Celestial 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 MoreThe Keeper, by Tana French
Third and final novel of the Cal Hooper trilogy, The Keeper is a gripping mystery, set in beautiful rural Ireland, with a very appealing protagonist. French is so much more than a mystery writer, although she is expert at that.
Read MoreWriters & Lovers, and Heart the Lover, by Lily King
Read this pair of novels in the order they were published. Stories describing the youthful joys of self-discovery, without concern for the lifelong consequences of choices made in innocence and naivety. An homage to love, and the love of writing.
Read MoreA Guardian and a Thief, by Megha Majumdar
Two guardians of their families’ fates, battling for survival and security in a flooding, hot Kolkata. A tightly crafted page turner, recommended.
Read MoreThe Best Short Stories 2025: The O. Henry Prize Winners, edited by Edward P. Jones
A wonderfully diverse group of stories to entertain, touch your heart, and make you think. The best of 2025, the O. Henry prize winners.
Read MoreMy Friends, by Fredrik Backman
A coming of age story, that helps explain the value of art to lift lives, and give meaning and purpose. Also, the importance of friends, at all ages.
Read MoreJulie Chan Is Dead, by Liann Zhang
Good beginning, then takes a turn to an asinine ending. Forgettable, avoidable.
Read MoreHow to Read a Book, by Monica Wood
Monica Wood makes us deeply care about three main characters, looking for hope, sharing their love, and seeking meaning in their lives, just like us all.
Read MoreThe Wedding People, by Alison Espach
An amusing tale of redemption for two women, who dare to cast aside expectations and appearances, for honest, fulfilling lives. It’s fun, too.
Read MoreDon't Cry For Me, by Daniel Black
Deceptively simple story, told as letters from a dying father to his estranged son. Feels like a modern classic, father-son relationships, relatable to all.
Read MoreButter, by Asako Yuzuki
Fascinating psychological mystery linking food, serial murder, and Japanese culture.
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 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 MoreLibby Lost and Found, by Stephanie Booth
Great premise, but fails to deliver. Fun, light read, but oh, what it could have been.
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 MoreFamily Furnishings: Selected Stories, 1995-2014, by Alice Munro
My homage to Nobel winning author Alice Munro, who died this year, 2024.
Read MoreLying Awake, by Mark Salzman
A beautiful, well-crafted novel of the calling and spiritual life of a Carmelite nun living an austere life removed from the world. Salzman does everything right with this inspiring book.
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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