Books Like...
In 'The Power' by Naomi Alderman, women around the world suddenly develop the ability to generate electricity, leading to a dramatic shift in power dynamics. The story is told through the perspectives of various characters, including a daughter of a London crime family, a young woman claiming the title of Eve, a male reporter, and an American politician and her daughter. The novel explores themes of gender roles, power, religion, politics, and societal upheaval, offering a thought-provoking narrative that challenges assumptions about gender and power structures.
The book delves into a speculative world where women wield electrical power, leading to a reevaluation of societal norms and power structures. Through a mix of characters and perspectives, 'The Power' examines the impact of this newfound power on individuals and society as a whole, raising questions about the potential consequences of such a shift in power dynamics.
If you liked The Power, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood is a chilling dystopian novel that paints a vivid picture of a society where women are oppressed and used for reproduction. The story follows Offred, a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead, as she navigates her confined life under an oppressive regime. Through flashbacks, readers witness the downfall of society into a theocratic military dictatorship and the struggles of women who are reduced to mere objects for men's use. Atwood's writing style is starkly elegant, conveying the stultifying life of the central character and offering glimpses of her past existence before the world was turned upside down.
The narrative explores themes of totalitarianism, religious fundamentalism, and the exploitation of women, all set in a world where traditional values have been taken to terrifying extremes. Atwood's brilliant storytelling weaves together a thought-provoking commentary on morality, societal laws, and the consequences of a society built on repression and control. The non-linear storytelling, coupled with the first-person perspective, provides a compelling and disturbing insight into a dystopian future that feels eerily plausible.
We slept in what had once been the gymnasium. The floor was of varnished wood, with stripes and circles painted on it, for the games that were formerly played there; the hoops for the basketball nets ... - #2
In a dystopian America, women are silenced by a government controlled by fundamentalists. They are limited to speaking only 100 words a day, enforced by electric shocks if they exceed the limit. The story follows Jean, a former linguist, who is coerced into helping the oppressive government in exchange for regaining her voice. Through a realistic and cautionary tale, the book explores themes of complicity, resistance, and the consequences of staying silent in the face of oppression.
If anyone told me I could bring down the president, and the Pure Movement, and that incompetent little shit Morgan LeBron in a week’s time, I wouldn’t believe them. But I wouldn’t argue. I wouldn’t sa... - #3
'The Book of M' by Peng Shepherd is a post-apocalyptic novel that delves into a world where people start losing their shadows, leading to a gradual loss of memories and identity. The story follows multiple characters, including a married couple, Max and Ory, as they navigate this new reality while trying to hold on to their humanity and relationships. The narrative is filled with elements of magical realism, Hindu mythology, and philosophical musings, creating a unique and thought-provoking reading experience.
The book intricately weaves together themes of memory, identity, relationships, and the human condition, exploring the significance of memories and the impact of losing them in a world where shadows hold memories. Through a blend of post-apocalyptic fiction and fantastical elements, the author crafts a gripping tale that keeps readers engaged with its originality, character development, and philosophical undertones.
The air had already turned his hands red with cold before he’d scattered the dried twigs back into place with the nose of his shotgun. The last time there had been anything snared inside had been two ... - #4
In the book 'Parable of the Sower' by Octavia E. Butler, readers are taken on a journey through a dystopian near future California where society has collapsed due to climate change, political discord, violence, and social unrest. The story follows a young African American woman named Lauren Olamina who possesses hyperempathy syndrome, allowing her to feel the pain and pleasure of those around her. As she navigates the chaos and destruction around her, Lauren creates a new religion called Earthseed, aiming to prepare for a new society among the stars. The novel delves into themes of survival, community-building, philosophical reflections on change, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity.
I HAD MY RECURRING dream last night. I guess I should have expected it. It comes to me when I struggle—when I twist on my own personal hook and try to pretend that nothing unusual is happening. It com... - #5
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, "The Gate to Women's Country" by Sheri S. Tepper explores a society where women and men live separately, with women ruling the Women's Country. The novel delves into gender roles, power dynamics, and the aftermath of a nuclear holocaust. Through the protagonist Stavia, the story navigates themes of feminism, violence, and societal structures, intertwined with elements of Greek literature. The narrative style jumps between past and present, gradually revealing the complexities of the world and its inhabitants.
STAVIA SAW HERSELF AS IN A PICTURE, FROM THE outside, a darkly cloaked figure moving along a cobbled street, the stones sheened with a soft, early spring rain. On either side the gutters ran with an i... - #6
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel is a post-apocalyptic novel set 20 years after a deadly flu pandemic wipes out most of the world's population. The story weaves together the lives of various characters before, during, and after the outbreak, exploring themes of survival, hope, community, and the importance of art in a devastated world. The narrative jumps between different timelines, offering glimpses into how individuals adapt to the new reality and find connections amidst chaos.
The novel is praised for its beautiful writing style, rich character development, and intricate plot structure that moves back and forth in time. It incorporates elements like theater, Shakespeare, a symphony, a comic book, and intertwining storylines to create a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that explores the complexities of human relationships and resilience in the face of catastrophe.
THE KING STOOD in a pool of blue light, unmoored. This was act 4 of King Lear, a winter night at the Elgin Theatre in Toronto. Earlier in the evening, three little girls had played a clapping game ons... - #7
"After the Flood" by Kassandra Montag is a post-apocalyptic novel set in a world where rising floodwaters have submerged most of the land, leaving only scattered settlements on high peaks and people living on boats. The story follows Myra, a mother trying to survive with her daughter Pearl, as they embark on a dangerous journey to find Myra's older daughter, Row, who was kidnapped years ago. The book is praised for its fast-paced writing style, strong character development, and a plot filled with adventure, survival, and emotional depth.
The novel explores themes of family, survival, trust, and resilience in the face of disaster. It follows Myra's desperate quest to reunite with her lost daughter, navigating a treacherous world filled with marauders, challenges, and unexpected alliances. The gripping narrative, well-developed characters, and vivid world-building make "After the Flood" a compelling read that delves into the complexities of human nature and relationships in extreme circumstances.
Seagulls circled over our boat, which made me think of Row. The way she squawked and waved her arms when she was first trying to walk; the way she stood completely still for almost an hour, watching t... - #8
The Book of the Unnamed Midwife by Meg Elison is a dark and gritty post-apocalyptic tale following a nurse surviving an epidemic that kills most women and children. The story delves into the struggles of the protagonist as she navigates a world where women are scarce and often exploited. Written in a journal format, the novel explores themes of survival, sexuality, and the value of life in a world on the brink of extinction. The plot is intense, realistic, and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on a dystopian future.
Patient that I was seeing earlier this week with the fever thing was transferred out. Team of guys with all the protocol bells and whistles. Heard there were a couple of cases on the same floor, but I... - #9
Set in a dystopian future, "Oryx and Crake" tells the story of how the world was all but destroyed from the perspective of Snowman a.k.a. Jimmy, whose best friend Crake is the person responsible for that destruction. Through flashbacks, Snowman recalls what led up to Crake's decision to obliterate mankind and populate the new earth with genetically engineered creatures known as The children of Crake. The book bounces back and forth between a dystopia and a post-apocalyptic setting, using flashbacks and oblique references to narrate a story that challenges beliefs and ideas ingrained in society. Margaret Atwood crafts a well-written science fiction morality play that does not dumb down the story with exposition or hokey explanations, asking big questions without answering them directly.
Snowman wakes before dawn. He lies unmoving, listening to the tide coming in, wave after wave sloshing over the various barricades, wish-wash, wish-wash, the rhythm of heartbeat. He would so like to b... - #10
'The Gone World' by Tom Sweterlitsch is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller that follows NCIS agent Shannon Moss as she investigates crimes related to time travel and the impending doomsday event known as the Terminus. Moss travels through alternate futures, unraveling mysteries and trying to prevent the end of humanity. The book seamlessly blends elements of science fiction, mystery, and horror, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its intricate plot and compelling protagonist.
She gained her equilibrium before attempting to stand—her right leg still the lean, muscled leg of an athlete, but her left terminated in a conical mid-thigh stump, the end muscle and flesh there wrap...