Our Country Friends by Gary Shteyngart
Gary Shteyngart, known for his satirical works like "Super Sad True Love Story" and his memoir "Little Failure," fearlessly tackles various topics such as immigrants in America, the former Soviet Union, technology, and...
Writers & Lovers by Lily King
I read Lily King’s latest novel, a story about a young woman navigating the challenges of writing and love, in late January 2020. At the time, I was quite busy and hesitant to...
A Gate at the Stairs by Lorrie Moore
Lorrie Moore's writing in "A Gate at the Stairs" brings a breath of fresh air after a decade filled with seriousness. It has been a decade since her last significant work, "Birds of...
Baboon by Naja Marie Aidt
Naja Marie Aidt's collection of short stories, Baboon, delves into the human experience, showcasing startling and thought-provoking moments that challenge our perceptions. Through stories like "Mosquito Bite" and "Sunday," Aidt confronts the darker...
A Passage North by Anuk Arudpragasam
Anuk Arudpragasam's latest novel, which has been nominated for the Booker Prize, delves into themes where past events may be over but their impact is enduring. The story unfolds in Colombo after the...
The Story of the Lost Child by Elena Ferrante, translated by Ann Goldstein
As I was growing up, I heard many stories about my grandmother on my mother's side. They talked about her small ears, how she managed to feed a large family of six kids...
The Cactus League by Emily Nemens
Emily Nemens has a strong belief in baseball. In her debut novel, The Cactus League, she paints a picture of various characters from coaches to players, their wives, and front office staff who...
Garden by the Sea by Mercè Rodoreda, translated by Martha Tennent and Maruxa Relaño
Twentieth-century Catalan literature presents an intriguing paradox as many significant works were created outside of Catalonia. Mercè Rodoreda, considered one of the most prominent Catalan writers of the last century, penned her renowned...
Better Times by Sara Batkie
Sara Batkie's collection Better Times tells stories of characters grappling with various absences in their lives, be it a father, a partner, or a part of themselves. These stories explore the aftermath of...
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
Ocean Vuong, acclaimed for his poetry collection "Night Sky with Exit Wounds," now presents his debut novel, "On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous," which mirrors the lyrical and poignant style of his poetry. Through...
