Fans pick 97 books like Darth Vader and Son

By Jeffrey Brown,

Here are 97 books that Darth Vader and Son fans have personally recommended if you like Darth Vader and Son. Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of The Baby Owner's Manual

Ohad Ouziel Author Of 100 Hidden Truths of Parenting

From my list on keeping your sanity as a parent.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I became a parent, I immediately became an expert on it. Don’t worry, you will too. Children are great. They fill your life with a sense of purpose. They are very good at being really cute, and they can be really fun to be with. Yet... let's face it, the little bugger wreak havoc in your life. Harnessing my experience as a writer for television, and being a man, I immediately started whining and ranting about the difficulties of raising kids, the result was the book 100 Hidden Truths of Parenting that sold the world over. I love my kids, so will you, but it is a difficult journey and you need to know you are not the only one having a hard time sometimes.

Ohad's book list on keeping your sanity as a parent

Ohad Ouziel Why did Ohad love this book?

This humorously titled book actually takes itself pretty seriously, and contains some solid parenting advice. Like all parenting guides it is to be taken with a grain of salt, but I applaud the light-hearted tone it takes. All too often parenting books make the overwhelming experience of becoming a parent even worth by taking it too seriously, The Baby Owners’ Manual shows the right approach.

By Louis Borgenicht, Joe Borgenicht,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Baby Owner's Manual as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

At Last! A Beginner's Guide to Newborn Baby Technology. You've programmed your DVR, you've installed a wireless Internet connection, you can even check Facebook on your cell phone. But none of this experience will prepare you for the world's biggest technological marvel: a newborn baby. Through step-by-step instructions and helpful schematic diagrams, "The Baby Owner's Manual" explores hundreds of frequently asked questions: What's the best way to swaddle a baby? How can I make my newborn sleep through the night? When should I bring the baby to a doctor for servicing? Whatever your concerns, you'll find the answers here -…


Book cover of Go the F*ck to Sleep

Bethany Crandell Author Of See Jane Snap

From my list on for a hearty laugh.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love to laugh. Quite often it’s at inappropriate times or at someone else’s expense, but either way, it’s a huge part of who I am. Second only to prayer, I find laughter to be the best remedy for a difficult situation. It’s hard to be sad when you’re laughing, and as a writer who puts characters into very challenging positions, that’s always at the forefront of my mind. While readers may not always relate to the exact circumstance my characters are in, they may very well find common ground in the levity they seek when trying to survive it.

Bethany's book list on for a hearty laugh

Bethany Crandell Why did Bethany love this book?

I was (thankfully) long past the “putting kids to bed” stage of life when I first read this book, but you don’t have to be in the depths of sleep-deprived hell to enjoy it! This book is 100% irreverent which makes it 100% perfect! It will provide just the right amount of levity to any frustrated parent/sitter who can’t understand why that beautiful, crying child in front of them won’t go to sleep already! Disclaimer: If you don’t appreciate a good F-bomb, don’t read this book. The title says it all.

By Adam Mansbach, Ricardo Cortés (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Go the F*ck to Sleep as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A Reader's Digest "25 Funniest Books of All Time"

"Nothing has driven home a certain truth about my generation, which is approaching the apex of its childbearing years, quite like this."
--The New Yorker

"A parenting zeitgeist"
--Washington Post

"A hilarious take on that age-old problem: getting the beloved child to go to sleep."
--National Public Radio

"A new Bible for weary parents"
--New York Times

"Resonates powerfully with almost everyone"
--Boston Globe

"This children's book parody earns its place on the list by being a much-needed bit of catharsis that every parent needs."
--Fatherly, one of the 10 Best…


Book cover of Toddlers Are A**holes: It's Not Your Fault

Ohad Ouziel Author Of 100 Hidden Truths of Parenting

From my list on keeping your sanity as a parent.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I became a parent, I immediately became an expert on it. Don’t worry, you will too. Children are great. They fill your life with a sense of purpose. They are very good at being really cute, and they can be really fun to be with. Yet... let's face it, the little bugger wreak havoc in your life. Harnessing my experience as a writer for television, and being a man, I immediately started whining and ranting about the difficulties of raising kids, the result was the book 100 Hidden Truths of Parenting that sold the world over. I love my kids, so will you, but it is a difficult journey and you need to know you are not the only one having a hard time sometimes.

Ohad's book list on keeping your sanity as a parent

Ohad Ouziel Why did Ohad love this book?

Terrible two got its name for a reason. Toddlers are really difficult and this book speaks truth to power letting you know you are not alone facing the little psychotic menace. I wouldn’t use any of the advice in the book – but it is hilarious.

By Bunmi Laditan,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Toddlers Are A**holes as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Toddler a**holery is a normal part of human development-not unlike puberty, except this stage involves throwing food on the floor and taking swings at people who pay your way in life. For parents of toddlers, the only reasonable (and nonalcoholic) response is to laugh.

Bunmi Laditan's Toddlers Are A**Holes is a hilarious, satirical guide to toddlerhood that give parents instant (and very welcome) comic relief - along with the very good news that "It's Not Your Fault." Chapters cover feeding your toddler, potty-training, tantrums, how to manage the holidays, "how not to die inside," and using the TV as babysitter:…


Book cover of Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care

Ohad Ouziel Author Of 100 Hidden Truths of Parenting

From my list on keeping your sanity as a parent.

Why am I passionate about this?

When I became a parent, I immediately became an expert on it. Don’t worry, you will too. Children are great. They fill your life with a sense of purpose. They are very good at being really cute, and they can be really fun to be with. Yet... let's face it, the little bugger wreak havoc in your life. Harnessing my experience as a writer for television, and being a man, I immediately started whining and ranting about the difficulties of raising kids, the result was the book 100 Hidden Truths of Parenting that sold the world over. I love my kids, so will you, but it is a difficult journey and you need to know you are not the only one having a hard time sometimes.

Ohad's book list on keeping your sanity as a parent

Ohad Ouziel Why did Ohad love this book?

This classic is actually a very good guide to maintaining you sanity and for helping you through those first few month. My parents read this when they had me, and so did probably yours. Get one of the older editions though, none of this wishy-washy modern parenting for us. 

By Benjamin Spock, Robert Needlman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the pediatrician whose advice has shaped parenting practices for more than half a century comes the essential parenting book—fully revised and updated with the latest research and written in clear, accessible prose for parents of all backgrounds.

Generations of parents have relied on the influential bestseller Dr. Spock’s Baby and Child Care as the most authoritative and reliable guide for child care. This timeless yet up-to-date edition has been revised and expanded by Dr. Robert Needlman, a top-notch pediatrician who shares Dr. Spock’s philosophy and has applied his research in his career.

In this tenth edition, you can gain…


Book cover of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back

Kurt D. Springs Author Of Price of Vengeance

From my list on sci-fi that meld military and paranormal themes.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am Kurt D. Springs. If you read my back of the book bio, you’ll find I have advanced degrees in anthropology and archaeology and a focus on European prehistory. However, I’ve always been fascinated by military history. I’ve recently studied how modern warfare has changed many old paradigms. I’ve also studied modern and ancient religions, and many of the fiction works I enjoy have ESP or magic elements, especially Andre Norton’s works. I am also a fan of the HALO game universe. I like to tell people my stories are the children of Andre Norton’s Forerunner series and HALO.

Kurt's book list on sci-fi that meld military and paranormal themes

Kurt D. Springs Why did Kurt love this book?

While I found all the original trilogy stories enjoyable, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back fascinated me with the weaponry and battles at the beginning.

Luke’s Jedi training under Yoda was something that I found inspirational. Yoda’s admonition on focus, control, and belief inspired the scenes of Liam being trained. I enjoyed the final interplay between Luke and Darth Vader, ending with Luke’s realization that experience matters.

By Donald F. Glut,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Star Wars as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The Empire Strikes Back [Paperback] [Jan 01, 1995] Donald F. Glut …


Book cover of Star Wars From a Certain Point of View

Erin Macdonald Author Of The Science of Sci-Fi: From Warp Speed to Interstellar Travel

From my list on beloved sci-fi universes.

Why am I passionate about this?

With a background in theoretical astrophysics and a life-long passion for science fiction, I am now lucky enough to have a dream job of working in one of my favorite sci-fi worlds: Star Trek. This role as science advisor for the franchise has bridged my career between hard science and fictional writing. Like many fans, I am one who simply wants to walk, live, and breathe in these fictional worlds that bring us so much joy. I always look for new ways to immerse myself, be it episode or movie rewatches, extended universe shows, comics, video games, and yes, books!

Erin's book list on beloved sci-fi universes

Erin Macdonald Why did Erin love this book?

With only two books out (referencing Star Wars: A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back) the From a Certain Point of View books are brilliant. So brilliant. I can’t explain how much I love these books in one short paragraph. They are a collection of short stories written by dozens of authors who recall events in the films both big and small. Did you ever want to know who the guy is on Hoth who interrupts Han and Leia arguing? Well, now you do! With each story taking only about 20 minutes to read, they’re a perfect nighttime story that add such richness to the films we’ve all seen dozens, if not hundreds, of times.

By Renée Ahdieh, Meg Cabot, Pierce Brown , Sabaa Tahir , Nnedi Okorafor , Tom Angleberger , Jeffrey Brown , Rae Carson , Zoraida Cordova , Delilah S. Dawson , Kelly Sue DeConnick , Ian Doescher , Alexander Freed , Jason Fry , Kieron Gillen , Christie Golden , Claudia Gray , Paul S. Kemp , Mur Lafferty , Daniel M. Lavery , Ken Liu , John Jackson Miller , Daniel José Older , Beth Revis , Madeleine Roux , Greg Rucka , Cavan Scott , Gary D. Schmidt , Charles Soule , Elizabeth Wein , Chuck Wendig , Gary Whitta

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Star Wars From a Certain Point of View as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A one-of-a-kind Star Wars experience that sheds new light on the original film.

On May 25, 1977, the world was introduced to Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, C-3PO, R2-D2, Chewbacca, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Darth Vader, and a galaxy full of possibilities. In honor of the fortieth anniversary, more than forty contributors lend their vision to this retelling of Star Wars. Each of the forty short stories reimagines a moment from the original film, but through the eyes of a supporting character. From a Certain Point of View features contributions by bestselling authors, trendsetting artists, and…


Book cover of 11 Harrowhouse

Matthew Hart Author Of The Russian Pink

From my list on stealing diamonds.

Why am I passionate about this?

I live in New York City, where I write thrillers about diamonds. My interest began when news broke of a diamond discovery in the Canadian Arctic. A reporter looking for a story, I climbed on a plane the next day. The discovery made Canada the world’s third largest diamond miner—one of the stories told in my non-fiction book, Diamond: the History of a Cold-Blooded Love Affair. I went on to write about diamonds for many publications, including Vanity Fair and the London Times, until finally, seduced by the glitter of the possibilities, I turned to fiction. The Russian Pink appeared in November 2020. The next in the series, Ice Angel, comes out in September.

Matthew's book list on stealing diamonds

Matthew Hart Why did Matthew love this book?

I have a special fondness for 11 Harrowhouse, the 1973 thriller that spins the tale of a huge theft of rough diamonds from The System, a fictional London diamond powerhouse modeled on the real-life De Beers. When I started writing about diamonds, De Beers was still the Darth Vader of diamonds—all-powerful, feared, despotic. More than eighty percent of the world’s rough diamonds poured through its London headquarters at 17 Charterhouse Street. In the novel, thieves thread a hose from the roof into the diamond vault, and hoover up the loot. In reality, a different method was used to steal diamonds from De Beers’s London fortress, which I described in my non-fiction book, then re-tailored for my own purposes in The Russian Pink

By Gerald A. Browne,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked 11 Harrowhouse as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

An American courier and his lover are selected as the key operatives in an international diamond swindle


Book cover of The Truce at Bakura: Star Wars Legends

Jen Finelli Author Of Neodymium Exodus

From my list on sweeping space operas with metaphysical themes.

Why am I passionate about this?

From dancing on a crane in a meteor shower, to earning a history degree at the top program in my country; bathing under a waterfall to cradling the dying as a physician—I’ve always straddled the line between adventure and hunger for the truth beyond. Some books are the same way: they pull you in with fun and plot, and colors, and they leave you with bigger thoughts and questions about the Universe at large. All genres have this capacity for surprise and depth, but space opera’s best—here’s a list of reads with that special metaphysical power.

Jen's book list on sweeping space operas with metaphysical themes

Jen Finelli Why did Jen love this book?

Yes, this is a Star Wars book, and on the surface it’s about Luke Skywalker and a reptilian alien invasion. Perhaps the biggest tragedy of Disney’s soulless, still-expanding media monopoly is the complete replacement of creative risk with bland corporate product, and Truce at Bakura hails from, as Obi Wan would put it, “a more civilized age.” Tyers investigates indoctrination, challenges concepts of “right to wealth” with a wise eye towards social justice before that’s even a term, and creates the most fascinating self-healing interaction with a parasite I’ve ever read. Unexpected metaphysical depth for sure!

By Kathy Tyers,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Truce at Bakura as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

No sooner has Darth Vader's funeral pyre burned  to ashes on Endor than the Alliance intercepts a  call for help from a far-flung Imperial outpost.  Bakura is on the edge of known space and the first to  meet the Ssi-ruuk, cold-blooded reptilian invaders  who, once allied with the now dead Emperor, are  approaching Imperial space with only one goal; total  domination. Princess Leia sees the mission as an  opportunity to achieve a diplomatic victory for the  Alliance. But it assumes even greater importance  when a vision of Obi-Wan Kenobi appears to Luke  Skywalker with the message that he must go…


Book cover of The Beginners

Cordelia Schmidt-Hellerau Author Of Memento: A Novel in Dreams, Thoughts, and Images

From my list on literary fiction about what goes on in a person's mind.

Why am I passionate about this?

I'm a psychoanalyst and a writer. I'm fascinated with the thoughts, feelings, dreams, and fantasies that make up our inner worlds, and I love how the beauty of language can reach beyond what ordinary experience seems to suggest. My novels take place in the minds of their protagonists; I look through their eyes and follow the ideas, memories, and hopes that guide their lives. I enjoy their idiosyncrasies, allow them to be weird, vulnerable, and volatile, and I think of them as lovable and in times of adversity as brave as any human being can be.

Cordelia's book list on literary fiction about what goes on in a person's mind

Cordelia Schmidt-Hellerau Why did Cordelia love this book?

In the first sentence of this novel Anna Lore falls madly in love with a man she happens to run into on the street of her hometown.

Even though she only vaguely recognizes him as they strike up a brief conversation, she becomes so obsessed with him that she is willing to give up everything for him, including her marriage of twenty years with a loving and reliable husband who she loves too.

Reading this novel, I was fascinated with Anna Lore's struggle to understand what's driving her towards a man, who almost against his will has such irresistable power over her. To follow her thinking as it makes her crazy infatuation appear reasonable and compelling is a fascinating experience of the uncanny nature of the unconscious.

By Anne Serre, Mark Hutchinson (translator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Beginners as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Anna has been living happily for twenty years with loving, sturdy, outgoing Guillaume when she suddenly (truly at first sight) falls in love with Thomas. Intelligent and handsome, but apparently scarred by a terrible early emotional wound, he reminds Anna of Jude the Obscure. Adrift and lovelorn, she tries unsuccessfully to fend off her attraction, torn between the two men. "How strange it is to leave someone you love for someone you love. You cross a footbridge that has no name, that's not named in any poem. No, nowhere is a name given to this bridge, and that is why…


Book cover of Don't Quit! Your Faith Will See You Through

Karen Jensen Salisbury Author Of Why, God, Why ?: What to Do When Life Doesn't Make Sense

From my list on when you’re going through hard times.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve been a writer for most of my life, and when a publisher approached me to write a book, they asked me to write about how I managed to overcome the death of my husband at such a young age and move forward into a successful life. I meet people all the time who have had hard things happen, and I wanted to help them get past the pain. Hard times don’t have to be the end of the story! They can strengthen us and equip us to help others. That’s why I love books about how to keep going in times of trouble and overcome.  

Karen's book list on when you’re going through hard times

Karen Jensen Salisbury Why did Karen love this book?

There have definitely been times in my life that I wanted to quit! Can you identify? I keep this book handy for days like those, and every time I grab it and read it, my faith gets renewed and I get encouraged enough to keep going. This book shows how to develop faith that won't quit – and if we don’t quit, we win in Jesus! 

By Kenneth W. Hagin,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Don't Quit! Your Faith Will See You Through as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Don't Quit! Your Faith Will See You Through Don't quit! No matter how seemingly impossible the test or trial, if you won't cast away your confidence, your faith in God will see you through to victory- always!


Book cover of The Baby Owner's Manual
Book cover of Go the F*ck to Sleep
Book cover of Toddlers Are A**holes: It's Not Your Fault

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