Shobha Rao
[isbn]
With heartrending scenes, lyrical prose, and Shobha Rao's masterful storytelling,
Girls Burn Brighter blazes forth a tale of perseverance and fate.
Poornima's and Savitha's strength and love shine through their friendship. I relished this compelling novel!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Delia Owens
[isbn]
Intrigued by the story of the Marsh Girl (fey, reclusive, hidden) and her possible involvement with two men (and the discovery of a dead body), I was excited to read Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. But I was delighted by the paintings and collecting of shells and feathers and nests, the blending of art and science, poetry and nature studies. I absolutely loved this rich, superbly written mystery! Simply amazing!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Patrick deWitt
[isbn]
French Exit is SO fun! Confetti, champagne, and a little bit of "When the Party's Over." A cast of delightful, zany characters and deWitt's exquisite storytelling voice (expect no less)
make this a wonderful read.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Tao Lin
[isbn]
Trip by Tao Lin is a fascinating and well-researched book. Part Terence McKenna illuminations, part Tao's drug-taking diary. Full of interesting facts.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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James A. McLaughlin
[isbn]
Bearskin, a literary thriller, is thoroughly engaging. Set in the Virginia Appalachian forest, it makes a
great summer read. Rice Moore captivates as he deals with bear poachers, bikers, and other
locals, while keeping a look out for a Mexican drug cartel that's after him. True-to-life characters
and lush, gorgeous prose.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Jen Beagin
[isbn]
Pretend I'm Dead is a crackling spitfire of a novel! Oh, Mona! Mr Disgusting! Yoko and Yoko! A delectable morsel, weird and laugh-out-loud funny, I didn't want this to end! I want more of Mona, her housecleaning adventures, and all she meets along the way!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Rene Denfeld
[isbn]
Denfeld's masterful weaving of this beautiful tale moved me deeply, enveloped me in its arms and didn't let me go. Madison Culver won my heart!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Amor Towles
[isbn]
I am in LOVE with A Gentleman in Moscow! I LOVE LOVE LOVE this book! Allow the magic of Amor Towles to transport you to Count Rostov's rich and vibrant world at the Metropol Hotel. Charming and elegant, bringing so many smiles on my lips and some tears to my eyes, I was delighted from cover to cover. And you will be too!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Paul Tremblay
[isbn]
I absolutely LOVED The Cabin at the End of the World! I was holding my breath, as this fast-moving horror novel was very graphic and scary. But wait! Bad things happen!! Maybe you should NOT read this!!! Enter at your own risk — I cannot be held responsible...
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Zoje Stage
[isbn]
This child is so evil! While Baby Teeth is not really horror, there are scenes that are horrible. It's not quite a thriller, but it is suspenseful! I tore through this book, which is sure to be a bestseller, especially for book clubs, as there is a lot to talk about!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Christine Mangan
[isbn]
Tangerine, a maddening mystery set in the '50s, simmers in the ambiance of the Moroccan city of Tangier. Surrounding secrets from the past, Tangerine is twisted and harrowing. Haunting.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Poe Ballantine
[isbn]
Whirlaway by Poe Ballantine is awesome! Eddie Plum, locked up in a psychiatric hospital for 14 years, escapes! What happened to his madhouse lover, Sophia? How did he meet
Sweets, a telepathic dog? What's up with his old buddy Shelly? Drinking, women, horseraces, and vintage record hunting all entwine in this jam-packed novel! Gorgeous prose throughout.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Lexie Elliott
[isbn]
The French Girl by Lexie Elliott is very enjoyable! Slow but intriguing. A handsome French detective investigates a small circle of friends, former Oxford students, about the mysterious death of Severine, which took place 10 years earlier when they were vacationing at a farmhouse in the French countryside. Severine, a svelte French beauty, makes ghostly appearances to Kate, one of the suspects being interviewed.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Dubow, Charles
[isbn]
How did this gem of a novel slip under the radar? Gorgeously rendered descriptions of
New York City, the Hamptons, Paris, and Rome. Deliciously infused scenes of intimate parties,
restaurants, picnics, food, and drink. A fun and sexy yet heartbreaking story of love, marriage, and friendships, I absolutely loved this unfolding tale!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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A. J. Finn
[isbn]
The Woman in the Window is an extremely enjoyable Hitchcockian thriller that I had been eagerly looking forward to reading. What the hell is going on here? Don't wait to find out!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Jonathan Eig
[isbn]
Ali knocked me out! Like a multifaceted diamond, complex and fascinating, Ali shines as the greatest and prettiest. Adored or hated, this rebel was champion of the world.
Superb writing brings to life his early history, the fights, the women in his life, religion, and travels. Excellent!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Erica Ferencik
[isbn]
Riveting! Ferencik's descriptive writing places you right there on the river and in the deep woods, experiencing each terrifying moment alongside the most unusual characters you are likely to meet.
My hands were gripping this book tightly!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Drew Magary
[isbn]
The Hike by Postmortal author Drew Magary is a funny and wild roller-coaster ride of a tale that takes you on a fantastical trip encountering scary demons, a man-eating giantess, and even (my favorite) a cursing crab. Very entertaining!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Lily Brooks Dalton
[isbn]
Sweeping vistas of snow and icy terrain and vast panoramic expanses of space entwine with human lives and personal stories — I loved this book so much!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Zachary Thomas Dodson
[isbn]
Bats of the Republic is an amazing adventure story with wonderful writing, wrapped up in one of the most beautifully designed books I've ever had the pleasure to behold! The exquisite dust jacket has an inside as well that looks like the negative, but it is different and you need to read it with a mirror. It includes a timeline! This would make a very special gift for any book lover.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Ottessa Moshfegh
[isbn]
Raw. Edgy. Unflinching. Ottessa Moshfegh's new book of stories (I told everyone to read Eileen!)
delighted me as Charles Bukowski did when I read him. I think Bukowski would have loved this collection!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Mick Jackson
[isbn]
In his historical novel, The Underground Man, Mick Jackson tells the tale of an eccentric duke, his maze of underground tunnels, and his eventual madness. Who would have thought that such a slim volume could produce such great pleasure? This is truly an exceptional novel.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Magnus Hastings, Boy George
[isbn]
Do you love photography? Adore fashion, makeup, and fun? Why Drag is as gorgeous and fabulous as I thought it would be! Magnus Hastings's amazing photographs of exquisite drag queens is delicious with a dash of humor. Wonderful book!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Benjamin Percy
[isbn]
Benjamin Percy's The Dark Net is a thrilling ride of nonstop action and horror set in Portland (yeah!), with one of the best and spookiest scenes set in Powell's and the Rare Book Room after closing.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Claire Vaye Watkins
[isbn]
The immense southern California desert is the setting of the unforgettable story of Luz and Ray against the world. I loved the beautiful, lush writing and rich emotion of Claire Vaye Watkins's Gold Fame Citrus.
It left me breathless!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Tim Sultan
[isbn]
There's never a dull moment in Sunny's Nights! This is an amazing and fascinating history of historical Red Hook, interspersed with personal stories. I absolutely loved this fun book, and if you're from Brooklyn — or have a place for it in your heart — you'll love it, as well.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Jeff Vandermeer
[isbn]
Vandermeer's lush and Lovecraftian writing sends the reader into an other-worldly experience.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Smith Henderson
[isbn]
Characters bear out their frail existence in this deeply textured and enjoyable story.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Emma Cline
[isbn]
An intoxicating read with stunning writing. Evie's pensive thoughts and bold moves lead her down a dangerous path. Chilling and haunting!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Doerr, Anthony
[isbn]
In Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See, set in France in 1944, a 16-year-old blind French girl and a 17-year-old German soldier are on different yet converging paths. This is an amazing, masterfully executed tale. Each perfect word, each perfect sentence is magnificent. Gorgeously written scenes, whether tender or brutal, are told with precision. Characters resonate so true to their being. Read it for the sheer beauty of the... (read more)
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Marcy Cottrell Houle, Elizabeth Eckstrom
[isbn]
The Gift of Caring holds invaluable information simply stated and wrapped in a heartwarming tale of a family's experience with health care of the aging. I absolutely loved Marcy's story, and with Elizabeth Eckstrom's commentary, it is also a wonderful reference book!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Luis Alberto Urrea
[isbn]
Beautiful! This immensely enjoyable epic vividly brings to life the wonderful, endearing characters of Don Tomas and Teresita. Don't wait to read this!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Ha Jin
[isbn]
Ha Jin's finest work yet. A richer, deeper hue woven with emotion. It is perfect.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Natsuo Kirino
[isbn]
I ventured into Out having gone on a detective murder mystery kick with the great Raymond Chandler, the invincible Dorothy L. Sayers, and Ngaio Marsh (love her!). So it was no surprise that I next turned to Japan's queen of crime writing. Out is a can't-stop-reading, classy, well-done, get-into-their-heads type of psychological you-know-who-dunnit. This is an excellent translation, her first into English. I can't wait to read... (read more)
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Jonathan Shaw
[isbn]
Jonathan Shaw's writing is absolutely intoxicating; he's like Bukowski on acid. Narcisa, his tormented tale of dementia, is a dark and hypnotic book.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Jiro Adachi
[isbn]
I loved this book! Loved Yurika Song's fascination with the New York City bike messengers. Loved Yurika. An illuminating look at a corner of the Big City.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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James Tate
[isbn]
Intriguing. The most intense of Tate's works, with political and environmental themes. Such wonderful, imaginative writing.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Chelsea Cain
[isbn]
Sweetheart, a torrid thriller by Chelsea Cain, has classic characters — sassy reporter Susan Ward (my favorite character) and pill-popping police detective Archie Sheridan, who is obsessed with the stunning, cold-as-ice beauty (and killer) Gretchen. It's set amid the sights and scenes of Portland, which makes for a lovely backdrop and a good read.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Arundhati Roy
[isbn]
One of the best works of contemporary literature. This rare work of fiction by Roy is a gem. Her intensity and intellect are felt in both her nonfiction and her fiction.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Aleksandar Hemon
[isbn]
Great literary style. Expressive, deeply moving, and insightful. Perceptively intertwines past and present.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Michael Talbot
[isbn]
The Holographic Universe by Michael Talbot is one of my favorite books. Fascinating. Amazing! Physics, swamis, waves, and particles. Extremely readable.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Barbara Kingsolver
[isbn]
In The Poisonwood Bible, a Baptist missionary takes his family to the Belgian Congo in the late '50s, endangering the lives of his wife and four daughters. Alternating between the voices of the mother and daughters, Kingsolver successfully paints the emotional depth of their predicament and the insanity of the father and his deranged beliefs.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Gil Adamson
[isbn]
The Outlander by Gil Adamson is a wondrous vacation for your mind. With its eccentric characters and luminous prose, this novel is a romping escapade of big fun!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Robert E Howard
[isbn]
Robert E. Howard's The Coming of Conan was recommended to me by a friend who knows my love for H. P. Lovecraft. And though Lovecraft is in a class by himself, Howard's writing, which is both escapist and literary, is comparable. I especially love that the female characters — a pirate captain, a ruler of a kingdom, and the Frost King's daughter — are strong and alluring. The writing is a treat if you're accustomed to contemporary... (read more)
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Frances Osborne
[isbn]
This illuminating biography of Idina Sackville fulfilled my expectations, exploring the desires, wildness, and sadness of a woman enticed by an age of jazz dancing and intoxicants, from heights of euphoric delight to depths of tragedy. Bolter includes letters, diaries, and beautiful photos, and is exquisitely written. Lovely. I almost feel like I knew her.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Larsson, Stieg
[isbn]
In The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, corporate intrigue, subtle psychology, explosive content, and a sensational heroine make for a high-caliber novel.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Victor Pelevin
[isbn]
I loved this Big Bad Wolf-ish novel! Such awesome fun with erotic sci-fi flavor.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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David Grann
[isbn]
A true-life, amazing Amazon adventure-mystery. David Grann, mild-mannered reporter, treks into the Amazon to retrace the path of the legendary (and seemingly super-human) British explorer Percy Fawcett. Skillfully researched and written, The Lost City of Z is a fascinating read.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Yan Mo, Howard Goldblatt
[isbn]
What an epic! Riotous writing sprawls through years and incarnations. Infamous characters, including Mo Yan himself! Incredibly imaginative, honest, and filled with beautiful emotion.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Philipp Meyer
[isbn]
Poetic and visual, with stunning prose and startling violence, The Son weaves a multigenerational tapestry beginning with reminisces by Eli McCullough of being captured by the Comanches and living with them. The book spans through his 100-year life and beyond with chapters by his family members in future times. Empire of the Summer Moon by S. C. Gwynne inspired me to read this amazing novel.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Chelsea Cain
[isbn]
Heartsick is a riveting, intense thriller with amazing characters: Detective Archie Sheridan; Gretchen Lowell, the beautiful yet evil serial killer; and Susan Ward, the newspaper reporter who follows the story. I love that this novel is set in Portland with the sights of the local area.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Donna Tartt
[isbn]
This book is perfect. My reading of it was more of an immersion. I loved Theo and Boris. I felt I was there with the characters and in their heads. I could not stop reading this book!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Carey, M. R.
[isbn]
Do not read any reviews of this book. Just read it. And read it now. (The less you know from the start, the better the read.)
I loved Melanie! She loves books and reading and learning. She is really smart! This book is so enjoyable and is one of the best books I've read this season!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Chris Scotton
[isbn]
The Secret Wisdom of the Earth is a deep, lush novel with edge-of-seat excitement, emotional personal drama, and riveting scenes. Set in the beautiful mountains of Kentucky, Kevin befriends Buzzy Fink when he and his mom move in with his grandfather, Pops. Characters are vividly portrayed. A wonderful and amazing book! Pops gets my vote for Grandfather of the Year!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Victor Lavalle
[isbn]
I highly anticipated Victor LaValle's Devil in Silver and it surpassed my expectations! I absolutely loved his fantastic writing and amazing story. LaValle never lets up, one great chapter after another.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Tash Aw
[isbn]
The Harmony Silk Factory by Tash Aw is a sublime literary work. Marvelous characters reveal their inner depth. Faultless and flawless writing entices you.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Keith Donohue
[isbn]
The Boy Who Drew Monsters is a perfectly spooky, fascinatingly creepy tale set on the coast of Maine. I absolutely love Donohue's imaginative writing, and the story of Jack Peter, who refuses to leave his home and spends his time drawing monsters, does not disappoint!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Walter Mosley
[isbn]
Walter Mosley is one of my favorite authors. Charcoal Joe is his latest Easy Rawlins mystery.
I love Walter Mosley's detective series! But, I truly love Easy Rawlins, who confronts racism
wherever and whenever he finds it. Always with the best comeback as he is kickin' ass and takin' names! Easy Rawlins is one of my heroes!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Lauren Beukes
[isbn]
When Detective Gabriella Versado finds the strange deer-boy body, she's on the case, and her daughter Layla is on her own adventure! An immensely enjoyable, fast-paced, super-scary read. Unforgettable characters are vividly portrayed in a Detroit city setting. The amazing Lauren Beukes skillfully weaves this captivating tale to its fantastical conclusion!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Cynthia Bond
[isbn]
Bond weaves a web of madness and ghosts in this scary and very disturbing read. I feel like the book needs a warning label: explicit and devastating scenes! Yet the story and Bond's writing are so astonishingly volcanic. One of the best books I have read this year.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Ayana Mathis
[isbn]
The Twelve Tribes of Hattie is so emotional and deeply felt. I loved the stark concept yet in-depth portrayal of characters. The psychology of being human and realities of life illuminate this wonderful novel.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Isabel Wilkerson
[isbn]
The Warmth of Other Suns is a fascinating, epic narrative of the Great Migration by the brilliant Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Ta-Nehisi Coates
[isbn]
Sometimes a slim volume encompasses a huge narrative; this one certainly does. Between the World and Me is such an important book.
It is personal yet universal. And Ta-Nehisi Coates has a big heart. I wish everyone would read this.
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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Hanya Yanagihara
[isbn]
Tremendous. Devastating. Torturous. Hard-to-take hurts-your-heart scenes of the deep and dark sides of humanity. I could not stop reading this novel with its wonderful, flawless writing and memorable, haunting characters. I dare you to read A Little Life!
Recommended by Adrienne C.
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