Not Quite Human
By Tiffany and the Gang!
A few months ago we had the pleasure of engaging with a customer who asked if we had any books with non-human characters. Initially we were all stumped… but then the floodgates opened and recommendations were spilling from our mouths. This continued to linger with us, it’s safe to say the customer walked away with plenty.
– Tiffany
Just Like Home by Sarah Gailey
This is the first one that came to my mind. If serial killer + entity stories are your jam, this ones for you! This book surprised me in so many ways! It felt like an ode to familiarity in Stephen King novels with its super vivid atmosphere in regards to The Crowder House. The Crowder House takes on a life of its own after witnessing brutal acts. It then feels the need to protect a child all the way into adulthood when she returns back to take care of her dying mother. The house takes on the role of a caretaker and problem solver for anything that can potentially harm Vera.
– Tiffany
Monstrilio by Gerardo Sámano Córdova
A household favorite here at Books Are Magic. You can find any staff member gushing about it simply by hearing its title brought up in conversation. This book reminded me why I love fiction! A spooky, thoughtful, book of grief incarnate. The little gremlin on the cover will horrify and endear himself to you completely. For fans of Shirley Jackson, Kelly Link and Gremlins. <3
– Bex
Side note: Bex did an interview with Gerardo on our Podcast! You can listen to it here or read the transcription here!
The Employees by Olga Ravn
Sometimes you really can judge a book by its cover. This book is weird, wild and magnificent. As soon as I finished, I felt an urgent desire to immediately read it again.
– Bex
Organ Meats by K-Ming Chang
Without giving too much away, this novel is for the feral girls, the girls who like to bark and snarl and howl! It is weird and raw and magical - a fever dream of femininity and ferocity!
– Amali
The Octopus Museum by Brenda Shaughnessy
These long-lined poems are spoken by a group of octopuses who have put humans in a museum. They struggle to understand the human species and ask such thrilling questions as, “Are Women People?” and traverse a post-apocalyptic world of climate disaster. Read it.
– Gold
Beautyland by Marie-Helene Bertino
In this brilliant, breathtaking novel, we meet Adina, perhaps the kindest alien in the known universe. Through her observant thoughts and fax messages, this book reconsiders the mundanity, fragility, and banal beauty of human life. Be prepared for lots of laughs, and loads of tears!
– Amali
We could go on forever now that this question has been posed to us; however if you still need more convincing or looking for some more titles with not-quite-human characters, here are some more!
