Books Like...
Inherent Vice by Thomas Pynchon is a humorous and retro cool novel set in 1960s Los Angeles, following the adventures of Doc Sportello, a stoner private investigator. The story revolves around a missing land developer who was living with Doc's ex-girlfriend, leading Doc on a trail filled with crooked property developers, phony rock groups, and a mysterious crime ring known as the Golden Fang. The plot spirals into a complex web of paranoia involving the FBI, LAPD, and other shadowy organizations, all while capturing the essence of the countercultural revolution of the era.
Pynchon's writing style in Inherent Vice is described as funny, erudite, and inventive, blending elements of hard-boiled detective noir with a psychedelic twist. The novel features a large cast of characters, pop culture references, and explores themes of drug culture, countercultural movements, and the changing landscape of 1970s California, all presented through Pynchon's signature convoluted yet engaging storytelling.
If you liked Inherent Vice, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'The Crying of Lot 49' by Thomas Pynchon is a short yet complex novel that delves into the world of conspiracy theories and underground societies. The story follows Oedipa, who becomes entangled in a mysterious web of secrets and subversive postal systems after being named the executor of her ex-husband's will. The writing style is described as dense and intricate, with eccentric characters and a plot that keeps the reader guessing until the end, leaving them feeling both intrigued and confused.
The book is praised for its fast-paced and witty narrative, offering a unique blend of humor, satire, and mystery within its concise 160 pages. Readers find the novel to be a good introduction to Pynchon's oeuvre, showcasing his ability to create a labyrinthine and addictive story that captures the essence of 1960s America. Despite its short length, 'The Crying of Lot 49' is commended for its ability to engage readers with its unconventional storytelling and thought-provoking themes.
One summer afternoon Mrs Oedipa Maas came home from a Tupper-ware party whose hostess had put perhaps too much kirsch in the fondue to find that she, Oedipa, had been named executor, or she supposed e... - #2
Save:Vineland by Thomas Pynchon is a complex and surreal novel set in 1984, exploring themes of the America of the times, the counter culture of the 60s, and the Reagan era. The book delves into the lives of burnt out hippies, insane DEA agents, and a monomaniacal FBI agent, creating a narrative that weaves through parallel histories and layers of society, challenging readers with convoluted plots and a unique writing style that immerses them in a world of paranoia, absurdity, and intricate characters.
LATER than usual one summer morning in 1984, Zoyd Wheeler drifted awake in sunlight through a creeping fig that hung in the window, with a squadron of blue jays stomping around on the roof. In his dre... - #3
Save:Bleeding Edge by Thomas Pynchon is a novel set in New York City during the time of the dotcom bust and the aftermath of 9/11. The story follows Maxine, a Jewish mother and fraud investigator, as she navigates through a complex web of intrigue involving game development, international spying, and attempts to take over the world. Pynchon creates absurd contemporary characters and explores themes of technology, paranoia, and control in a computer-run world, all while capturing the essence of a changing New York City.
It’s the first day of spring 2001, and Maxine Tarnow, though some still have her in their system as Loeffler, is walking her boys to school. Yes maybe they’re past the age where they need an escort, m... - #4
Save:"Mason & Dixon" by Thomas Pynchon is a historical fiction novel that follows the lives and adventures of Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, the surveyors who marked the famous Mason-Dixon line in the 1760s. The novel is written in a unique Olde Style of writing, blending digressive sentences and stories within stories to capture the clash of reason and the supernatural during the Enlightenment era. Despite being a work of historical fiction, the book delves into themes of friendship, freedom, and the complexities of human relationships, all while incorporating elements of humor and intellectual depth.
Bay, Mr. Delver Warp and the Brothers Vowtay, coming home from Bengal non-Nabobickal as when they went out, with only enough in their pockets to draw the interest of Cape Belles, who are far less part... - #5
Save:'Against the Day' by Thomas Pynchon is a massive novel that spans different genres and styles, with various plotlines interwoven throughout its 1,000+ pages. The story involves elements of surreal SciFi, historical fiction, anarchism, time travel, and adventure set in the early 20th century. Readers follow young men flying around in a hot air balloon, a man raising his daughter, and encounters with characters like the Chums of Chance and the Traverse family. The writing style is described as dense, with dense prose, interacting characters, and multiple rich subplots that require time and attention to fully appreciate.
It was amid such lively exclamation that the hydrogen skyship Inconvenience, its gondola draped with patriotic bunting, carrying a fivelad crew belonging to that celebrated aeronautics club known as t... - #6
Save:"Gravity's Rainbow" by Thomas Pynchon is a complex and dense novel set in Europe at the end of World War II, focusing on the design, production, and dispatch of V 2 rockets by the German military. The story revolves around the quest of various characters to uncover the secret of a mysterious device named the Schwarzgerät, which is to be installed in a rocket with the serial number 00000. Pynchon's writing style is frequently digressive, subverting traditional elements of plot and character development, and incorporating detailed knowledge from various disciplines.
The novel is known for its innovation and complexity, often praised for pushing the boundaries of postmodern writing. However, some readers find the book challenging due to the multitude of characters, intricate plotlines, and the author's tendency to jump about seemingly at random. Despite its challenging nature, "Gravity's Rainbow" is recognized for its poetic and beautiful moments, as well as its exploration of themes related to the quest for being and the breaking down of social constructions.
It is too late. The Evacuation still proceeds, but it's all theatre. There are no lights inside the cars. No light anywhere. Above him lift girders old as an iron queen, and glass somewhere far above ... - #7V.by:
Save:"V." by Thomas Pynchon is a complex and immersive novel that delves into the cyclical nature of history through two distinct perspectives. The storyline follows the lives of Benny Profane and Pig Bodine in 1950s New York, intertwined with Stencil's quest to uncover the mysterious figure known as V. The novel is a mix of historical digressions, lyrical flights of fancy, and enigmatic meta-textual threads, all contributing to its reputation as a postmodern literary masterpiece.
Pynchon's writing style in "V." is described as dense, absurd, disturbing, and at times, challenging. The novel is filled with rich and vivid symbolism, intricate connections between characters, and historical references that add layers of complexity to the narrative. Readers are taken on a journey that oscillates between moments of confusion and clarity, ultimately leading to a profound exploration of human relationships and the impact of history on the present.
Christmas Eve, 1955, Benny Profane, wearing black levis, suede jacket, sneakers and big cowboy hat, happened to pass through Norfolk, Virginia. Given to sentimental impulses, he thought he'd look in o... - #8
Save:"Slouching Towards Bethlehem" by Joan Didion is a collection of essays that provide a captivating insight into the author's experiences and observations, particularly focusing on 1960s California. Didion's writing style is described as lyrical, mysterious, and engaging, requiring careful reading to fully appreciate the imagery she conveys. The essays cover a wide range of topics, from personal reflections on self-respect and keeping a notebook to societal issues such as the cultural milieu of California during that era.
this book is called Slouching Towards Bethlehem because for several years now certain lines from the Yeats poem which appears two pages back have reverberated in my inner ear as if they were surgicall... - #9
Save:'The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test' by Tom Wolfe is a journalistic exploration into the counter culture of the 1960s, following Ken Kesey and his band of Merry Pranksters as they embark on a psychedelic journey across the United States and into Mexico. Wolfe captures the essence of the hippie movement, providing insight into the psychedelic experiences and the era of free love and experimentation.
Wolfe's writing style in the book is described as vivid, evocative, and journalistic, offering a unique perspective on the drug culture of the 1960s. The narrative delves into the lives of the characters, the use of psychedelic drugs, and the cultural icons of the time, creating a colorful and immersive portrayal of a significant period in American history.
THAT’S GOOD THINKING THERE, COOL BREEZE, COOL BREEZE is a kid with three or four days’ beard sitting next to me on the stamped metal bottom of the open back part of a pickup truck. Bouncing along. Dip... - #10
Save:In the book "Drop City" by T.C. Boyle, a California commune of hippies in the late 1960s decides to move to Alaska to live off the land, only to find challenges with the harsh Alaskan environment and clashes with the local residents. The narrative shifts between the perspectives of various characters, highlighting the struggles and interactions between the two communities. The author captures the essence of the counter-cultural '70s, exploring themes of communal living, freedom, and the complexities of idealism versus reality.
The morning was a fish in a net, glistening and wriggling at the dead black border of her consciousness, but she'd never caught a fish in a net or on a hook either, so she couldn't really say if or ho...
