back, center aisle. Our daughter Jess sits in the row behind us next...
