📚 Books to Read After Eileen
Just finished eileen? Here are 5 magical next reads curated just for you:
📘 My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
Rating: 3.51 / 5 (59,417 ratings), Published: 2018
When to read it: When you need to delve into a character’s psyche and explore the complexities of internal struggles.
This darkly humorous yet poignant novel follows a young woman's year-long quest to sleep and numb herself with pills. Moshfegh's sharp prose and unapologetic portrayal of disconnection make this a striking exploration of the human condition for those drawn to introspective narratives.
Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Mental Health, Dark Humor
After reading: Readers will be left contemplating the thin line between self-preservation and self-destruction, and maybe even find solace in their own moments of retreat.
📘 Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado
Rating: 3.87 / 5 (24,538 ratings), Published: 2017
When to read it: When you crave a blend of haunting storytelling and feminist perspectives that challenge the norm.
Machado's collection of surreal and provocative short stories weaves together elements of horror, fairy tales, and social commentary. This genre-defying work will appeal to fans of dark, atmospheric narratives interested in exploring women's bodies and experiences.
Genres: Fiction, Short Stories, Feminism, LGBTQ+, Magical Realism
After reading: Readers will find themselves immersed in a thought-provoking exploration of gender, desire, and societal expectations, with storytelling that lingers long after the final page.
📘 The Girls by Emma Cline
Rating: 3.48 / 5 (150,430 ratings), Published: 2016
When to read it: When you crave a deep dive into the complexities of relationships, power dynamics, and the allure of dark influences.
Cline's debut novel offers a mesmerizing fictionalized account of a teenage girl drawn into a Manson-esque cult in 1960s California. Rich in atmosphere and psychological depth, this narrative will captivate readers who appreciate nuanced explorations of vulnerability and manipulation.
Genres: Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Cults, Psychological, Historical
After reading: Readers will grapple with questions of identity, belonging, and the blurred boundaries between innocence and corruption, gaining a nuanced view of human desires and vulnerabilities.
📘 You Too Can Have a Body Like Mine by Alexandra Kleeman
Rating: 3.22 / 5 (6,913 ratings), Published: 2015
When to read it: When you're in the mood for a satirical take on consumerism, identity, and the surreal nature of modern society.
Kleeman's satirical novel explores the absurdity of consumer culture and the impact of media on self-perception through the lives of three characters navigating a disorienting world. Fans of dark humor and social commentary will appreciate the blend of wit and depth in this unconventional narrative.
Genres: Fiction, Satire, Consumerism, Identity, Surreal
After reading: Readers will reflect on the ways society shapes our relationships with our bodies and identities, prompting a critical examination of the influences that define our sense of self.
📘 Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill
Rating: 3.64 / 5 (39,113 ratings), Published: 2014
When to read it: When you're seeking a narrative that captures the beauty and heartbreak of everyday life in succinct, poetic prose.
Offill's novel unfolds in fragments, offering a raw and intimate glimpse into the joys and struggles of marriage, motherhood, and personal aspirations. With its lyrical style and profound insights, this book is perfect for readers who appreciate poignant reflections on love, loss, and the complexities of relationships.
Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Marriage, Parenthood, Literary Fiction
After reading: Readers will be left with a deep sense of empathy for the protagonist's journey, finding solace in the shared experiences of love, disappointment, and the quiet resilience that defines the human spirit.