Good Reads & Views

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
Fiction

What it’s about: When Emira is unjustly accused of having kidnapped the child in her care, a video of the incident goes viral. The child’s mother is an online influencer with an urge to fix others’ problems (while disregarding her own). Then add an unexpected twist or two… In this captivating #ownvoices novel about race and power dynamics, it’s fascinating to consider the characters’ points of view and motives. 

Why you might like it: If you enjoy reading books that are both page turners and thoughtful explorations of characters’ motivations, this book is for you. 

You might also like: Literary page-turner Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng also thoughtfully explores issues of race and class.

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Good Talk: A Memoir in Conversations by Mira Jacob
Nonfiction

What it’s about: Listen in on Mira Jacob’s conversations with her young son, husband, parents, friends, and colleagues. In this creative, thought-provoking memoir in graphic novel form, Jacob—the daughter of immigrants from India—addresses race, ethnicity, and identity through conversations that are sometimes somber and painful, sometimes hilarious, and often filled with moments of perfect connection… and disconnection.

Why you might like it: While Jacob addresses serious issues, she introduces moments of humor and infuses her writing with love for her family. (Some charming elements: her son likes to moonwalk like his idol Michael Jackson, and her parents comment on each other’s foibles in a humorous, affectionate way.)

Book buzz: Named one of the ten best books of the year by the Chicago Tribune, Publishers Weekly, and the New York Public Library.

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Everyone’s a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too by Jomny Sun
Fiction

What it’s about: An endearing extraterrestrial being lands on earth, encounters all sorts of creatures, and is completely befuddled by earthlings. This charming and wise graphic novel about a stranger in a strange land explores the mysteries of humanity.

Why you might like it: If you’d enjoy reading a mash-up of Are You My Mother? and The Little Prince, then this book is for you. Also, if you think you’d like a self-improvement book disguised as a graphic novel about a confused but wise extraterrestrial, then pick up this book.

You might also like: Jonny Sun (aka Jomny Sun) illustrates the charming book Gmorning, Gnight!: Little Pep Talks for You and Me by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

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Red at the Bone by Jacqueline Woodson
Fiction

What it’s about: Lyrical vignettes reveal the inner life of each family member in this #ownvoices novel about three generations of an African American family. Through subtle, impressionistic character portraits, the reader gets to participate in the knitting together of this story about family traditions, love of parents for their children, and dreams for the next generation.

Why you might like it: If you enjoy reading books written from multiple perspectives and reading between the lines, this book’s structure and nuances will prove satisfying. Also, if you appreciate books that are short but powerful, this book is for you.

Reviewers say: “Woodson channels deeply true-feeling characters, all of whom readers will empathize with in turn” (Booklist).

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The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo
Fiction

What it’s about: A loving couple, their four grown daughters, and a large dose of family dysfunction fill this big-hearted novel set in the Chicago suburbs. Alternating between past and present, the family’s story unfolds gradually as each character faces a defining crisis—an unexpected pregnancy, law school rejection, or the death of a loved one. And because their family seems almost perfect from the outside, covering up imperfections is all too tempting.

Why you might like it: If you enjoy falling deep into realistic stories about sisterhood, parenting, marriage, and other family dynamics, this book will carry you away.

You might also like: The Nest by Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney is another character-driven family story that shows siblings under pressure making difficult decisions.

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I Miss You When I Blink: Essays by Mary Laura Philpott
Nonfiction

Why you might like it: If you like gaining insight into other people’s lives, Philpott’s essays are likely to delight you. She writes with warmth and striking honesty about motherhood, the unexpected ways our lives can twist, and the Type A characteristics that are the source of her greatest strengths and most significant challenges.

You might also like: If you enjoy confessional personal essays, also check out Tell Me More: Stories about the 12 Hardest Things I’m Learning to Say by Kelly Corrigan.

Reviewers say: Kirkus Reviews calls this book “Warm, candid, and wise… Delightfully bighearted reading.”

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Rules for Visiting by Jessica Francis Kane
Fiction

What it’s about: In this gently humorous novel, May, a professional gardener, visits four old friends in an effort to expand her quiet world. This is a story of friendship and of a likeable, slightly quirky character stretching outside her comfort zone. 

Why you might like it: If you like character-driven novels told through clever and observant first-person narration, this book may be right up your alley. 

You might also like: Try the novels of Elinor Lipman, especially Isabel’s Bed and On Turpentine Lane—for their wry storytelling and relatable female characters. Anne Youngson’s Meet Me at the Museum shares this novel’s everyday wisdom and calm tone.

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The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker

Who it’s for: If you ever host gatherings at your home, plan events for your organization, or hold business meetings, this thought-provoking book provides intriguing and helpful guidance on how to make those gatherings more meaningful and effective. Learn some counter-intuitive tips, such as why your guests will be more comfortable if you’re a somewhat bossy host.

What sets it apart: The author’s conversational tone and evocative examples (including a “cage match” at an architecture firm’s meeting to decide their mission) make this book both enjoyable and fascinating. Also: you’ll hear stories here that you’ll want to tell others.

You might also like: Daniel Pink’s When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing is another delightfully readable business / self-improvement book that gives insight into the way we humans work best.

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Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Fiction

What it’s about: In this fast-moving, fictional oral history about the ’70s rock band Daisy Jones & the Six, you’ll meet all seven band members, who tell the story in their own words. Also interviewed: their spouses, managers, music reviewers, and others—who provide their own wry, tell-all angle on the band’s rise and fall.

Why you might like it: If you like creative, compulsively readable stories told in an unusual format, this book might be for you. Brimming with grim humor, this is a stark look at the creative life of rock stars and the relationships that grow and strain within the sex, drugs, and rock-and-roll lifestyle.

Reviewers say: “The book ’s prose is propulsive, original, and often raw. Readers will accept and appreciate why and when the narrator’s identity is finally revealed. Reid’s gift for creating imperfect characters and taut plots courses throughout this addictive novel.” (Publishers Weekly)

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Working: Researching, Interviewing, Writing by Robert A. Caro
Nonfiction

What it’s about: In his trademark, lively writing style, Robert A. Caro shares anecdotes that reveal the admittedly compulsive way he’s researched his award-winning biographies. Even more fascinating, he explains how some of his interviewing techniques prove infuriating, but effective in uncovering the details he needs to make his writing so vivid. And he reveals that he writes “SU” (“shut up”) at the top of his notepad to remind himself to stay silent during pauses.

Why you might like it: In just over 200 pages, Caro reveals many of the secrets to his success—and his self-deprecating tone makes it a pleasure to spend time with him in these pages. If you like learning the quirks and inside story of how people do their work, this book is for you.

Reviewers say: “Caro's skill as a biographer, master of compelling prose, appealing self-deprecation, and overall generous spirit shine through on every page.” (Kirkus Reviews)

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