📚 Books to Read After In The Dream House
Just finished in the dream house? Here are 5 magical next reads curated just for you:
📘 Ordinary Girls by Jaquira Díaz
Rating: 4.21 / 5 (2,835 ratings), Published: 2019
When to read it: When you’re reflecting on complicated family dynamics or navigating themes of identity and resilience.
This memoir narrates the author’s journey through her tumultuous upbringing in Puerto Rico and the struggles she faced growing up in a chaotic household. Díaz's raw and honest storytelling, reminiscent of Machado's style, will resonate with those who appreciated the vulnerability in "In the Dream House". Through themes of trauma, love, and self-discovery, this powerful memoir explores the resilience of the human spirit.
Genres: Memoir, Autobiography, Family, Identity
After reading: Readers will feel a deep connection to the author's journey, finding solace in the shared human experience of overcoming adversity and finding strength in vulnerability.
📘 The Fact of a Body: A Murder and a Memoir by Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich
Rating: 4.08 / 5 (19,895 ratings), Published: 2017
When to read it: For those interested in the intersection of true crime, memoir, and the complexity of human nature.
Marzano-Lesnevich intertwines the true story of a murder case with her own personal history, reflecting on trauma, memory, and the intricacies of justice. This book delves into the darker corners of human experience, much like Machado's exploration of abusive relationships in "In the Dream House". By blending true crime and memoir, it offers a compelling narrative that questions our understanding of empathy and forgiveness.
Genres: True Crime, Memoir, Law, Psychology
After reading: Readers will be left pondering the complexities of the human psyche, the fluidity of truth, and the power of empathy in understanding even the most heinous acts.
📘 The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson
Rating: 4.11 / 5 (20,528 ratings), Published: 2015
When to read it: During a period of introspection, when exploring themes of love, gender, and unconventional relationships.
Nelson's genre-defying work blends memoir, theory, and cultural criticism to explore identity, motherhood, and the limits of language. Much like "In the Dream House," this book challenges conventional narrative structures and offers a unique perspective on love and identity. Through its lyrical prose and intellectual depth, "The Argonauts" invites readers to embrace the fluidity and complexities of relationships.
Genres: Memoir, Gender Studies, LGBTQ+, Philosophy
After reading: Readers will come away with a renewed sense of openness to the possibilities of love, family, and self-expression, inspired by Nelson's fearless exploration of unconventional relationships.
📘 My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness by Kabi Nagata
Rating: 4.24 / 5 (15,127 ratings), Published: 2016
When to read it: For those seeking a heartfelt exploration of personal growth, mental health, and acceptance.
Nagata's autobiographical manga delves into her struggles with identity, mental health, and societal expectations as a young lesbian in Japan. The raw honesty and vulnerability in her storytelling echo the emotional depth found in "In the Dream House." Through her journey of self-discovery and acceptance, Nagata offers a poignant reflection on loneliness, desire, and finding one's place in the world.
Genres: Graphic Novel, LGBTQ+, Mental Health, Coming-of-Age
After reading: Readers will feel a profound sense of empathy and self-acceptance, inspired by Nagata's courageous exploration of vulnerability and the universal quest for understanding and connection.
📘 Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls by T Kira Madden
Rating: 4.14 / 5 (5,691 ratings), Published: 2019
When to read it: When reflecting on themes of family, resilience, and the complexities of growing up.
Madden's memoir is a fierce and tender exploration of growing up as a biracial queer woman in a turbulent family environment. Like "In the Dream House," this book delves into the complexities of family dynamics, trauma, and the search for identity. Madden's lyrical prose and unflinching honesty make this memoir a powerful read for those navigating their own paths of self-discovery and healing.
Genres: Memoir, Family, Identity, LGBTQ+
After reading: Readers will be moved by Madden's poignant reflections on love, loss, and the enduring strength of resilience, finding solace in the shared journey of embracing one's true self amidst adversity.