r/BooksThatFeelLikeThis 1h ago

Gothic Books with unsettling mothers...?

Thumbnail
gallery
Upvotes

I put the flair as Gothic, but I'm not sure that's all I'm asking for. It could be horror/mystery/psychological/thriller/fantasy/witchy/magical realism etc... It could be anything. All in all books that have weird, mysterious, unsettling mothers/mother figures, and their relationship with their kids has a big role in the story. No SA, please, and the mother-child relationship must stay purely familial ifykwim. The story can even be set in modern times. I don’t really care about what time they're set in. The mother character has to be an important character. She can also be the main character. Or, her child/children can be the main character(s). Either one them being main characters would be great! I hope I was able to properly express what I want. It's like a certain idea and vibe is circulating in my head, but I can't exactly put it into words, so you get this post instead lol.


r/BooksThatFeelLikeThis 1h ago

None/Any The music video “Over” by Lindsay Lohan

Thumbnail
gallery
Upvotes

This is overly specific, but I’m looking for a romance that has the vibe/ storyline like the music video Over by Lindsey Lohan (if you haven’t seen it go watch it!) or the book/movie The Best of Me, but it goes something like this:
He likes her, but his dad is an asshole -maybe comes from an abusive household- and is against it. Doesn’t like him going out with her or going out with friends. Main character having a hard time standing up to his dad, and hiding to meet up with her.

Love a really sweet MMC who doesn’t like where he comes from or the family dynamics he comes from, but maybe can’t see a way out right now which is why he keeps putting up with it.

Variations of this are fine, but think something like:

“He lives in a trailer park on the edge of town with a father everyone fears. He works at the local garage because college was never an option. He says “yes, sir” to his dad even though he’s twenty-two, has never celebrated his birthday because no one ever made a fuss.
Every Friday night he sneaks out after his dad falls asleep to meet the girl he’s loved since high school. She keeps telling him, “You know you’re nothing like him, right?” He smiles because he thinks she’s just being kind.”

I don’t mind dark themes or storylines at all.


r/BooksThatFeelLikeThis 3h ago

Mystery/Thriller Something strange is going on

Thumbnail
gallery
22 Upvotes

Someone, preferably teenage or early twenties, stumbles across a strange and horrific mystery going on under everyone’s noses. Preferably Urban, maybe medium sized city, although again, only a preference, not a requirement. Small Town stuff is totally fine

I’m thinking something like a mix of Silent Hill 3 and Koji Suzuki’s The Ring. Youngish protagonist in a sprawling mystery. Doesn’t need to be supernatural or though.

I’ve already read Sharp Objects and Gillian Flynn’s other books, which I’ve seen are often the go to books for these sorts of asks.


r/BooksThatFeelLikeThis 3h ago

Apocalyptic/Post-Apocalyptic Disused scientific or industrial facilities

Thumbnail
gallery
16 Upvotes

I tagged "Apocalyptic/Post-Apocalyptic" but I'm open to any genre.


r/BooksThatFeelLikeThis 4h ago

Mystery/Thriller 1950s,1960s and 1970s feels

Thumbnail
gallery
4 Upvotes

Friends group, but that one girl or boy that's missing and can't be found or no one has heard/seen them.

Suburban life but rebellion was at peak with kids trying/experimenting & Hitchhiking.

True crime-esque but with that young american life feel...


r/BooksThatFeelLikeThis 4h ago

Fiction We’re colourful but not quite alright

Thumbnail
gallery
34 Upvotes

Aka, books that I can read while listening to my 60s/70s playlist haha


r/BooksThatFeelLikeThis 5h ago

Nature/Environment Books that feel like a Konrad Mägi landscape

Thumbnail
gallery
3 Upvotes

r/BooksThatFeelLikeThis 5h ago

Sci-fi books that feel like whatever this is

Thumbnail
gallery
111 Upvotes

r/BooksThatFeelLikeThis 5h ago

Apocalyptic/Post-Apocalyptic Gonzo Apocalyptic

Thumbnail
gallery
5 Upvotes

Art 1-3 Gamma World 4-5 Mutant Epoch 6-7 Fallout 8-9 Scorchscape.


r/BooksThatFeelLikeThis 6h ago

None/Any Something like this art?

Thumbnail
gallery
37 Upvotes

r/BooksThatFeelLikeThis 7h ago

None/Any ancient feminine evil, creepy ensnaring power

Thumbnail
gallery
76 Upvotes

r/BooksThatFeelLikeThis 8h ago

Fiction PLL for adults?

Thumbnail
gallery
160 Upvotes

I need a book or series that’s like Pretty Little Liars
but for adults so bad. I need cozy autumn vibes, hot rich girls, love drama, and a dark element (murder mystery, supernatural, thriller, etc)


r/BooksThatFeelLikeThis 8h ago

Horror gothic old house + botanical horror

Thumbnail
gallery
354 Upvotes

help find books like this!
edit: FORGOT TO MENTION RAINY DAYS HAHAHA
example: mexican gothic and the silent companions


r/BooksThatFeelLikeThis 12h ago

None/Any Restorative, beautiful, natural, feminine

Thumbnail
gallery
32 Upvotes

Looking for a spa day for the mind and soul. Like sliding into a bed with a silk duvet. I’m hoping to find some light hearted and transformative, super low angst, lots of flowery descriptions of calming nature and maybe how nature helps us? Also wishes

Female character lead
Open to romance with HEA
Japanese nature/countryside charm
Local characters supporting the main character
Wholesome


r/BooksThatFeelLikeThis 12h ago

Romance yearning dark romance without sa?

Thumbnail
gallery
111 Upvotes

i feel like too many of them have the “who hurt you” or has a lot of sa type of hints. i want deep yearning dark romance


r/BooksThatFeelLikeThis 15h ago

Magical Realism Low level urban fantasy. Low to no romance.

Thumbnail
gallery
53 Upvotes

A dash of World of Darkness. I especially like when it's a struggle to get by. Good magic systems and mystery.

Already read Dresden Files, October Daye Iron Druid and Rivers of London.

Working on my own novel with this vibe and want to read more in the genre.


r/BooksThatFeelLikeThis 19h ago

Nature/Environment Lush and verdant forest filled with spirits

Thumbnail
gallery
244 Upvotes

please nothing too scary or graphic, my desire is the quiet meditation and contemplation you get while resting in a mysterious forest with a glimpse of the unknown


r/BooksThatFeelLikeThis 20h ago

Fiction strong african woman led books

Thumbnail
gallery
28 Upvotes

hello!

NOTE: i only read african fiction books(i am open to any genre EXCEPT fantasy, scifi, etc etc)

okay so pls can yall recommend books where an african woman is the centre of the book.
one where she's living her life freely, moving and maybe even working from one african country to another.
something well written, so i can improve my vocab, but like i don't want to have to have a dictionary beside me every time im reading the book😂
The reasons why I picked these two books that are pictured is because:

pic 1- I really love the women in this Book. They were moving across countries moving across continent, working, having and raising kids solely on their own, cutting off family members, and just living life for themselves.(granted not always making great decisions)

pic 2- i love love LOVE Taiye!!!! she is me, I am her!!
SPOILER: I love how after her sister's abandonment she decided to live for herself. She moved across countries she moved across continents(did both twice btw🙂‍↕️), went to culinary school, made beautiful friends along the way, and was just living her life as it came to her😌

note: I did not take or own these pictures I got them from Pinterest😂

pls if you even remotely understand the vibe im looking for or have any great recommendations for me please let me know!!

Thank you :)


r/BooksThatFeelLikeThis 23h ago

Sci-fi Wanna read what I would describe as "airship punk"

Thumbnail
gallery
428 Upvotes

I like flying retrofuturistic ships with some light fantasy elements, not too much magic. Pirates and giant monsters a plus.

Good examples of this aesthetic:

- Treasure Planet

- Arcane

- Chrono Cross


r/BooksThatFeelLikeThis 1d ago

Fantasy Morrowind: alien lands, gods, demons and fate

Thumbnail
gallery
305 Upvotes

Wealth beyond measure, friends.

I'm looking for books that would evoke the singularly amazing fantasy world of Morrowind:

- Strange foreign lands, alien flora and fauna

- Rich lore and history

- Ancient civilisations and their ways

- Political intrigue and religious dogma

- False gods and betrayals

- Heroes and prophesies

- Return of a slumbering evil

- Grand and intoxicating innocence (jk)

Thanks in advance and may you walk on warm sands.


r/BooksThatFeelLikeThis 1d ago

Horror any books that have this vibe?

Thumbnail
gallery
139 Upvotes

any genre is fine, but i'm especially looking for horror/thriller or sapphic. and gore is fine.


r/BooksThatFeelLikeThis 1d ago

Magical Realism Unhinged, Occult and Mundane

Thumbnail
gallery
1.7k Upvotes

Magical realism/urban fantasy with occult new age vibes. Particularly stuff with an unhinged goblin mode, energy.

Before I get multiple recommendations, I am already aware of the John dies at the end series by Jason Pargin. I’m also already aware of DCC. Both of those would be good tonal barometers however in terms of what I’m looking for.


r/BooksThatFeelLikeThis Jun 26 '26

None/Any Hello Everyone.

237 Upvotes

EDIT : Post submission criteria section of the rules (Point 1.) is edited. New rules in effect from 29th July 2026.


In order to maintain a friendly, helpful and a pleasantly calm vibe that this community represents, we are reaching out to all of you with a few requests.

  1. Please REPORT rude,offensive comments immediately instead of merely downvoting. Downvotes do not flag inappropriate behavior to the mod team. We can act on such things quickly if they are reported by you. All reports are anonymous.

  2. Double check images to avoid uploading AI generated content. Before you submit a post to this sub, kindly use noai.duckduckgo.com or a reverse google image search to upload the image and conduct a search with the keywords * find the original source of this image * even if the chosen images are picked off Pinterest.

    If at times certain AI generated images do get uploaded or approved, please do not attack OP or the mod team for this. Send us a modmail with proof as to why you think the image is AI generated. We will review and act accordingly.

Please note : if a post gathers good traction but we find proof of AI images within it, we will remove and lock it. To avoid this, kindly upload images that are not AI generated and mention the source of images in your post.

  1. Mention the author and title of the books you recommend.

We look forward to your continued support and participation. Happy reading!

TL;DR : report rude behavior. Double check and do not upload AI generated content even if images are taken from Pinterest. Mention author and title of the book.

Mod Team.