Recs if you like The Book of X...

Books that are atmospheric, emotionally unsettling, beautifully written, a little weird, and linger long after you finish them.

kids are great. however as a person who doesn’t want kids, I have fatigue around how many novels position motherhood as the epicenter of women’s lives. i’m gathering books here about women in their late twenties and older that don’t focus on motherhood or children. I haven’t read all these fyi!! plz share recs; i’m mostly looking for lit fic.

It’s always nice to feel like a normal person by reading about those more unhinged than you 😌 These are all women focused books. Some I’ve read and some I’m going to read. Apologies in advance if it gets long. Recommendations are absolutely welcome!! So please feel free.

I know a couple are written by men which might be taboo for some but I’ve included because I thought they were appropriate or the author has a track record of writing women well.

Every book recommended by members of the band (except for the one that must not be named). Most of these were recommended by Lucy Dacus. If you are sitting on more books which any member of the band recommended, please hit me up and I will update the list!

books from iconic weirdo indie publisher Two Dollar Radio

A gateway list for readers curious about magical realism but wary of too much whimsy. These books blend the uncanny with the everyday...strange happenings grounded in real emotion, culture, & sometimes politics. Perfect for readers craving wonder without leaving a sense of order behind.

Past and present winners and nominees of the Shirley Jackson Awards. Frightful reading!

authors love naming their books "the book of _____"

Books that have won the Shirley Jackson Award for outstanding achievement in the literature of horror, the dark fantastic, and psychological suspense.

Books that mainly take place inside the MC's head. Not saying the events are not real, but the compelling part of the book is the thoughts of the MC and less the plot. Typically unwell or struggling.

I love single POV!

my personal literary fiction tbr list