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Human: Small Cast of Characters Stuck in some Weird Situation or Single Locations! : D CONTEXT: I've recently read Sandcastle by Frederik Peeters and Pierre Oscar Lévy and watched The Platform on Netflix. REQUEST: I'm really fancying stories, be them novels, graphic novels, or short stories, about a small cast of characters, ideally in just a few locations at most, dealing with one weird situation. GENRE: Not fussed about genre. They can be high concept, philosophical sci-fi, or down to Earth, gritty horror. Anything. DISLIKES: However, I don't like Young Adult stuff, or Romance (I don't have a problem with sex or minor romantic subplots, I just don't like it being the whole story). Thanks for any suggestions. : ) Assistant: The Ruins	Human: Small Cast of Characters Stuck in some Weird Situation or Single Locations! : D CONTEXT: I've recently read Sandcastle by Frederik Peeters and Pierre Oscar Lévy and watched The Platform on Netflix. REQUEST: I'm really fancying stories, be them novels, graphic novels, or short stories, about a small cast of characters, ideally in just a few locations at most, dealing with one weird situation. GENRE: Not fussed about genre. They can be high concept, philosophical sci-fi, or down to Earth, gritty horror. Anything. DISLIKES: However, I don't like Young Adult stuff, or Romance (I don't have a problem with sex or minor romantic subplots, I just don't like it being the whole story). Thanks for any suggestions. : ) Assistant: {{The Luminous Dead}} has two characters and is set in a cave; one of them explores while the other provides remote support from their base.
Human: Please recommend me a historical fiction novel set in Spain! I want to read something along the lines of The Return by Victoria Hislop, not Don Quixote by Cervantes. I have read Shadow of the Wind as well and I loved that! Assistant: {Cathedral of the Sea} by Ildefonso Falcones.	Human: Please recommend me a historical fiction novel set in Spain! I want to read something along the lines of The Return by Victoria Hislop, not Don Quixote by Cervantes. I have read Shadow of the Wind as well and I loved that! Assistant: Operation guernica. I cant remember who it was by. And a farewell to arms. Hemingway. That knocked me sideways I couldn't read another book for a week after.
Human: I'm looking for books that can improve your I life. I neglected reading all of my life and recently I went through a few books with a Kindle. What enlightening books can you recommend? So far I read "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. I have my eyes on "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius next Assistant: Antifragile, and The Black Swan by Nassim Taleb The 4-Hour Body by Tim Ferriss is a good starting point if you're trying to improve your health (it might help your sex life too). Mindset by Carol Dweck can help you realise that the way you think about learning and growth can have a huge effect on your life (although I've heard the science might be in question now).	Human: I'm looking for books that can improve your I life. I neglected reading all of my life and recently I went through a few books with a Kindle. What enlightening books can you recommend? So far I read "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. I have my eyes on "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius next Assistant: Real Happiness The Power Of Meditation by Sharon Salzberg
Human: I just finished Stephen King It, what next I want spooky. It’s October anyway. What would you recommend. Leaning towards misery or Salem’s lot or the stand. Assistant: I preferred The Stand over 'Salem's Lot.	Human: I just finished Stephen King It, what next I want spooky. It’s October anyway. What would you recommend. Leaning towards misery or Salem’s lot or the stand. Assistant: I am not a huge fan Stephen King's writing. That being said, he does have two books that I really enjoyed and Misery was one of those two books. The other would be Rose Madder. Both are scary and terrifying in a different, subtle way.
Human: Books that are funny or beautiful, to lift your mood during sad times I’m going through a tough time and I’m looking for books that are uplifting, funny or inspiring Assistant: Bunny Buddhism: Hopping Along the Path to Enlightenment by Krista Lester. You don't need to be into buddhism to enjoy this.	Human: Books that are funny or beautiful, to lift your mood during sad times I’m going through a tough time and I’m looking for books that are uplifting, funny or inspiring Assistant: The Tao of Pooh, by Benjamin Hoff (Taoist principles explained using Winnie the Pooh characters) The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho (mystical realism) 100 Years of Solitude, by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (more mystical realism)
Human: Books with Magic but where magic isn't an important theme, in that it's a part of everyday life and is a part of everyone's reality and no one is astonished that someone has magical abilities. Assistant: Six of crows duology.	Human: Books with Magic but where magic isn't an important theme, in that it's a part of everyday life and is a part of everyone's reality and no one is astonished that someone has magical abilities. Assistant: I know this is a little out of what you're asking for but the inkheart trilogy is I think a good example if this in their own way. The world inside the world of the book has this completely with a normal worldmixed in too.
Human: Suggest me a book with good humorous word play like Hitch Hikers Guide or The Martian Doesn't have to be fiction or scifi, just good humor intertwined throughout. Thanks! Assistant: I'm confident you'd enjoy The Princess Bride. Do make sure to get the unabridged version however, you'd really miss a lot of comedy otherwise.	Human: Suggest me a book with good humorous word play like Hitch Hikers Guide or The Martian Doesn't have to be fiction or scifi, just good humor intertwined throughout. Thanks! Assistant: Not exactly what you're expecting but I guarantee you that Riddley Walker, by Russell Hornan, is very good at playing with words.
Human: Something to relax my mind and reduce the stress I'll be taking my university exams in a couple of weeks and and it has been very stressful for some time. I desperately need a book to take my mind off the subjects and remind me that there is more to life. I was thinking of something stoic, perhaps, but any book that can be read softly is appreciated. Assistant: The perfect book for this is This is How You Lose The Time War. Such a beautiful story and it’s short!	Human: Something to relax my mind and reduce the stress I'll be taking my university exams in a couple of weeks and and it has been very stressful for some time. I desperately need a book to take my mind off the subjects and remind me that there is more to life. I was thinking of something stoic, perhaps, but any book that can be read softly is appreciated. Assistant: I will always, always recommend Ender's Game. I don't know if everyone loves it, but I have yet to meet people who dislike it (maybe older adults). For me it was super engrossing so that really helps to relax. Plus it should be super cheap or even free (at least one of my friends said he got it for free).
Human: Suggest me a book about an immortal … I’m looking for something similar to Styxx, Acheron and Stygian by Sherrilyn Kennyon The book’s follow an immortal before they are made immortal. I have read The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue Assistant: {{Time Enough For Love}}	Human: Suggest me a book about an immortal … I’m looking for something similar to Styxx, Acheron and Stygian by Sherrilyn Kennyon The book’s follow an immortal before they are made immortal. I have read The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue Assistant: You should try The Mortal Intruments series by Cassandra Claire. First book is “City of Bones”
Human: A book I can learn sm from but also hella interesting and fun? I'm looking for something interesting to read, something I can learn from but also something entertaining. I was really into philosophy books and crime novels, some of the books I've read are The God delusion, american psycho, crime and punishment, the consolation of philosophy, and 50 philosophy classics. Assistant: All of Mary Roach’s books would fit this bill perfectly!	Human: A book I can learn sm from but also hella interesting and fun? I'm looking for something interesting to read, something I can learn from but also something entertaining. I was really into philosophy books and crime novels, some of the books I've read are The God delusion, american psycho, crime and punishment, the consolation of philosophy, and 50 philosophy classics. Assistant: Discworld -wich one, they are 40 books Yes
Human: Anybody have recommendations for books that give off a SCP vibe? I’m talking books like Annihilation or the Laundry File Series. Books that include lovecraftian entities or other anomalous things, like the house that’s impossibly big on the inside from House of Leaves Assistant: All Vandemeer - the Borne series is pretty good. The Gone Away World - Nick Harkaway Interference - Sue Burke.	Human: Anybody have recommendations for books that give off a SCP vibe? I’m talking books like Annihilation or the Laundry File Series. Books that include lovecraftian entities or other anomalous things, like the house that’s impossibly big on the inside from House of Leaves Assistant: I took about 8 screen grabs of this conversation.
Human: A book that is Harlan Coben or Gillian Flynn-esque and set in the UK I just finished watching ‘The Stranger’ and loved it. I know it’s a book, but I’m really looking for something set in the UK. I’ve already read Girl on the Train/Gone Girl and enjoyed them. Mainly looking for a mystery, thriller with lots of plot twists. Even better if it’s historical fiction! Assistant: Dublin Murder Squad series by Tana French. Is Ireland close enough?	Human: A book that is Harlan Coben or Gillian Flynn-esque and set in the UK I just finished watching ‘The Stranger’ and loved it. I know it’s a book, but I’m really looking for something set in the UK. I’ve already read Girl on the Train/Gone Girl and enjoyed them. Mainly looking for a mystery, thriller with lots of plot twists. Even better if it’s historical fiction! Assistant: Nicci French: Blue Monday; Ruth Rendell: Adam and Eve and Pinch Me; Tana French: In the Woods; Peter Robinson: Friend of the Devil
Human: A book about existentialism and work I’m currently writing this post as I’m on my lunch break, staring blankly out the window as I eat my carb-infused meal. As I sit here, I’m wondering about work and the point of it (besides money, of course) and was wondering if anyone had a book recommendation on these feelings and musings that I’m having. It can be negative/positive, don’t care, would love to dig into the philosophy of it. Assistant: Death of a salesman.	Human: A book about existentialism and work I’m currently writing this post as I’m on my lunch break, staring blankly out the window as I eat my carb-infused meal. As I sit here, I’m wondering about work and the point of it (besides money, of course) and was wondering if anyone had a book recommendation on these feelings and musings that I’m having. It can be negative/positive, don’t care, would love to dig into the philosophy of it. Assistant: Keep the aspidistra flying - George Orwell
Human: Best books that take place in hell? Assistant: Dante’s Inferno. I highly recommend the Sayers translation; she maintains the rhyme scheme and has a ton of great footnotes.	Human: Best books that take place in hell? Assistant: Man's Search for Meaning - Viktor E Frankl. Hell being imprisoned within the nazi regime.
Human: Looking for a book recommendation that is similar to/ along the lines of A Man Called Ove Assistant: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine reminded me so much of A Man Called Ove.	Human: Looking for a book recommendation that is similar to/ along the lines of A Man Called Ove Assistant: Perhaps try The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan
Human: What are some good books with a homeless main character? Fictional people would be preferred, but setting is irrelevant, whether it be modern day, classical, or sci fi. Post-apocalyptic books like The Road are enjoyed too Assistant: The Dark Tower series from Stephen King. Roland Deschain is homeless for sure :)	Human: What are some good books with a homeless main character? Fictional people would be preferred, but setting is irrelevant, whether it be modern day, classical, or sci fi. Post-apocalyptic books like The Road are enjoyed too Assistant: Stuart: A Life Backwards by Alexander Masters. It's non-fiction, starting with Stuart's situation as a homeless person, but then travelling backwards through his life to see how/why he ended up there. Probably not what you're looking for, but I guess I should still mention Mr Stink by David Walliams. Aimed at kids aged 10+, it's about a girl who befriends a homeless man. Surprisingly poignant.
Human: A book that genuinely changed your life? I know this is vague but I mean life-changing in any context - non-fiction or fiction is fine! :) Assistant: The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins. When I read this book I realized I never really understood evolution and how everything works. I thought I learned it, understood it, but I hadn't. It made me appreciate life and nature so much more.	Human: A book that genuinely changed your life? I know this is vague but I mean life-changing in any context - non-fiction or fiction is fine! :) Assistant: Tales of Power - Carlos Castaneda This book set me on my way to exploring the mysteries of life & consciousness. Doesn't matter whether it was fact or fiction in the end, it served its purpose.
Human: Books that take place in a library or bookshop. Please and thank you! Assistant: The Library at Mount Char (not exclusively but partially set in a library).	Human: Books that take place in a library or bookshop. Please and thank you! Assistant: Alcatraz vs. The Evil Librarians by Brandon Sanderson
Human: Any books with a mysterious and ethereal main character who wears a mask? Some characters such as Batman from DC use their affinity for theatrics to disguise themselves and trick their enemies into believing whatever the protagonist wants them to believe, many times to instill fear in their hearts. Their face is the persona they have built so that the world would tolerate them and not suspect them, while the mask is actually the unrestrained beliefs and nature of the protagonist, something that they must transform into in order to achieve what they want. Other characters such as King Baldwin IV from Kingdom of Heaven disguise themselves to hide their weaknesses, which, if they were left exposed for the world to see, would be catastrophic for their aims or, at the very least, would significantly make them harder to achieve. You could say that doing so also protects those closest to them from being harmed by that same weakness. In reality, they might be very frail, but with the mask on, they are able to be strong. Code Geass and V for Vendetta are a lot like this too. It doesn’t have to be like this exactly but I would really like to see something of the sort. If possible, recommend the most emotional, epic finished books (preferably fantasy/sci-fi). If the ones you are thinking of are not but you think they are worth a watch, send them anyway. Thanks. Assistant: {{Phantom of the Opera}} springs to mind. The original is still a pretty good read. In a similar vein, {{Sing me Forgotten}} is a pretty good book directly inspired by it. It's more of a romance, but I don't read a ton of romance and still really enjoyed it.	Human: Any books with a mysterious and ethereal main character who wears a mask? Some characters such as Batman from DC use their affinity for theatrics to disguise themselves and trick their enemies into believing whatever the protagonist wants them to believe, many times to instill fear in their hearts. Their face is the persona they have built so that the world would tolerate them and not suspect them, while the mask is actually the unrestrained beliefs and nature of the protagonist, something that they must transform into in order to achieve what they want. Other characters such as King Baldwin IV from Kingdom of Heaven disguise themselves to hide their weaknesses, which, if they were left exposed for the world to see, would be catastrophic for their aims or, at the very least, would significantly make them harder to achieve. You could say that doing so also protects those closest to them from being harmed by that same weakness. In reality, they might be very frail, but with the mask on, they are able to be strong. Code Geass and V for Vendetta are a lot like this too. It doesn’t have to be like this exactly but I would really like to see something of the sort. If possible, recommend the most emotional, epic finished books (preferably fantasy/sci-fi). If the ones you are thinking of are not but you think they are worth a watch, send them anyway. Thanks. Assistant: Elantris, the MC hides his identity and calls himself Lord Spirit
Human: Something YA or Middle Grade With Magic I’m looking for a book that takes place in a different world and involves magic somehow. Preferably with adventure/found family. I tend to read YA mostly but I also really like middle grade books like the KOTLC series. I don’t mind if they have romance or a love interest as long as it isn’t the main focus of the story. Also, for YA books, if there is romance, I prefer not to read anything with a lot of sexual content in it. Sorry if this isn’t very specific, but if anyone has good recommendations please lmk. Assistant: {The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making}	Human: Something YA or Middle Grade With Magic I’m looking for a book that takes place in a different world and involves magic somehow. Preferably with adventure/found family. I tend to read YA mostly but I also really like middle grade books like the KOTLC series. I don’t mind if they have romance or a love interest as long as it isn’t the main focus of the story. Also, for YA books, if there is romance, I prefer not to read anything with a lot of sexual content in it. Sorry if this isn’t very specific, but if anyone has good recommendations please lmk. Assistant: Skulduggery Pleasant Series -Derek Landy
Human: Spooky (not scary) novels for the Fall. Something that feels autumnal and chilling, gothic and spooky, yet not scary. It could just be atmospheric in its chills. Something like Rebecca, Dracula, or Bone China. Assistant: {{something wicked this way comes}} Edit: The goodreads bot says scary but I think spooky is a much better description.	Human: Spooky (not scary) novels for the Fall. Something that feels autumnal and chilling, gothic and spooky, yet not scary. It could just be atmospheric in its chills. Something like Rebecca, Dracula, or Bone China. Assistant: Summer of night, Dan Simmons Sundown Motel
Human: Looking for good Autumn reads (spooky/moody/Halloween) I love reading. I love Halloween. I want some good book recs. I've just finished The Woman in Black. It was good. I also read Under the Dome and was super upset at the ending. I mean, come on!! Super cop out, I thought. Hemlock Grove was a mess. I'm still trying to push through It. I loved Strange Angel's by Lili St. Crow. The last 20 books or so have been meh. I dont know if its due to my being a book snob, or if YA has ruined me. I could not stand The Woman in Cabin 10. Tik Tok by Dean Koontz freaked me out so terribly bad I still havent finished it, and I started five years ago I realize this my not be very helpful and I'm sorry. Assistant: The Trials of Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor #1) by Jessica Townsend Blurb A cursed girl escapes death and finds herself in a magical world - but is then tested beyond her wildest imagination. Morrigan Crow is cursed. Having been born on Eventide, the unluckiest day for any child to be born, she's blamed for all local misfortunes, from hailstorms to heart attacks--and, worst of all, the curse means that Morrigan is doomed to die at midnight on her eleventh birthday.	Human: Looking for good Autumn reads (spooky/moody/Halloween) I love reading. I love Halloween. I want some good book recs. I've just finished The Woman in Black. It was good. I also read Under the Dome and was super upset at the ending. I mean, come on!! Super cop out, I thought. Hemlock Grove was a mess. I'm still trying to push through It. I loved Strange Angel's by Lili St. Crow. The last 20 books or so have been meh. I dont know if its due to my being a book snob, or if YA has ruined me. I could not stand The Woman in Cabin 10. Tik Tok by Dean Koontz freaked me out so terribly bad I still havent finished it, and I started five years ago I realize this my not be very helpful and I'm sorry. Assistant: Check out Ruth Ware for thrillers
Human: It's the season of spookieness! Recommended your favorite scary reads What you personally found the most terrifying book you've read or something you've enjoyed immensely that horror or thriller. Assistant: The Woman in Black	Human: It's the season of spookieness! Recommended your favorite scary reads What you personally found the most terrifying book you've read or something you've enjoyed immensely that horror or thriller. Assistant: The Thing on the Doorstep, The Whisperer in Darkness, The Shadow out of Time, all by H.P. Lovecraft The Long Walk by Stephen King
Human: Historical fiction that’s not WWI, WWII, or Outlander/Revolutionary war I would love some historical fiction from other time periods that aren’t written about as much, and especially anything non-American. I use Bookbub(which is great!) but the only historical fiction it ever suggests is WWII era and I need a break from that. Assistant: Island of Shattered Dreams by Chantal Spitz follows a Tahitian family during the French colonization of Tahiti. She is also the first indigenous Tahitian author to be internationally published. Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien is about a girl who is trying to learn more about her father and his friends after his death, it takes place in China and spans the Great Leap Forward to the Tiananmen Square protests.	Human: Historical fiction that’s not WWI, WWII, or Outlander/Revolutionary war I would love some historical fiction from other time periods that aren’t written about as much, and especially anything non-American. I use Bookbub(which is great!) but the only historical fiction it ever suggests is WWII era and I need a break from that. Assistant: Lonesome Dove Shōgun The Red Tent Daisy Jones and the Six
Human: Books that have the same feeling as the film Portrait of a Lady on Fire? (i suppose this will be kind of spoiler-y if you haven’t watched it yet but nothing explicit) I saw the movie yesterday and I’m hooked. I can’t afford to go see it every day so I’m looking for book recs that have that same feeling. Preferably a woman author, possibly a period piece but not required, the feeling of a less-inhabited island with walks along the cliffs, possibly a commentary on Women As Capital, ART!!! (i’m an art history major so obviously this part was one of my favorites), haunting visions of your lover in a wedding dress for her wedding to someone else, double extra bonus points if it’s gay. I found the ending poetic but don’t think I could handle anything sadder than that. Thanks! Assistant: Fingersmith by Sarah Waters checks some of those boxes but not all of them. Regardless it’s a great book.	Human: Books that have the same feeling as the film Portrait of a Lady on Fire? (i suppose this will be kind of spoiler-y if you haven’t watched it yet but nothing explicit) I saw the movie yesterday and I’m hooked. I can’t afford to go see it every day so I’m looking for book recs that have that same feeling. Preferably a woman author, possibly a period piece but not required, the feeling of a less-inhabited island with walks along the cliffs, possibly a commentary on Women As Capital, ART!!! (i’m an art history major so obviously this part was one of my favorites), haunting visions of your lover in a wedding dress for her wedding to someone else, double extra bonus points if it’s gay. I found the ending poetic but don’t think I could handle anything sadder than that. Thanks! Assistant: I really liked the movie, but I don't have a recommendation.
Human: Need a book to keep me on my toes. I hate when a plot is predictable. I like it when I can't guess the final outcome and also edge of your seat type books. Recently read Gone Girl and loved it. Other books I've enjoyed. •Red Rising • Literally everything Brandon Sanderson has written • Project Hailmary • Annihilation • Jack Reacher • Wool I like sci-fi, fantasy, and mystery, would love your recommendations! Assistant: The 7 and a half deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle Time loop (with a twist) murder mystery	Human: Need a book to keep me on my toes. I hate when a plot is predictable. I like it when I can't guess the final outcome and also edge of your seat type books. Recently read Gone Girl and loved it. Other books I've enjoyed. •Red Rising • Literally everything Brandon Sanderson has written • Project Hailmary • Annihilation • Jack Reacher • Wool I like sci-fi, fantasy, and mystery, would love your recommendations! Assistant: The Silent Patient. Almost anything by Liane Moriarty.
Human: Please suggest a good autobiography or biography. I have read a lot of books but have never read a biography or an autobiography. The only one I own is Hamilton by Ron Chernow, but I haven’t read it because I am not an American and wasn’t taught about American founding fathers on school. Are there any good biographies or autobiographies you know of and would suggest? Also would you recommend Hamilton to an non-American? Assistant: Any by Walter Isaacson. “Steve Jobs” was a very informative read. Currently mid-way through “Leonardo Da Vinci” which is absolutely incredible and insightful. Have heard great things about Benjamin Franklin, too (on my to-read list). If you’re into music, Scar Tissue by Anthony Keidis (Red Hot Chili Peppers), The Beatles by Bob Spitz, or Heavier Than Heaven (Kurt Cobain) by Charles Cross.	Human: Please suggest a good autobiography or biography. I have read a lot of books but have never read a biography or an autobiography. The only one I own is Hamilton by Ron Chernow, but I haven’t read it because I am not an American and wasn’t taught about American founding fathers on school. Are there any good biographies or autobiographies you know of and would suggest? Also would you recommend Hamilton to an non-American? Assistant: Any book by Walter Isaacson. Always well written and thorough.
Human: Best Books for Spooky Season? Happy October, bibliophiles! What's your favorite creepy, eerie, unsettling read? (I enjoy the vibes of books like Slade House, Ocean at the End of the Lane, Annihilation, but extra points for books not written by white men.) Assistant: There are several stories in the collection “Her Body and Other Parties” by Carmen Maria Machado that are creepy/eerie. Worth a read if you like magical realism.	Human: Best Books for Spooky Season? Happy October, bibliophiles! What's your favorite creepy, eerie, unsettling read? (I enjoy the vibes of books like Slade House, Ocean at the End of the Lane, Annihilation, but extra points for books not written by white men.) Assistant: The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones (Indigenous author - indigenous characters- creepy folklore)
Human: Looking for a historical epic with a (preferably slow-burn) love story and compelling characterization. Pretty much exactly what the title says. I’m in the mood for a book that has at least a somewhat epic scope, a good love story, and a bittersweet feel to it. The last thing I read that was similar was The Song of Achilles, for reference. If it moved you to tears, that’s a bonus. Even if the romance is a minor element, I’m still interested if the main character and cast are still well-written and have strong development. Assistant: {{The Far Pavilions}}	Human: Looking for a historical epic with a (preferably slow-burn) love story and compelling characterization. Pretty much exactly what the title says. I’m in the mood for a book that has at least a somewhat epic scope, a good love story, and a bittersweet feel to it. The last thing I read that was similar was The Song of Achilles, for reference. If it moved you to tears, that’s a bonus. Even if the romance is a minor element, I’m still interested if the main character and cast are still well-written and have strong development. Assistant: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
Human: Suggest me books similar to Michael Crichton's 'Jurassic Park' I have recently finished both Jurassic Park and the lost world by Michael Crichton and absolutely loved them. I'm looking for similar fast paced adventure style books; preferably with dinosaurs, I'm not shy of horror so anything scary is also a win :) Assistant: Try Relic by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child	Human: Suggest me books similar to Michael Crichton's 'Jurassic Park' I have recently finished both Jurassic Park and the lost world by Michael Crichton and absolutely loved them. I'm looking for similar fast paced adventure style books; preferably with dinosaurs, I'm not shy of horror so anything scary is also a win :) Assistant: Indiana Jones and the Army of the Dead
Human: hey! i'm looking to sail the seven seas... or atleast read a book that makes me feel like im living maritime! i've been stuck in between many novels lately; none really are hitting the spot. i have been really interested in books that deal with the adventures upon the sea, but i really don't know where to turn to. i have been considering moby dick, but being a college student and reading that at the same time worries me, especially with melville's diction. i have experience with heart of darkness and the secret sharer, but it's been years since ive read those -- i wouldn't mind reading them again. i appreciate the help in advance! tl;dr books that make want to smoke a pipe and navigate via sextant. Assistant: Master and Commander by Patrick O'Brian. It's the first in a series about British sailors in the 1800s. It can be a bit heavy on the nautical terminology, but it's definitely going to get you in the mood for the high seas. I've only read the first book, so I can't say how the whole series is.	Human: hey! i'm looking to sail the seven seas... or atleast read a book that makes me feel like im living maritime! i've been stuck in between many novels lately; none really are hitting the spot. i have been really interested in books that deal with the adventures upon the sea, but i really don't know where to turn to. i have been considering moby dick, but being a college student and reading that at the same time worries me, especially with melville's diction. i have experience with heart of darkness and the secret sharer, but it's been years since ive read those -- i wouldn't mind reading them again. i appreciate the help in advance! tl;dr books that make want to smoke a pipe and navigate via sextant. Assistant: All the Horacio Hornblower books by Forester I believe. Even got made into a TV miniseries about naval warfare in the Napoleonic era. My family raised me watching it and I was shocked that it wasn’t common place lol nobody likes history like my family
Human: I’d like to read a biography of every US president. What books should I definitely not miss? Assistant: The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt and Theodore Rex, both by Edmund Morris.	Human: I’d like to read a biography of every US president. What books should I definitely not miss? Assistant: 41 by George W Bush, about his father, is remarkably will-written.
Human: Feminist fantasy books I just re-read Tamir's Triad for the n-th time and I love the classic fantasy setting with a more feminist approach. Think strong female characters, questions about gender, lots of female warriors and witches/sorceresses and an interesting love story. Any suggestions? Thank you :) Assistant: {{The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter}} {{Feminist Fables by Suniti Namjoshi}}	Human: Feminist fantasy books I just re-read Tamir's Triad for the n-th time and I love the classic fantasy setting with a more feminist approach. Think strong female characters, questions about gender, lots of female warriors and witches/sorceresses and an interesting love story. Any suggestions? Thank you :) Assistant: The Deed of Paksenarrion by Elizabeth Moon
Human: Fantasy books that are less male-gazey Recently, I've become semi-friends/acquaintances with a family friend of my girlfriend who is a fifteen year old girl. For her last birthday, I got her Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson after hearing about how she loves to read and that her favorite books so far were fantasy or fantasy adjacent books for very young adults. She then proceeded to rip through the Cosmere in, like, a couple months. So I'd like to get her more books. I have a library myself and I've been lending some to her but a problem that I'm facing is that a lot of fantasy books are written by male authors and they tend to be very male-gazey and sexual. For example, I'm currently reading The Black Prism by Brent Weeks and there are passages that more or less translate to "she boobily boobed toward the young protagonist" or "the softly curved bed slave wanked off the older protagonist" or "the matriarch of the kingdom had orange eyes and great sagging breasts and no other describable attributes." Ya know, /r/menwritingwomen. I'm personally able to put aside that stuff and still enjoy the story but I feel like it'd be really irresponsible of me to get books like that for a young girl. So I'd like suggestions that are fantasy books (preferably with interesting magic systems) that are either written by women, avoid pidgeon holing the writing of women through a lens of sexual fantasies, or - if they include sexuality - that the women who are written into those books are at the very least interesting and well developed characters. These books don't, like, need to be paragons of writing for feminist theory but, like, shouldn't mention that girls are balloons on sticks in ye' olde english every chapter. Here are some examples I got so far: * Everything Sanderson * The City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty * City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett * Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett * Sandman by Neil Gaiman (kind of cheating since it's a comic book) * Maybe the Codex Alera series by Jim Butcher * Maybe the Eye of the World by Robert Jordan Assistant: Check out non male authors! Leigh Bardugo, Alix E Harrow, Becky Albertali, and VE Schwab are good ones	Human: Fantasy books that are less male-gazey Recently, I've become semi-friends/acquaintances with a family friend of my girlfriend who is a fifteen year old girl. For her last birthday, I got her Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson after hearing about how she loves to read and that her favorite books so far were fantasy or fantasy adjacent books for very young adults. She then proceeded to rip through the Cosmere in, like, a couple months. So I'd like to get her more books. I have a library myself and I've been lending some to her but a problem that I'm facing is that a lot of fantasy books are written by male authors and they tend to be very male-gazey and sexual. For example, I'm currently reading The Black Prism by Brent Weeks and there are passages that more or less translate to "she boobily boobed toward the young protagonist" or "the softly curved bed slave wanked off the older protagonist" or "the matriarch of the kingdom had orange eyes and great sagging breasts and no other describable attributes." Ya know, /r/menwritingwomen. I'm personally able to put aside that stuff and still enjoy the story but I feel like it'd be really irresponsible of me to get books like that for a young girl. So I'd like suggestions that are fantasy books (preferably with interesting magic systems) that are either written by women, avoid pidgeon holing the writing of women through a lens of sexual fantasies, or - if they include sexuality - that the women who are written into those books are at the very least interesting and well developed characters. These books don't, like, need to be paragons of writing for feminist theory but, like, shouldn't mention that girls are balloons on sticks in ye' olde english every chapter. Here are some examples I got so far: * Everything Sanderson * The City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty * City of Stairs by Robert Jackson Bennett * Foundryside by Robert Jackson Bennett * Sandman by Neil Gaiman (kind of cheating since it's a comic book) * Maybe the Codex Alera series by Jim Butcher * Maybe the Eye of the World by Robert Jordan Assistant: Robin Hobb, Lois McMaster Bujold, Martha Wells and Naomi Novik are four great female fantasy/science fiction authors each with lots of books to choose from.
Human: If Over the Garden Wall was a book, what would it be? I loved that show and I'm open to any interpretation of it in book form, novel, short stories, horror or comedy, whatever you think feels OtGW-esque to you. My personal recommendation would be {{Through the Woods}} by Emily Carroll. Assistant: Stardust by Neil Gaiman	Human: If Over the Garden Wall was a book, what would it be? I loved that show and I'm open to any interpretation of it in book form, novel, short stories, horror or comedy, whatever you think feels OtGW-esque to you. My personal recommendation would be {{Through the Woods}} by Emily Carroll. Assistant: This might be a bit off subject, but I watched a YT video about how OTGW was a retelling of Dante's Inferno
Human: "Tame" Spooky books like Bunnicula? Looking for spooky themed books to read aloud to my young children. We just finished Bunnicula which is the perfect example of what I'm looking for. Spooky/Halloween theme but nothing ever actually scary. Anything in a similar vein? Assistant: {{The Bailey School Kids}} is a series of chapter books about kids mistaking adults in their lives to be different kinds of monsters. The titles are all a similar formula, like “Vampires Don’t Wear Polka Dots” and “Frankenstein Doesn’t Plant Petunias”	Human: "Tame" Spooky books like Bunnicula? Looking for spooky themed books to read aloud to my young children. We just finished Bunnicula which is the perfect example of what I'm looking for. Spooky/Halloween theme but nothing ever actually scary. Anything in a similar vein? Assistant: A great series I loved as a kids was The Bailey School Kids. Shorts chapter books and there is a monster that the four friends investigate each book. The first is Vampires Don’t Wear Polkadots. 😍
Human: Hello, I'm looking for some Political Drama books, or some one with many intrigues and doubledeals I'm looking for some books that can leave me surprised, that I can be amazed from the intelligence of the characters and with many twist and turns. Thank you so much if you have any suggestion for me :) Assistant: I pretty much only have fantasy type political drama books, hope that works. The Rook by Daniel O'Malley The Laundry Files (series) by Charles Stross- I think there is like 11 books now	Human: Hello, I'm looking for some Political Drama books, or some one with many intrigues and doubledeals I'm looking for some books that can leave me surprised, that I can be amazed from the intelligence of the characters and with many twist and turns. Thank you so much if you have any suggestion for me :) Assistant: The Red Rising series! It’s a Sci Fi series, but a lot of it is really politics, and twists and turns are the name of the game
Human: Tell me about relatively unknown 19th century novels Long, soap-opery books from 19th century are probably my favorite read. Sometimes I feel like I've read every novel with ghosts, ladies in attics, duels, complicated inheritances, carriages, adultery, tuberculosis and all that fun decimononic stuff, and then of course I always find a new one (and by "new" I obviously mean "old"). My last discovery was Wilkie Collins, and I was delighted! There are probably hundreds of authors like him who I haven't read yet, so hit me with your decimononic wisdom. I promise to light my oil lamp and read them all! Assistant: If you haven't read Vanity Fair get your petticoats and bonnet or maybe your cravat and "ambrosial moustaches" in order and RUN to the local bookstore and get it. I found it way funnier than Dickens and Becky Sharp is the best villain/hero of all time.	Human: Tell me about relatively unknown 19th century novels Long, soap-opery books from 19th century are probably my favorite read. Sometimes I feel like I've read every novel with ghosts, ladies in attics, duels, complicated inheritances, carriages, adultery, tuberculosis and all that fun decimononic stuff, and then of course I always find a new one (and by "new" I obviously mean "old"). My last discovery was Wilkie Collins, and I was delighted! There are probably hundreds of authors like him who I haven't read yet, so hit me with your decimononic wisdom. I promise to light my oil lamp and read them all! Assistant: The Garies and their Friends by Frank Webb The Way of All Flesh by Samuel Butler Belinda by Maria Edgeworth just about anything by Frances Burney The History of Lady Sophia Sternheim by Sophia von la Roche
Human: Suggest me an audiobook for Grandma. Hi readers! I've recently gotten my Grandmother interested in audiobooks via Libby. The hard thing is to find books that she might like and meet her tastes. I was hoping any one might have some recommendations based off of what she doesn't like. She does not like horror, violence, tragedy, or anything to do with blood. Fantasy like LOTR, His Dark Materials, anything that's too much for a 90 year old lady. She DOES like: Autobiographies History Non-fiction Your help will be greatly appreciated, thanks everyone! Assistant: If she likes fiction at all, Rosamunde Pilcher’s books are excellent. Hoopla has a lot of books that Libby doesn’t, so make sure you check that out. There are excellent biographies of American founding fathers and all sorts of European royalty (I know this because I have a mother of similar age and tastes).	Human: Suggest me an audiobook for Grandma. Hi readers! I've recently gotten my Grandmother interested in audiobooks via Libby. The hard thing is to find books that she might like and meet her tastes. I was hoping any one might have some recommendations based off of what she doesn't like. She does not like horror, violence, tragedy, or anything to do with blood. Fantasy like LOTR, His Dark Materials, anything that's too much for a 90 year old lady. She DOES like: Autobiographies History Non-fiction Your help will be greatly appreciated, thanks everyone! Assistant: {{Educated}} by Tara Westover
Human: Looking for similar authors to Haruki Murakami I have to say, no matter how many books I've read, no style of writing quite captures me like Murakami's. The way he describes scenarios and people is so visual and moving without being over stacked with information. Simple, minimalistic and thought provoking. Also the dialogues and characters he creates. You can so easily identify with them and almost feel like you know them. He has a way of creating beauty in a storyline that no one does. The biggest element he adds is mystery and a hint of occult surrealism that keeps you glued to storyline. Anyways, to my point: Do you know any writers who have a similar style or a similar feel to their stories? Assistant: I would recommend David Mitchell's number 9 dream. It is almost like he was doing a cover of a huraki murakami novel.	Human: Looking for similar authors to Haruki Murakami I have to say, no matter how many books I've read, no style of writing quite captures me like Murakami's. The way he describes scenarios and people is so visual and moving without being over stacked with information. Simple, minimalistic and thought provoking. Also the dialogues and characters he creates. You can so easily identify with them and almost feel like you know them. He has a way of creating beauty in a storyline that no one does. The biggest element he adds is mystery and a hint of occult surrealism that keeps you glued to storyline. Anyways, to my point: Do you know any writers who have a similar style or a similar feel to their stories? Assistant: I find Philip K Dick has a similar flavour and feel to me. I don't care about any of the characters in either author's books but the worlds and scenarios are just so real.