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Fiction A to Z September 2020
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Bear necessity : a novel
by James Gould-Bourn
Filled with a colorful cast of characters, Bear Necessity is a refreshingly unpretentious and ultimately uplifting story of a father and son reconnecting in the most unlikely of circumstances. A first novel.
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| The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke EmeziWhat it's about: the mysterious death of young Nigerian Vivek Oji; friendship and family loyalty; gender identity; and deeply rooted transphobia.
Read it for: the many narrative perspectives, the description of middle-class Nigeria and the generational contrast in beliefs, the elegant writing style, and the raw depiction of grief.
Reviewers say: "There's just no way to finish this powerful novel and not feel more deeply than ever the ghastly consequences of intolerance" (The Washington Post). |
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| Leonard and Hungry Paul by Rónán HessionStarring: Leonard and Hungry Paul, two kind, gentle, self-aware friends in their thirties who still live with their parents and who struggle to understand why others expect more from them.
What happens: The death of Leonard's mother and the impending marriage of Hungry Paul's sister force change upon the two, who take small steps to engage more with the world around them.
Read it if: you just want a little more kindness in the world. |
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| Crossings by Alex LandraginWhat it is: a nonlinear tale in three parts; you can read it in order, or follow instructions to jump around.
What you might find: a lost story by Baudelaire; Coco Chanel; remote Pacific islands; the transmigration of human consciousness into another body; a "seductive literary romp" (Publishers Weekly).
Read it if: you liked the literary puzzle of David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas, Martin Seay's The Mirror Thief, or even Stuart Turton's The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle. |
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| Luster by Raven LeilaniStarring: Black aspiring artist Edie, who falls into an affair with an older white man in an open marriage; she soon gets more involved in his family, moving in and forming a relationship with his adopted daughter, who is also Black.
Read it if: you like messy, complex stories featuring realistic, flawed characters dealing with sometimes ugly interpersonal dynamics. Don't expect a neat, happy ending; do expect perceptive, direct writing.
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| Sweet Sorrow by David NichollsStarring: Charlie, approaching middle age and looking back on a memorable teenage summer spent exploring amateur theater (not an interest of his) in order to get closer to the captivating Fran.
Why you might like it: British bestseller David Nicholls is known for his humor and insight, which is very much on display in this coming-of-age story, which features personable characters and sparking dialogue.
Reviewers say: "a rewarding, romantic read" (Booklist). |
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| If I Had Your Face by Frances ChaSet in: a Seoul apartment building that's home to four young women trying to navigate a society that holds them to unattainable standards of beauty.
Read it for: an enlightening if heartbreaking view of sexism at work in South Korea; an exploration of the way that women's roles are changing; an understanding of how beauty impacts status; a chatty, engaging writing style.
Want a taste? "About half of our school got their eyes done there that year because the teacher offered us a 50 percent discount." |
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Squeeze Me
by Carl Hiaasen
When a high-society dowager murdered at the height of Palm Beach’s charity gala season is declared a political martyr by the colorful President she supported, a talented wildlife wrangler uncovers the truth amid the discovery of a controversial affair.
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| The Big Finish by Brooke FosseyHome is: an assisted living facility for curmudgeonly senior Duffy Sinclair and his best friend Carl. But their semi-independent lives are under threat by the profit-minded owner, who'd take any excuse to kick them out.
What happens: Carl's estranged granddaughter climbs through the window one night, bringing with her a host of troubles -- and maybe a reason for Duffy and Carl to fight for what matters.
For fans of: Fredrik Backman's A Man Called Ove. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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