A wildly imaginative novel about a man who is reincarnated over ten thousand lifetimes to be with his one true love: Death herself. “Tales of gods and men akin to Neil Gaiman’s Sandman as penned by a kindred spirit of Douglas Adams.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review) First we live. Then we die. And then . . . we get another try? Ten thousand tries, to be exact. Ten thousand lives to “get it right.” Answer all the Big Questions. Achieve Wisdom. And Become One with Everything. Milo has had 9,995 chances so far and has just five more lives to earn a place in the cosmic soul. If he doesn’t make the cut, oblivion awaits. But all Milo really wants is to fall forever into the arms of Death. Or Suzie, as he calls her. More than just Milo’s lover throughout his countless layovers in the Afterlife, Suzie is literally his reason for living—as he dives into one new existence after another, praying for the day he’ll never have to leave her side again. But Reincarnation Blues is more than a great love story: Every journey from cradle to grave offers Milo more pieces of the great cosmic puzzle—if only he can piece them together in time to finally understand what it means to be part of something bigger than infinity. As darkly enchanting as the works of Neil Gaiman and as wisely hilarious as Kurt Vonnegut’s, Michael Poore’s Reincarnation Blues is the story of everything that makes life profound, beautiful, absurd, and heartbreaking. Because it’s more than Milo and Suzie’s story. It’s your story, too. Praise for Reincarnation Blues “The most fun you’ll have reading about a man who has been killed by both catapult and car accident.”—NPR “This book made me laugh out loud. And then a page later, it made me sob. Reminiscent of Tom Robbins and Christopher Moore, Poore finds humor in the dark absurdities of life.”—Chicago Review of Books “Charming . . . surprisingly light and uplifting . . . It reads like a writer having fun.”—New York Journal of Books
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Informations
About the author
Michael Poore
Author
Michael Poore is an American novelist, the author of three novels: Up Jumps the Devil (2012), Reincarnation Blues (2017) andTwo Girls, a Clock, and a Crooked House (2019). His short fiction has appeared in Glimmer Train, Southern Review, Agni, Fiction, and Asimov’s. Poore lives in Highland, Indiana, with his wife, poet and activist Janine Harrison, and their daughter, Jianna.
Reincarnation Blues
by Michael Poore
Books Like Reincarnation Blues
If you're looking for books similar to Reincarnation Blues, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
Good Omens
Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
A comedic fantasy novel about an angel and a demon trying to prevent the apocalypse. The book blends supernatural elements with humor and philosophical musings about fate and free will. It shares a similar irreverent tone and cosmic perspective as Reincarnation Blues. The witty narrative and exploration of existential themes make it a perfect companion read.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Douglas Adams
A comedic science fiction novel exploring the absurdity of existence. The book's humor and philosophical insights mirror Reincarnation Blues. It challenges perceptions of reality and human significance. The witty narrative and cosmic perspective make it a perfect companion read.
Mort
Terry Pratchett
A Discworld novel featuring Death as a central character who takes an apprentice. The book humorously personifies Death and explores existential themes similar to Reincarnation Blues. It combines philosophical contemplation with comedic storytelling. The supernatural elements and witty narrative make it a compelling companion read.
American Gods
Neil Gaiman
A fantasy novel blending mythology, supernatural elements, and existential exploration. The story follows a protagonist navigating a world of gods and cosmic forces. Like Reincarnation Blues, it combines humor, philosophical depth, and supernatural themes. The narrative challenges perceptions of reality and human existence.
The Sirens of Titan
Kurt Vonnegut
A science fiction novel that explores free will, destiny, and the meaning of human existence. The protagonist's journey through space and time mirrors Milo's multiple lifetimes. Vonnegut's trademark dark humor and philosophical insights create a similar narrative style to Reincarnation Blues. The book challenges readers' perceptions of purpose and interconnectedness.
Slaughterhouse-Five
Kurt Vonnegut
A satirical novel about a soldier who becomes unstuck in time, experiencing life non-linearly. The protagonist's fragmented existence mirrors Milo's multiple lifetimes. Vonnegut's dark humor and philosophical insights create a similar narrative tone. The book challenges traditional storytelling and explores existential themes.
Cloud Atlas
David Mitchell
A novel connecting multiple narratives across different time periods and genres. The book explores interconnected lives and cosmic relationships. Like Reincarnation Blues, it challenges traditional storytelling and examines existential themes. Its complex narrative structure and philosophical depth create a similar reading experience.
The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August
Claire North
A novel about a man who is repeatedly reborn into the same life, retaining memories of his previous existences. Like Reincarnation Blues, it explores the concept of multiple lives and personal growth through reincarnation. The protagonist attempts to understand his unique condition and impact on the world. The book blends speculative fiction with deep philosophical exploration.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
V.E. Schwab
A novel about a woman who becomes immortal but is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. Her journey through time parallels Milo's multiple lifetimes. The book explores themes of memory, identity, and personal meaning. Its supernatural elements and philosophical depth make it similar to Reincarnation Blues.
Life After Life
Kate Atkinson
A novel about a woman who dies and is reborn repeatedly, experiencing different life paths. The protagonist's multiple lives mirror Milo's reincarnation journey. The book explores themes of choice, destiny, and personal growth. Its non-linear narrative and philosophical depth create a similar reading experience.
The Midnight Library
Matt Haig
A novel about a woman who experiences multiple versions of her life in a magical library. Each life represents a different path not taken, similar to Milo's reincarnation journey. The book explores themes of choice, regret, and personal fulfillment. Its philosophical approach to life's possibilities resonates with Reincarnation Blues.
The Time Traveler's Wife
Audrey Niffenegger
A love story about a man with a genetic disorder causing him to time travel unpredictably. The narrative explores love transcending linear time, similar to Milo and Suzie's relationship. The book blends romance, science fiction, and philosophical reflection. Its exploration of interconnected lives resonates with Reincarnation Blues.
Time's Arrow
Martin Amis
A novel that tells a life story in reverse chronological order, challenging narrative conventions. The unique storytelling approach mirrors the non-linear exploration of life in Reincarnation Blues. It provides a philosophical examination of time, existence, and personal experience. The book's experimental style offers a fresh perspective on life's journey.
The Eyre Affair
Jasper Fforde
A comedic fantasy novel set in an alternate reality where literature plays a central role. The book's humor and imaginative storytelling echo Reincarnation Blues. It combines supernatural elements with witty narrative techniques. The playful exploration of reality and existence makes it a compelling recommendation.
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