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The Great Gatsby, written by Francis Scott Fitzgerald, is an American classic that follows the story of Nick Carraway, and his revolutionary encounter with Jay Gatsby. In the novel, Nick moves into a new neighborhood, where he encounters his peculiar neighbor named Gatsby. Following his introduction, Nick is pulled into Gatsby's world, and he seeks to unveil Gatsby's mysterious past and motives.

Zadie Smith became a famous author at the ripe old age of twenty-four, with the publication of her first novel, White Teeth (2000). Since that time she has published numerous books of fiction and nonfiction, all of which deal with issues of race, class, and politics.

I have been on a bit of a Geraldine Brooks kick lately. Having recently read Horse, I decided to immerse myself in an earlier novel of hers, Caleb’s Crossing (2011).

The Australian author Geraldine Brooks is known for her sweeping historical novels. A meticulous researcher, she infuses her characters, settings, and plots with a wealth of detail and insight. She typically picks subject matter that has yet to be explored by other novelists, which makes her work interesting and enlightening too.

Irish poet Seán Hewitt debuts as a novelist with this slim, bittersweet ode to teenage sexual awakening and coming of age. James, recently divorced, attends an open house in the small country town of his childhood. Readers are then swept up in memories of his sixteenth year there, his experiences of coming out in a small rural community and how his life changes when a charismatic boy moves into the neighboring farm.  

The narrator of Lottie Hazell's debut novel, Piglet, is living a charmed life in London, with all her romantic, professional, and financial desires and aspirations rapidly being fulfilled.

Yorick, a struggling bookseller in Paris, receives a mysterious invitation to a Titanic Survivors Club, although he never even set sail on the ship. The motley assortment of members turns out to be those who dodged fate by not boarding the Titanic, the first meeting turns to talk of books and soon The Titanic Survivors Book Club (2024) is formed with Yorick at the helm.

I really enjoyed listening to Whale Fall (2024) by Elizabeth O’Connor, and at just 4 hours, you can finish it one afternoon or on a weekend road trip!

North Woods (2023) is the first work of fiction I’ve read by author Daniel Mason. It won’t be the last. Vivid, compelling, and historically resonant, this collection of interlinked stories, or this novel, if you prefer, revolves around a particular dwelling built in northwestern Massachusetts during the early years of the colonial era.

The Scarlet Letter is a difficult read for many audiences with its vague symbolism that takes a deep dive to understand.

I recently saw American Fiction. The film was well-reviewed, and I understand why. In fact, enough time has passed since my viewing, that I find myself wanting to re-watch it. Not only was the movie enjoyable and the acting terrific, the story really left me thinking.

“A Gentleman in Moscow '' by Amor Towles is set in 1922 Soviet Russia and follows Count Alexander Rostov as he has to adapt to the changing world while trapped in a hotel. After being convicted of treason, he gets sentenced to house arrest inside a luxury hotel.