Books Like...
If you liked You Think It, I'll Say It, here are the top 7 books to read next:
- #1
Save:A deeply relatable, thoughtful collection - perfect for those who enjoy character-driven stories about life’s quiet complexities, but perhaps not for readers seeking big twists or drama.
Curtis Sittenfeld's collection, Show Don't Tell, showcases her talent for crafting deeply relatable and complex characters, primarily focusing on contemporary Midwestern women navigating middle age. Each story dives into the intricacies of life changes, relationships, and personal growth, often prompting the reader to reflect on their own choices and circumstances. Sittenfeld's writing is engaging and insightful, making the stories feel both familiar and profound.
The narratives are rich and thought-provoking, exploring themes such as marriage, friendship, and career choices. Sittenfeld deftly portrays the emotional landscapes of her characters, drawing readers into their lives with her approachable prose. The collection is filled with humor and contemplation, providing a satisfying and easy read. While opinions on the collection vary, many celebrate Sittenfeld's ability to build compelling worlds in just a few pages, making it a must-read for fans of character-driven stories.
At some point, a rich old man named Ryland W. Peaslee had made an enormous donation to the program, and this was why not only the second-year fellowships he’d endowed but also the people who received...2017•341 pages - #2
Save:A powerful, sharply written collection that doesn't shy away from pain or complexity. Not every story will be for everyone, but Roxane Gay’s Difficult Women is worth reading - for its honesty, empathy, and beautifully tangled portrayals of womanhood.
'Difficult Women' by Roxane Gay is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives of women facing various challenges and hardships. The stories explore themes of relationships, trauma, power dynamics, and resilience. The writing style is described as raw, dark, and compelling, with some stories touching on magical realism and dystopian elements. Gay's narratives portray women navigating through difficult situations, showcasing their strength and complexity.
Carolina married when she was nineteen. Darryl, her husband, was a decade older but he had a full head of hair and she thought that meant something. They lived with us for the first year. My mom calle...January 2017•277 pages An unsettling and masterful collection of psychological horror - perfect for fans of literary dread and dark ambiguity, but not for those who want all the answers laid out.
'The Houseguest and Other Stories' by Amparo Davila is a collection of gripping short stories that delve into Mexican horror fiction. The stories are described as dark, creepy, and eerie, reminiscent of works by authors like Kafka, Poe, and Shirley Jackson. The writing style is praised for its ability to convey mental anguish and create a sense of foreboding, with tales that are disturbing, thought-provoking, and full of strangeness and darkness.
The train arrived at about six o’clock on a cold, wet November morning. The fog was so thick it was almost impossible to see. I was wearing my coat collar up and my hat shoved down around my ears, but...November 2018•126 pagesA sharp, moving collection that captures the complexities of race, history, and relationships in America - Evans’ writing is both insightful and entertaining. Perfect if you like your fiction unflinching and full of heart.
'The Office of Historical Corrections' by Danielle Evans is a collection of short stories and a novella that delve into themes of race, relationships, history, and forgiveness in America. The stories feature strong female characters and address topics such as racism, misogyny, and the lasting impact of historical events on individuals. The writing style is powerful, thought-provoking, and filled with poignant observations about life and society.
When Lyssa was seven, her mother took her to see the movie where the mermaid wants legs, and when it ended Lyssa shook her head and squinted at the prince and said, Why would she leave her family for...November 2020•288 pages- #5
Save:A masterclass in short fiction: intimate, beautifully written, and deeply human, though occasionally heavy - best savored story by story.
'Unaccustomed Earth' by Jhumpa Lahiri is a collection of interconnected short stories that delve into the experiences of Indian immigrants, mainly Bengali, living in America and other countries. The stories explore themes of love, family relationships, cultural identity, and the complexities of navigating between different cultures. Lahiri's writing style is praised for its emotional depth, clear language, and ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences.
After her mother's death, Ruma's father retired from the pharmaceutical company where he had worked for many decades and began traveling in Europe, a continent he'd never seen. In the past year he had...2007•382 pages - #6
Save:A beautifully written, deeply human collection that peeks behind the church pews into the messy, marvelous inner worlds of contemporary Black women. Highly recommended, even for readers who don’t usually reach for short stories!
'The Secret Lives of Church Ladies' is a collection of short stories that delves into the lives of Black women and girls navigating the complexities of faith, family, and personal desires. The stories explore the struggles and desires of the characters caught between the expectations of their church communities and their own realities, all while highlighting the humanity, vulnerabilities, and strengths of the characters. Through vivid storytelling, the author portrays real and grounded characters facing compelling conflicts, creating a powerful collection that resonates with readers.
For Eula’s birthday the next year, I planned a special dinner at my house for us. I went down to the fish market on Avery and got everything to make gumbo, her favorite dish. Eula liked my Grandma Pau...September 2020•192 pages - #7
Save:Dubliners is a masterclass in subtle storytelling - quietly powerful, beautifully written, and deeply human. Perfect for fans of literary fiction, but maybe not the best fit if you’re in the mood for page-turning action or cheerful escapism.
"Dubliners" by James Joyce is a collection of short stories set in Dublin in the early 20th century, portraying various aspects of life and characters from different social classes. The stories offer insightful character studies, capturing the essence of human nature through vignettes of Dublin life. Joyce's writing style is vivid and detailed, focusing on small moments that reveal larger truths about the characters and society.
The narratives in "Dubliners" are characterized by their realism and observational tone, presenting Dublin as a backdrop for exploring themes such as love, regret, despair, and societal issues. Joyce's ability to render depth in characters within the constraints of short stories is evident throughout the collection, showcasing his talent for capturing the complexities of human emotions and interactions in a concise yet powerful manner.
There was no hope for him this time: it was the third stroke. Night after night I had passed the house (it was vacation time) and studied the lighted square of window: and night after night I had foun...1914•233 pages
