Fiction Essentials
-
The Safekeep
The Safekeep is historical literary romance, which is not generally my bag. I loved it. The less you know going in the better. I think this one is going to win a lot of awards.
-
The Bloody Chamber and Other Stories
Angela Carter is an author you should know. Her writing is floral and seductive, and these gothic horror stories are unforgettable
-
The God of the Woods
Liz Moore is one of today’s best crime writers. By the end of The God of the Woods, I didn’t even want the mystery to be solved
-
The Body in Question
In her memoir Consent, Ciment casts herself as an unreliable narrator of her own life. The Body in Question is fiction, so closely based upon her real life that it raises questions of its’ own.
-
My Phantoms
My Phantoms is surprising, complicated and fantastic. I can’t believe Gwendoline Riley isn’t a more well-known writer
-
Service
Service is a riveting novel about a superstar chef accused of rape. I couldn’t put it down
-
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is an American classic. Written for middle schoolers but brilliant no matter your age.
-
Sophie’s Choice
William Styron’s Sophie’s Choice is an all-timer, and so is his daughter Alexandra’s piece about him.
-
Loved and Missed
Loved and Missed is the best book I’ve read this year. Maybe any year. It’s brilliant
-
The Invention of Morel
It doesn’t seem like it was published more than 80 years ago. It’s as close to a perfect novel as you’ll find
-
Little Eyes
Like the best of Black Mirror, Little Eyes’ near-future hooked me instantly, even the second time
-
All Fours
Turns out I have more in common with this author and her protagonist than I expected