Emma Straub's Fantasy & Kim Samek's Ghost

Beyond the Book: Body Horror Fiction About Women

In Kim Samek's short story collection I Am the Ghost Here, several stories fall into the realm of "body horror." The phrase refers to books or movies featuring the transformation or mutilation of the human body. Although the concept might seem unique to cinema, it can in fact be traced back in literature to early 19th-century Gothic tropes (think Mary Shelley's Frankenstein), Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis, through to today's horror and science fiction authors. We've chosen some examples of fiction in which body horror allows the authors to, like Samek, explore the challenges that women face.

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Read-Alikes: American Fantasy by Emma Straub

BookBrowse handpicked read-alikes help you recommend books when one a patron requests isn't available, or when they’re looking for a similar title. For someone interested in Emma Straub’s novel American Fantasy, we suggest:

• Three Days in June by Anne Tyler

• Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley

• Rental House by Weike Wang

• Do Not Become Alarmed by Maile Meloy

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On the High Seas

Emma Straub’s American Fantasy, recently featured in our digital magazine, is just one of 80+ recommended titles in our On the High Seas category, where the ocean serves as a primary or significant setting.

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Book Club Discussions

Find inspiration for your book club(s) among our more than 200 past discussions. We’re currently talking about Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block by Jesse Q Sutanto and Won't Be Long Now by Elizabeth Hardinger, among other books. Starting May 7, we feature The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant by Liza Tully.

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Ask the Author Interviews

BookBrowse regularly hosts Ask the Author sessions in our community forum. You and your patrons are welcome to follow along and post questions in any interviews that interest you. Join us for this week’s conversation with Donna Everhart, author of the BookBrowse book club pick Women of a Promiscuous Nature.

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New & Notable Books in May

We've carefully selected 100+ of the most noteworthy books publishing in May—check them out!

Individual members and subscribing libraries can see, sort, and download the full list for all months. Non-subscribers can view books up to the current month and a limited selection of future books.

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