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'Crosstalk' by Connie Willis is a fun, fast-paced romantic comedy exploring the concept of telepathy and over-communication in a modern technological world. The plot follows the protagonist, Briddey Flannigan, as she undergoes elective surgery to enhance her emotional connection with her boyfriend, only to discover unexpected consequences when she starts hearing voices in her head. The writing style is described as humorous, engaging, and full of well-developed characters, blending elements of science fiction, romance, and social satire.

If you liked Crosstalk, here are the top 81 books to read next:

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  1. #1

    Bellwether by Connie Willis
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    Bellwether by Connie Willis is a light-hearted and humorous tale about Sandra Foster, a scientist studying fads and chaos at a high tech company called Hi Tek. The book follows Sandra's interactions with quirky characters like an inept mail clerk, bureaucratic hurdles, and a fad-resistant coworker as she navigates her research on the origins of trends. The story combines elements of romance, humor, and social commentary, while also delving into themes of workplace dynamics and human behavior.

    hula hoop (march 1958—june 1959)—–The prototype for all merchandising fads and one whose phenomenal success has never been repeated. Originally a wooden exercise hoop used in Australian gym classes, t...

  2. #2

    The Road to Roswell by Connie Willis
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    In "The Road to Roswell," Francie Driscoll travels to Roswell, New Mexico, to dissuade her friend Serena from marrying a UFO enthusiast. However, Francie's plans take an unexpected turn when she encounters an alien creature that she is forced to drive out of town. Along the way, she picks up a quirky group of characters, including a UFO abduction insurance salesman, a UFO enthusiast, a gambling granny, and an RV owner, all while forming a bond with the alien they nickname Indy. The plot unfolds with twists and turns that include miscommunication, media frenzy, and a love story, all in Connie Willis' signature style that combines humor, charm, and unexpected developments.


  3. #3

    Passage by Connie Willis
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    'Passage' by Connie Willis is a science fiction novel that delves into the exploration of Near Death Experiences (NDEs) through the eyes of researchers at a hospital. The story follows the investigations of two scientists, a psychologist, and a neurologist, who are studying NDEs both naturally and artificially induced. The book portrays a deep dive into the human psyche, mortality, and the mysteries surrounding life after death. Willis weaves a complex narrative filled with suspense, scientific exploration, and a touch of the supernatural, all set in a modern hospital setting.

    Willis' writing style in 'Passage' is characterized by intricate plotting, detailed scientific explanations, and well-developed characters. The author creates a sense of urgency and intensity throughout the book, keeping readers engaged with a fast-paced narrative that explores profound themes of death, spirituality, and the human spirit. The story unfolds through a series of twists and turns, leading to a climactic revelation that challenges the characters' beliefs and perceptions about the afterlife.

    Joanna waited. Any question, even “How dark was it?” could be a leading one when it came to interviewing people about their near-death experiences, and most people, when confronted with a silence, wou...

  4. #4

    The Corner Shop by Elizabeth Cadell
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    'The Corner Shop' by Elizabeth Cadell follows the story of Lucille Abbey, an independent woman running a secretarial agency in London. When her employees fail to complete a job for Professor Hallam, Lucille decides to investigate herself. As she navigates a mysterious situation and a budding romance with the Professor, she encounters a cast of quirky characters and unexpected challenges, all set against the backdrop of English humor and mid-century charm.


  5. #5

    Possession by A.S. Byatt
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    Possession by A.S. Byatt is a novel that intricately weaves together the stories of two contemporary literary scholars who uncover a hidden love affair between two Victorian poets. Through letters, journals, and poems, the scholars delve into the mystery of the poets' relationship, while also reflecting on their own connections. The book combines elements of romance, academia, and literary criticism, creating a multi-layered narrative that explores themes of passion, possession, and the power of language. Byatt's writing style is described as rich, textured, and engaging, with the inclusion of poetry and multiple writing forms adding depth to the storytelling.

    If you fight or question she will toss you on the thorns and it will go ill with you before you come out of there. If she will take you, you will be set down in a bare heath, on a great stone, which i...

  6. #6

    Stonemouth by Iain M. Banks
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    Stonemouth by Iain M. Banks is a novel set in a small insular Scottish town where the protagonist, Stewart Gilmour, returns after five years of exile. The story unfolds gradually through flashbacks and introspective thoughts, revealing a world of violence, drugs, and complex relationships. The narrative delves into Stewart's past, his interactions with the townspeople, and the reasons behind his departure. The book is described as a gritty drama with elements of suspense, guilt, and redemption, showcasing Banks's ability to create compelling characters and vividly portray the town and its inhabitants.

    Instead, a cold, clinging mist. Not even mist; just a chill haze, drifting up the estuary. I’m standing fifty metres above the Firth of Stoun, in the middle of the road bridge, at the summit of the lo...

  7. #7

    To Say Nothing of the Dog - Oxford Time Travel by Connie Willis
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    'To Say Nothing of the Dog' by Connie Willis is a time travel science fiction novel set in both the Victorian era and the future. The story follows Ned Henry, a time-traveling historian who is tasked with recovering the Bishop's Bird Stump, a lost artifact crucial for the reconstruction of Coventry Cathedral. The plot is filled with mishaps, romances, historical references, and humorous elements, all set against a backdrop of intricate time travel logistics and paradoxes. The writing style is described as light-hearted, witty, and full of dry humor, with impeccable research and detailed character development that brings the story to life.

    The book combines elements of comedy of manners, Victorian romance, and science fiction, creating a unique and engaging narrative that keeps readers entertained. The characters, particularly Ned Henry and Harriet Verity Kindle, are well-developed and their interactions drive the plot forward. The setting in Victorian England is vividly portrayed, almost like a character in itself, adding depth to the story. Despite some initial confusion and slow pacing at the beginning, the book gradually builds momentum, culminating in a satisfying and intriguing climax that ties together the various threads of the plot.

    A Search Party-Wartime Headgear-The Problem of Nepotism-Royal Headgear-The Bishop’s Bird Stump Is Missing-Jumble Sales-A Clue to Its Whereabouts-Astronomical Observations-Dogs-A Cat-Man’s Best Friend-...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Oxford Time Travel )

  8. #8

    Celine by Peter Heller
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    Peter Heller's 'Celine' follows the story of an eccentric private investigator named Celine, who takes on a cold missing person's case involving a father who disappeared over 20 years ago. Along with her husband, Celine embarks on a journey across the west, uncovering secrets and mysteries hidden in the wilderness. The narrative seamlessly weaves between the present investigation and Celine's intriguing past, revealing layers of her character and motivations. Heller's descriptive writing shines through in vividly portraying the landscapes and settings, adding depth to the story.

    The call had come while she was at her workbench wiring the naked taxidermic form of an ermine onto a rock, beside the skull of a crow. The plan was to have the skinless ermine looking down at his own...

  9. #9

    The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley
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    The Shadowy Horses by Susanna Kearsley is a contemporary novel set in Scotland, following the story of Verity Grey, an archaeologist who joins an eccentric team led by Peter Quinnell to search for evidence of the missing Ninth Roman Legion. The book combines elements of archaeology, mystery, romance, and the paranormal, as Verity navigates ghostly presences, a developing romance, and the challenges of the dig site. The writing style is described as clean, humorous, and engaging, with a mix of suspense and romance that keeps readers intrigued.

    Verity's journey unfolds against the backdrop of a Scottish coastal village, where she encounters psychic vibrations, a ghostly sentinel, and a mix of characters including her former lover, Adrian, and the charming local Scotsman, Davy. The plot includes elements of danger, mystery, and the importance of honesty, as Verity uncovers the truth behind the Roman Legion and faces unexpected challenges, all while developing relationships and dealing with the supernatural occurrences at the site.

    The bus had no business stopping where it did. We should have gone straight on across the Coldingham Moor, with Dunbar to the back of us and the English border drawing ever nearer, but instead we stop...

  10. #10

    About a Boy by Nick Hornby
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    'About a Boy' by Nick Hornby is a heartwarming tale of an unlikely friendship between 36-year-old Will and 12-year-old Marcus. The book explores how both characters learn valuable life lessons from each other, despite their age differences. Written from different perspectives, the novel captures the voices of the characters brilliantly, creating a story that is both touching and humorous.

    The plot follows the journey of Will, a self-absorbed man-child, and Marcus, a mature beyond his years preteen, as they navigate through life together. Through their interactions, the characters undergo personal growth and discover the importance of relationships, truth, and friendship. The book addresses themes of growing up, self-discovery, and the impact of unexpected connections on one's life.

    People quite often thought Marcus was being funny when he wasn't. He couldn't understand it. Asking his mum whether she'd split up with Roger was a perfectly sensible question, he thought: they'd had ...

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