The stacks of books on my nightstand grow ever taller, but here are a few books I just can’t wait to read.
Little Fires Everywhere, by Celeste Ng. Well, thank goodness for this. Celeste Ng’s new book will be out in September. It’s so far away, the cover image isn’t even ready yet, but what a gem to look forward to this fall. The book explores “the weight of long-held secrets, the nature of belonging, the ferocious pull of motherhood—and the danger of believing that following the rules can avert disaster.”
Theft by Finding, by David Sedaris. I’m a David Sedaris completist. Even if this turns out to be a list of food he ate, I will read it. And it will be hilarious. This collection will be out in May. Mark your calendar.
Perfect Little World, by Kevin Wilson. In his new novel, Wilson introduces us to Isabelle Poole, a pregnant teen who agrees to raise her child in an experimental collective called The Infinite Family. I enjoyed Wilson’s quirky style and compassionate voice in his debut novel, The Family Fang.
Lincoln in the Bardo, by George Saunders. It’s his debut novel, but George Saunders’s achievements in nonfiction are many. The story is about Abraham Lincoln and the death of his eleven year old son, Willie, at the beginning of the Civil War. And, as if this doesn’t sound interesting enough, there are ghosts!
The Light We Lost, by Jill Santopolo. The Light We Lost is described as One Day meets Me Before You with an unforgettable ending. I’m fortunate to have an advance reader’s copy of this novel, set to release in May.
Difficult Women, by Roxane Gay. I can’t think of an American writer whose work is more relevant and more poignant right now. Difficult Women is a collection of short stories all centered around—you guessed it— “difficult” women.
The Mothers, by Brit Bennett. A number of you have had great things to say about this novel: the lovely, lyrical prose, the way the story unfolds over the course of a decade, the implications of living with the decisions made by our younger selves. Really looking forward to this one.
If you’re wondering, like I am, how you’re going to get through the stack of books on your list, check out Nina Badzin’s six tips for How to Read More Books This Year.
What books are you looking forward to reading? I’m always looking for recommendations.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Hi, Jackie. I love to see what you’re reading. It looks like a great to-read list. I am just reading Michael Chabon for the first time…what a great narrative style. Isn’t it exciting when you discover someone whose writing is simply thrilling?
Oh, yes! Then I love picking up other titles by that author and following on his/her writing journey. 🙂 I definitely want to read Moonglow. I’ve heard such good things. I’m looking forward to getting your thoughts on it.
We have such similar taste. But I didn’t know about a new David Sedaris! This made my day!!! I have Wilson’s on my nightstand (was my Book of the Month pick). A few of these are new titles for me and I’m so happy to know about them. Great post! And of course thank you for the mention of my post about how to read more this year.
I might pre-order the Sedaris book now. 🙂
It was you who got me “reading” more audiobooks. I’ve found so many gems that way. Next up is the new Neil Gaiman, which I think will be a good listen.
Hi Jackie,
It seems like publishers are getting better and better, as lately everything I read I love. I’m reading Miss Treadway and the Field of Stars, much deeper than I’d expected about a missing actress in London in the 60s — on prejudices, immigrants, police brutality, and London almost like a character. The title you’re now reading is on my Kindle, waiting. My reading is slowing as so much blogging but it’s worth it. Been caught up in Holocaust novels, all these themes sadly, tragically playing out today. Have a great weekend. Mid 70s here in Virginia! Lorraine
Hi Lorraine,
Your current read sounds so interesting. I hadn’t heard of it. Thanks for the recommendation. I also enjoyed your review of HUCK OUT WEST. It must be a unique challenge for an author to take an existing group of characters and setting and then set the story in motion again.
Enjoy this weather! It was lovely here today.
I just started Lincoln in the Bardo! What a writer! Thanks for the other recs… will check these out, too!
I’m really looking forward to Lincoln in the Bardo. Can’t wait to get your thoughts once you’ve finished!
Great list! I just finished “In Transit” by Rachel Cusk and ” A Separation” by Katie Kitamura.
Im reading “Life Reimagined”
Thanks so much for the recommendations! I’m adding them to my list now.
Thanks for the recommendations, Jackie. Difficult Women and Lincoln in the Bardo are both on my list. Happy reading!
Same to you, Rudri! 🙂 Looking forward to discussing once we’ve both read those books.
When I get back to reading adult books I am so returning back to this list! We’re finishing BFG and a John Glenn autobiography from Scholastic for a report. Plus It’s Hard Being Five and Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive the Bus. Pretty intense over here.
Hey, you never know what that pigeon is going to do. And he looks at you with that big eye. What’s up with that!?!
Ha! That big eye! I know right?! Pigeon cracks me up. My kids cant get enough 🙂
Looks like a great list, Jackie. I’ve only heard of The Mothers which is on my TBR pile.
Right now I’m reading Edna Ferber’s So Big and enjoying it immensely.
Thanks for the recommendation! So Big looks to be right up my alley. I’ve just added it to my Goodreads list. 🙂
I’ll keep my eyes open for the Sedaris book. If I ever finish writing a book, I think it would be something like his style. Or at least that’s what I would shoot for.
I just reread “The Great Gatsby” last week. Perhaps I should say I read it through for the first time, because I really don’t remember if I’ve ever done so before. He certainly had a way with the words, didn’t he?
i reread The Great Gatsby last year and had the same reaction you did. I had a completely different experience than when I read it in high school. Same was true of Pride and Prejudice! I’d like to reread all of Jane Austen actually.
I meant to tell you how much I enjoyed your short story, ” A Seductive Shortcut.” It’s so well written.
Thank you so much, Peg. Your kind words really made my day! (Okay, my week!) It means so much that you read my story, and I’m happy that you found it worthwhile. Thank you!
Great post. I sometimes get hung up in rereading my favorites or sticking with authors I know. Also, David Sedaris: yes. I’ve only read one of his memoirs, but it had me in stitches!
Thanks for sharing!. I also have to remind myself to pick up a book outside of my usual genres. It’s easy to stick with my favorites.