Books Like...

'Kissing the Coronavirus' by M.J. Edwards is a series of short stories that take a humorous and satirical approach to the pandemic. The book contains erotic elements intertwined with comedic writing, creating a unique reading experience that some find hilariously entertaining and others find cringeworthy yet funny. The plot revolves around unconventional relationships and interactions involving the coronavirus in various forms, from a love interest to a mutant strain, all written in a tongue-in-cheek style that aims to bring laughter during difficult times.

The writing style of 'Kissing the Coronavirus' is often described as terrible yet laugh-inducing, with readers appreciating the author's ability to create a light-hearted and absurd narrative around a serious real-life situation. The book's short length, quirky characters, and unexpected twists contribute to its appeal, offering a quick and entertaining read that some readers find surprisingly enjoyable despite its unconventional content.

Readers find "Trans Wizard Harriet Porber And The Bad Boy Parasaurolophus" to be a unique and refreshing take on the wizarding world, with a focus on romance and acceptance rather than just parodying Harry Potter. The book cleverly addresses themes of self-actualization, relationships, and metafiction, while incorporating humor, creative concepts, and entertaining sex scenes. Despite some editing errors, readers appreciate the fun and engaging storyline that is both funny and touching.

In "Hot Pterodactyl Boyfriend," the story revolves around Shiels, a high school student who encounters a pterodactyl named Pyke. As Pyke integrates into the school community, his presence causes chaos and fascination among the students, with Shiels developing a special connection to him. The plot unfolds with unexpected events like Pyke joining a football game and the repercussions that follow, leading to a mix of humor, absurdity, and unexpected twists. The writing style mixes elements of satire, absurdity, and romance, creating a unique and intriguing narrative that explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the consequences of embracing the unknown.

Ghost by John Ringo is an action-packed book that follows the adventures of the protagonist, Mike Harmon, a former Navy SEAL, as he takes on terrorists in three separate stories. The book is filled with fast-paced action, dark themes, and a mix of violence and sexual content. The writing style is described as a blend of pulp fiction, techno-thriller, and S&M fantasy, with a focus on combat, rough sex, and politically conservative viewpoints.

'Beautiful You' by Chuck Palahniuk is a satirical novel exploring themes of consumerism, misogyny, and control. The story follows an average woman named Penny Harrigan who becomes involved with the world's richest man, Maxwell, and his line of sex toys called Beautiful You. As the products hit the market, women become addicted and controlled by the toys, leading to societal chaos. The book delves into the dark consequences of unbridled desire and the power dynamics between genders, all portrayed through Palahniuk's signature absurd and provocative writing style.

Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle dives into a captivating horror comedy set in Hollywood. The story follows Misha, a gay screenwriter, who faces eerie consequences when he refuses to kill off his beloved gay characters as demanded by the industry. As Misha's horror creations come to life, they haunt him and his friends, creating a wild and suspenseful ride full of unexpected plot twists. The writing captures the visceral thrills of the horror genre while maintaining a strong queer perspective, making it a refreshing read for queer audiences and horror fans alike.

Tingle's writing style is both playful and unsettling, using campy humor mixed with serious themes surrounding identity and representation. While the character development is minimal, it suits the tone of the story, focusing instead on the engaging horror elements and bizarre happenings. Readers appreciate the blend of nostalgia and fresh horror tropes, with a critical lens on Hollywood's treatment of queer stories. With graphic scenes and comedic undertones, this is a fun and thought-provoking take on horror that highlights queer struggles and joy.

'Fanny Hill: Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure' by John Cleland follows the sexual adventures of a young woman named Fanny Hill who transitions from a life of poverty to prostitution. is filled with vivid descriptions of sexual encounters, exploring themes of love, pleasure, and societal expectations. Written in the form of letters, the narrative provides a glimpse into the erotic experiences of Fanny as she navigates through the challenges and pleasures of her unconventional lifestyle.

The Woods All Black by Lee Mandelo is a horror novella set in the Appalachian Mountains during the 1920s. It follows Leslie, a transmasc nurse recovering from the scars of World War I, as he arrives in the small, insular town of Spar Creek to provide much-needed medical care. However, he encounters hostility from the residents, who are rife with religious zealotry and prejudice. The plot thickens when Leslie befriends Stevie, a young trans man facing abuse in a world that refuses to accept him, and the duo must deal with both the dangers of the townspeople and a lurking monster in the woods.

The writing is described as immersive and atmospheric, packed into a concise 160 pages. The novella weaves themes of horror, identity, and survival, blending societal issues with a touch of supernatural elements. As the tension escalates, readers can expect a mix of poignant moments and intense horror, showcasing the resilience of marginalized characters against a backdrop of both literal and metaphorical beasts.

Chuck Tingle has created a truly amazing world for his main character, Rose, who finds herself at Camp Damascus, the only gay conversion camp with a 100% success rate, but soon discovers the demonic secret behind its success. The horror thriller elements in the book rely on body horror, but the story also delves into deeper themes such as conversion camps, accepting one's own identity, religious trauma, and personal spiritual practices after surviving abuse. The narrative style, through Rose's perspective, offers a blend of terror, horror, humor, and emotional depth, making it a chilling and emotional journey for the reader.

'A Single Man' by Christopher Isherwood is a poignant novella that delves into a day in the life of George, a gay Englishman living in California in 1962. The story follows George as he navigates through his seemingly normal day while dealing with the profound grief and rage stemming from the sudden death of his longtime partner, Jim. Isherwood's writing style is described as graceful, beautiful, and intimate, capturing George's inner turmoil and emotions with depth and authenticity. The book offers a character study that explores themes of loss, loneliness, aging, and the challenges of living as a minority in society.