Book Category: Essential
-
The Recovering: Intoxication and Its Aftermath by Leslie Jamison
Part engrossing addiction memoir, part meticulously researched profiiles of historical and literary figures, The Recovering is an unforgettable and transformative read.
-
Consent: A Memoir by Jill Ciment
Consent is the second memoir from Jill Ciment, but it’s also an incredible, incisive look at how we tell our stories, and how evasive objective truth really is
-
My Phantoms by Gwendoline Riley
My Phantoms is surprising, complicated and fantastic. I can’t believe Gwendoline Riley isn’t a more well-known writer
-
Service by Sarah Gilmartin
Service is a riveting novel about a superstar chef accused of rape. I couldn’t put it down
-
The Making of the Atomic Bomb by Richard Rhodes
Richard Rhodes’ The Making of the Atomic Bomb is one of the most difficult and rewarding nonfiction books I’ve ever read.
-
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is an American classic. Written for middle schoolers but brilliant no matter your age.
-
Sophie’s Choice by William Styron
William Styron’s Sophie’s Choice is an all-timer, and so is his daughter Alexandra’s piece about him.
-
Loved and Missed by Susie Boyt
Loved and Missed is the best book I’ve read this year. Maybe any year. It’s brilliant
-
Challenger by Adam Higginbotham
Challenger is essential reading. As much about human tragedy as about institutional hubris and corner-cutting.
-
The Invention of Morel by Adolfo Bioy Casares
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