RaveBooklistBeautiful descriptions create a sense of wonder and evoke feelings of desolation while Brooks-Dalton’s heartfelt debut novel unfolds at a perfect pace as it asks readers what will be left when everything in the world is gone.
Elise Juska
PositiveBooklistThrough the all-too-familiar terrain of this modern-day tragedy, Juska...explores the growing issue of anxiety among today’s youth, asking readers to consider the ways in which our actions have increasingly far-reaching impact. Switching between viewpoints, Juska contrasts the actions of a split second and the slow burn of a lifetime of behavior to show that both can have extensive, damning consequences that are rarely foreseen.
Rachel Cusk
RaveBooklist\"Set against the political backdrop of Brexit, Cusk’s dramatization of the ongoing struggle for feminine identity in a traditional and patriarchal world is burdensome and bleak, even as rare moments of tenderness shine through. Brilliantly aware without being indulgent or preachy, this novel has the intense beauty of form that has marked Cusk’s trilogy from the beginning, and the final installment does not disappoint.\
Ryan McILvain
RaveBooklist OnlineRich in socialist ideas and jargon, McIlvain’s exploration of the world of protesters will resound with readers interested in the personal side of dissent. McIlvain offers far more than political commentary, though, as he explores friendship, loyalty, and betrayal in a tale driven by tension and suspense.
Joe Dunthorne
RaveBooklistDarkly funny, Ray’s story embodies the modern failure-to-launch affliction, the problems of an adult who will not grow up. His many missteps and often selfish mien are excruciating to read, but Dunthorne’s conversational style is the perfect tone for delivering this late coming-of-age story with humor.
Lisa Halliday
RaveBooklist\"Halliday’s beautiful debut novel is written in three distinct parts … Halliday moves from sparse, purposeful prose in the first to an almost brooding narration in the second, and only the lightest touches seem to link them, until one final moment. The third and final section is an interview with Ezra, and it is here that Halliday deftly and subtly intersects the two disparate stories, resulting in a deep rumination on the relation of art to life and death.\
Gregory Maguire
RaveBooklistMaguire’s characteristic tone is dark and enchanting in his newest fairy tale revision. Into this origin story of the mysterious gift-giving Godfather in The Nutcracker he has woven many traditional Germanic tales and a few Hellenistic myths, as well, to create a powerful story of hope and redemption sure to delight his fans.
Julia Fierro
PositiveBooklistThough the novel is initially hampered by character inconsistency, Fierro hits her stride and succeeds in creating a suspenseful, richly symbolic drama and coming-of-age story. Poignant, raw, and, at times, brutally honest about the poison concealed behind the charming facade of a quaint community, this is an intense and meaningful read.
Elena Ferrante
RaveBooklistMy Brilliant Friend is a compelling and moving coming-of-age story set in an impoverished neighborhood struggling to come into its own in a rapidly shrinking world. Celebrated Italian author Ferrante’s unflinching and insightful prose is captivating and hopeful here and will have readers eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Victor Lodato
RaveBooklistThrough numerous changing viewpoints, the truth is gradually revealed, creating suspense and rewarding readers with unexpected parallels and touching connections. Lodato’s remarkable novel traces a broken family’s spiritual journey toward healing in moving, magical prose.
Anita Shreve
PositiveBooklistThough the characters lack dimension, best-selling Shreve’s portrayal of a community in a natural disaster is on point, and Grace’s self-discovery in her time of need is genuine. Ultimately, this is a suspenseful and heartwarming story of not just overcoming but also growing in the face of great difficulty.
