The Book of X

Like 'The Book of X', this novel uses surrealism and body horror to explore the darker, often bizarre aspects of female friendship and social belonging. Its narrative is equally unhinged, darkly funny, and deeply unsettling, perfect for readers who enjoy Etter's unique, dreamlike prose.

This collection of short stories masterfully blends the mundane with the horrific, mirroring Etter's ability to ground surreal, body-centric metaphors in real emotional pain. Readers will appreciate the sharp, feminist lens and the way the stories refuse to look away from the discomfort of being a woman.

While less surreal, this book shares the feeling of being an outsider in one's own life and the pressure to conform to societal norms regarding work and womanhood. The prose is sparse and observational, capturing a similar sense of alienation and quiet, internal struggle.

This novel is a visceral, haunting exploration of bodily autonomy and the desire to transform oneself in the face of stifling societal expectations. Fans of the body horror elements in 'The Book of X' will find this equally disturbing and profoundly philosophical.

Blending office satire with apocalyptic dread, this book captures the same weird, detached atmosphere found in Etter's work. It examines the absurdity of modern life and the ways we cling to routine even as our world—and our bodies—begin to fracture.

This novel dives deep into the intersection of hunger, desire, and the female body with a surreal, unapologetic edge. It shares Etter's interest in how we consume and are consumed, delivering a narrative that is both physically visceral and emotionally raw.

This book is a masterclass in building a sense of claustrophobic, impending doom through a surreal and non-linear narrative. Readers who enjoyed the disorienting, feverish quality of 'The Book of X' will find this short, punchy novel equally gripping and difficult to shake.

Moshfegh captures the same cynical, detached, and deeply introspective voice that defines Etter's protagonist. Both books explore the profound emptiness of modern existence and the extreme measures individuals take to escape their own realities.

While more whimsical than Etter's work, this book shares a fascination with a strange, isolated, and surreal world that mirrors the protagonist's internal state. It is a deeply contemplative and atmospheric read that rewards those who enjoy symbolic, metaphorical storytelling.

This novel uses a surreal premise—a man slowly turning into a great white shark—to explore the grief and inevitability of loss in a relationship. Fans of Etter's metaphorical approach to the body and emotion will find this book both heartbreaking and beautifully imaginative.