Expectation: Typical YA fare with an historical angle.
Reality: An insightful and entertaining celebration of queer Asian American history and first love.
All in Audiobook
Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President – Candice Millard
“Destiny of the Republic” does a fine job honoring James A. Garfield’s legacy, and Candice Millard took great care to not lose the person behind the tragedy by overstuffing the book with anecdotes and ancillary characters.
Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup – John Carreyrou
A meticulously researched and expertly written novel about one of the biggest frauds in American business history. So much of the story is absolutely bonkers.
The Dark Half – Stephen King
Expectation: A King classic from his golden era.
Reality: A little long and convoluted, there’s still enough to keep you interested, but this isn’t one of the author’s best works.
The Book of Cold Cases – Simone St. James
Expectation: A fast-paced paranormal mystery with enough plot twists to give you whiplash.
Reality: At times too slow and too long, the story is entertaining enough but far from Simone St. James’ best work.
Homegoing – Yaa Gyasi
Expectation: An historical fiction epic focused on the experiences of two African families involved in different aspects of the slave trade.
Reality: Spanning centuries and two dozen characters, it’s a comprehensive yet intimate view of slavery and its long-term repercussions.
Sea of Tranquility – Emily St. John Mandel
Expectation: Highbrow science fiction.
Reality: Science fiction almost takes a backseat to this moving examination of relationships and fate.
A Place for Us – Fatima Farheen Mirza
Expectation: A family drama heavy on religious guilt and first-generation American children defying parental expectations.
Reality: An initially confusing beginning unfolds into a layered, understated and deeply moving portrayal of the danger of secrets, carrying shame and failed second chances.
A Woman of No Importance: The Untold Story of the American Spy Who Helped Win World War II – Sonia Purnell
Even though Purnell’s heart was in the right place by elevating the contributions of Virginia Hall, “Woman” felt a bit tawdry. While we receive a well-rounded view of a pioneering figure in global espionage, the whole thing felt a little soulless, likely because Hall would’ve objected to its publication.
Commonwealth – Ann Patchett
Expectation: A depressing family drama.
Reality: The perfect balance of light and heavy, Ann Patchett brought to life a cast of interesting characters with her trademark observations on the nature of relationships and how they evolve over time.
Notes on an Execution – Danya Kukafka
Expectation: A race against the clock of will they or won’t they sensibilities. But with death instead of love.
Reality: A slow-burn character study that takes a few strategic pivots from the usual serial killer narrative.
Comfort Me With Apples – Catherynne M. Valente
Expectation: A modern retelling of “The Stepford Wives” for the #MeToo era.
Reality: Definitely not what I expected but, in the best, most WTF ways.
The Paper Palace – Miranda Cowley Heller
Expectation: The romantic fiction novel du jour.
Reality: An unlikable main character, multiple trigger warnings and still wholly readable.
Still Life – Sarah Winman
Expectation: A queer romance set in Italy that isn’t “Call Me By Your Name.”
Reality: A beautifully written, often funny, story about chosen family and second chances.
To Paradise – Hanya Yanagihara
Expectation: A richly drawn character study that brings the tears.
Reality: The epitome of a character-driven story that lacks the emotional heft of Yanagihara’s “A Little Life” but is still an exceptional work of fiction.
Razorblade Tears – S. A. Cosby
Expectation: A modern-day revenge tale that doesn’t solely involve rich, white and heterosexual characters.
Reality: A bit clichéd but surprisingly heartfelt and raw exploration for grief, regret and redemption.
The Last House on Needless Street – Catriona Ward
Expectation: A page-turning supernatural thriller.
Reality: A slow-burn mystery with some satisfying last act reveals.
The Cat Who Saved Books – Sōsuke Natsukawa
Expectation: A fun-filled adventure that celebrates reading and the human-animal bond.
Reality: A disjointed and heavy-handed mess.
The Troop – Nick Cutter
Expectation: Your standard gore fest.
Reality: An old school throwback gore fest with a surprising amount of heart.
The Old Man and the Sea – Ernest Hemingway
Expectation: A philosophical and meandering over-rated classic.
Reality: An intimate and deeply affecting reflection on growing older and feeling needed.