Country People, by Daniel Mason
If you loved North Woods, you will really enjoy Mason’s new novel. A tongue-in-cheek homage to the country people of New England, who transform a California family. Loved it.
Read MoreCelestial Lights, by Cecile Pin
A novel that asks big questions about what motivates our dangerous, expensive explorations in space, with a likeable, decent protagonist. An honest questioning, wrapped in a good story.
Read MoreTheo of Golden, by Allen Levi
A well-mannered, friendly, discreet elderly gentleman visits the town of Golden, bringing kindness, friendship, and an appreciation for art and nature to this community. The mystery of who Theo is, and why he comes to Golden, is the center of this feel-good novel.
Read MoreThe Things We Never Say, by Elizabeth Strout
Must-read this summer! This might be Strout’s best yet. Be sure to check out my previous reviews of her work—you might be tempted to read all her novels.
Read MoreA Far-Flung Life, by M.L. Stedman
A well researched and beautifully written novel to break your heart, uplift your soul, and be one of the best novels you will read in 2026.
Read MoreKin, by Tayari Jones
The story of two motherless young women, seeking a way forward in life, in spite of their emotional wounds, in the Jim Crow South. Reconciliation with their loss is inevitable. A tragedy with a Shakespearean tone.
Read MoreGo Gentle, by Maria Semple
Maria Semple returns with another bright, flawed, endearing protagonist you will enjoy, Adora Hazzard. Be sure to check out my review of her previous novel, Where’d You Go, Bernadette? (https://www.margueritereads.com/home/whered-you-go-bernadette-by-maria-semple?rq=semple).
Read MoreSon of Nobody, by Yann Martel
Parallel stories of a graduate student, and the ancient Greek epic he uncovers, each with relevance for today. Highly recommended.
Read MoreAudition, by Katie Kitamura
First person narrative of a middle-aged actress, with two different paths in life described in two parts. Exploration of memory, motive, and how little we know about ourselves, others, and our choices.
Read MoreBuckeye, by Patrick Ryan
A beautifully crafted historical novel, demonstrating the traumas of war, prejudice, and lack of parental love, and how these can impact generationally. Excellent book club choice, and one of the best of 2025.
Read MoreAerth, by Deborah Tomkins
A story of two planets on opposite sides of a sun, each experiencing different climate challenges, and the astronaut who travels to each. We see their choices through his eyes. Excellent novella, great for book clubs.
Read MoreThe Correspondent, by Virginia Evans
A novel of letters and emails written by and to Sybil Stone Van Antwerp, a woman in the last decade of her life, seeking to resolve deep grief, loss, and help those she cares for. Best of the year, IMHO.
Read MoreBroken Country, by Clare Leslie Hall
A coming-of-age novel, with two deep loves, a grievous loss, and a mystery all entwined. Well-crafted novel, a stand-out.
Read MoreThe Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the publication of this American classic. It is still relevant, and a interesting, enjoyable novel.
Read MoreDemon Copperhead, by Barbara Kingsolver
A novel of poverty and drug abuse in Appalachia, made tolerable by the wit of a survivor, a memorable character.
Read MoreThe Best Short Stories 2024: The O. Henry Prize Winners, edited by Amor Towles
Amor Towles curates the 20 best short stories of 2024, authored by a variety of voices. Enjoy this meaningful, tender, jarring collection.
Read MoreThe City and Its Uncertain Walls, by Haruki Murakami
A story of a mysterious city with high walls, the separation of our real and shadow selves, and the utility of dreams. A novel of magical realism, offering metaphors and posing questions about life.
Read MoreLong Island, and Brooklyn, by Colm Toibin
Read Brooklyn and Long Island as a pair, the story of emigrant Eilis Lacey, and her life in Ireland and the United States, from the Fifties to the Seventies.
Read MorePlayground, by Richard Powers
Powers brings his wonder and awe as a writer to Earth’s oceans in this story of ecological peril and human relationships, both fragile.
Read MoreTell Me Everything, by Elizabeth Strout
The latest installment in Strout’s story of Lucy Barton, Olive Kitteridge, and Bob Burgess, characters you will come to know and love.
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