Books Like...
Doomsday Book by Connie Willis is a time-travel science fiction novel that intertwines two timelines - one in the near future at Oxford University, where a historian named Kivrin is sent back to the Middle Ages, specifically to the year 1348 during the Black Death. Meanwhile, a contemporary viral outbreak adds a layer of complexity to the story, creating a sense of urgency and suspense. The book delves into themes of human resilience, historical accuracy, and the impact of catastrophic events on individuals across different time periods.
If you liked Doomsday Book, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'Blackout' by Connie Willis is a historical time travel novel set in London during World War II. The book follows a group of historians from the future who travel back in time to study this tumultuous era, but things go awry as they face challenges such as air raids, blackouts, and missed assignations. The novel offers a detailed and immersive portrayal of life during the Blitz, highlighting the resilience and camaraderie of Londoners amidst the chaos of war. Willis weaves together multiple storylines and characters, creating a complex puzzle of a plot that combines vivid historical detail with elements of suspense and drama.
The writing style of 'Blackout' is praised for its rich historical context, well-developed characters, and engaging narrative. Readers are drawn into the story through vivid descriptions and meticulous research, which bring the setting of WWII London to life. The book explores themes of sacrifice, friendship, and the impact of war on individuals, blending elements of science fiction with historical fiction to create a compelling and thought-provoking read.
COLIN TRIED THE DOOR, BUT IT WAS LOCKED. THE PORTER, Mr. Purdy, obviously hadn’t known what he was talking about when he’d said Mr. Dunworthy had gone to Research. Blast it. I should have known he was... - #2
Save:Octavia Butler's 'Kindred' follows the story of Dana, a black woman living in 1976 who unexpectedly travels back in time to the 1800s. She finds herself on a plantation in the antebellum South, witnessing firsthand the inhumane treatment of slaves. The book explores themes of racism, slavery, and survival as Dana navigates between her present life in the 1970s and the harsh realities of the past. The writing style is described as engaging, emotionally intense, and expertly crafted, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of race relations and identity.
'Kindred' is a time travel tale that delves into the psychology and sociology of slavery in America, challenging traditional narratives and exploring the effects of time travel on the characters. The protagonist, Dana, is portrayed as a complex and relatable character who grapples with the moral and ethical dilemmas of her time-traveling experiences. The novel deftly balances a swift narrative style with profound philosophical considerations, inviting readers to reflect on the themes of privilege, history, and relationships across power differentials.
The trouble began long before June 9, 1976, when I became aware of it, but June 9 is the day I remember. It was my twenty-sixth birthday. It was also the day I met Rufus—the day he called me to him fo... - #3
Save:"Just One Damned Thing After Another" by Jodi Taylor follows the adventures of Dr. Max Maxwell at St. Mary's Institute of Historical Research, where historians travel back in time to investigate important historical events. The writing style is described as intelligent, fast-paced, and filled with action, humor, and suspense. The plot revolves around time travel, historical accuracy, and the challenges faced by the characters as they navigate through various historical periods.
The first occurred when, after another disruptive day at school, I stood in front of my head teacher, Mrs De Winter. I’d done the sullen silence thing and waited for expulsion, because I was long past... - #4
Save:'Timeline' by Michael Crichton is a science fiction novel that combines time travel with a thrilling adventure set in medieval times. The plot follows a group of archeologists who use modern technology and quantum mechanics to travel to the past, specifically the late Middle Ages in France. As they try to reconstruct an archeological site from that period, things go awry, leading to a dangerous and suspenseful journey where survival becomes uncertain. Crichton's writing style is described as engaging, with a good balance between education and entertainment, blending elements of science fiction, historical fiction, and suspense seamlessly throughout the narrative.
Dan Baker winced as his new Mercedes S500 sedan bounced down the dirt road, heading deeper into the Navajo reservation in northern Arizona. Around them, the landscape was increasingly desolate: distan... - #5
Save:"Time and Again" by Jack Finney is a time travel novel set in New York City, where the main character, Si Morley, travels between the 1970s and the 1880s. The story combines elements of mystery and romance as Si navigates the ethical dilemmas of time travel and the consequences of altering history. The book is praised for its detailed descriptions of both time periods and the immersive experience it provides for the reader.
IN SHIRT-SLEEVES, the way I generally worked, I sat sketching a bar of soap taped to an upper corner of my drawing board. The gold-foil wrapper was carefully peeled back so that you could still read m... - #6
Save:Outlander by Diana Gabaldon is a historical fiction novel that blends elements of romance, time travel, action, and fantasy. The story follows Claire, a nurse from 1945 who is transported back in time to 1743 Scotland, where she meets and falls in love with a Scottish warrior named Jamie. The book weaves together historical events, detailed character development, and emotional relationships, creating a captivating narrative that explores themes of love, family, and the complexities of time travel. The writing style is immersive, with a mix of vivid descriptions, well-researched historical details, and a strong focus on character dynamics.
It wasn’t a very likely place for disappearances, at least at first glance. Mrs. Baird’s was like a thousand other Highland bed-and-breakfast establishments in 1945; clean and quiet, with fading flora... - #7
Save:'11/22/63' by Stephen King is a time travel novel that follows the story of Jake Epping, a high school teacher who is recruited by a diner owner to travel back in time to 1958 with the mission to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy. The book delves into the complexities of altering history, the consequences of changing the past, and the personal sacrifices Jake must make in his quest to rewrite a pivotal moment in American history. Through a blend of historical events, time travel elements, and a touch of romance, King weaves a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged as they follow Jake's journey through the past.
After the benediction (spoken by Father Bandy, who rarely missed an LHS function), I made my way through the milling friends and relatives to where Harry was standing alone in his billowy black gown, ... - #8
Save:'The Time Traveler's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger is a unique love story that intertwines the lives of Henry, a man who involuntarily travels through time, and Clare, his wife who meets him at different stages of his life. The narrative is structured around their meetings in both real time and time travel, creating a complex yet emotionally engaging storyline. The author skillfully explores themes of love, loss, and relationships through the lens of time travel, offering a mix of romance and science fiction elements. Readers are taken on a journey through different timelines, experiencing the joys and sorrows that come with the challenges of time travel.
The writing style of 'The Time Traveler's Wife' is praised for its emotional depth and intricate storytelling. The novel alternates between the perspectives of Henry and Clare, providing insight into their thoughts and feelings as they navigate the complexities of their unusual relationship. The author's ability to capture the essence of love and longing, along with vivid descriptions of Chicago and the characters' emotional journeys, immerses readers in a world where time is fluid and love transcends all boundaries.
Clare: The first time it happens Henry is away. It's the eighth week of the pregnancy. The baby is the size of a plum, has a face and hands and a beating heart. It is early evening, early summer, and ... - #9
Save:'Replay' by Ken Grimwood is a captivating tale of a man named Jeff Winston who dies at age 43 only to wake up in his college dorm room at age 18, with full knowledge of his previous life. He finds himself trapped in a time loop, reliving the same 25-year sequence repeatedly, making different choices each time. The book explores themes of second chances, life choices, love, and the inevitability of loss. The writing style is described as compelling, thought-provoking, and engaging, with a mix of time travel elements and deep explorations of human emotions and relationships.
“We need—” she’d said, and he never heard her say just what it was they needed, because something heavy seemed to slam against his chest, crushing the breath out of him. The phone fell from his hand a... - #10
Save:The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North is a unique and captivating novel that explores the concept of reincarnation in a fresh and intriguing way. The story follows Harry August, a man who is reborn with all his memories intact, living his life over and over again in the same body. As he navigates through his multiple lives, he discovers others like him and learns of a looming threat that could end the world. The book delves into themes of friendship, betrayal, and the complexities of living through endless cycles, all while trying to prevent a catastrophic event orchestrated by a fellow immortal.
She was seven, I was seventy-eight. She had straight blonde hair worn in a long pigtail down her back, I had bright white hair, or at least the remnants of the same. I wore a hospital gown designed fo...
