Paperback Fiction Goodnight Tokyo
To & Fro
by Atsuhiro Yoshida translated by Haydn Crowell
by Leah Hager Cohen available now, paperback, Bellevue Literary Press
available in July, paperback, Europa Editions
This novel expertly interweaves the lives of a smattering of city dwellers throughout Tokyo, in all walks of life with different careers, hopes, lifestyles, and problems. Is it fate, or destiny, when those lives cross paths? You will find yourself and your loved ones in these beloved characters as Yoshida celebrates human connection and the surreal nature of early morning hours. –Chloe
Smothermoss
The structure of this book is no mere gimmick. An excellent tale of two girls—one from NYC, the other living in a parable. While you can start with either tale, I had to begin with the parable, and I highly recommend this particular path. In each tale, our Ani/Annamae is on a journey, stolen kitten in hand, with an opportunity to explore new places and meet many faces along the way. For both, a journey of growth; one of understanding, identity, and community. I was immediately immersed in each world and now want to read it flipped, Annamae of Manhattan first. –Erin
by Alisa Alering
available in July, paperback, Tin House
In 1980s Appalachia, sisters Sheila and Angie couldn’t be more different. While their mother works long shifts at the nearby asylum, Sheila does her best to care for their home and keeps to herself, even when enduring relentless bullying from classmates. Her rambunctious, fearless younger sister, Angie, is more focused on fighting imaginary zombies, and creating tarot-like cards that seem to have a mind of their own. When the brutal murder of two female hikers on the nearby Appalachian Trail stuns their small community, the sisters find themselves tangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
More Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa translated by Eric Ozawa
available in July, paperback, Harper Perennial
Takako and her uncle Satoru are back again in another short and sweet read for all book lovers. The Morisaki Bookshop series is a love letter to those who feel lost but can find connection with others, and themselves, through books. I've been recommending the first book ever since I read it and I can't wait to share this second one with everyone! –Kiana
Tiananmen Square by Lai Wen
available in June, paperback, Spiegel & Grau
"In China, you may not be particularly interested in politics. But politics sure has an interest in you", Wen writes in her novelization of real events in her life. She was a student at Peking University during the 1989 student demonstrations and participated in the protests. This is a beautifully written novel that deftly combines the fictional and the autobiographical. –Laura P.
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Stories A Cage Went in Search of a Bird:
Ten Kafkaesque Stories
by Multiple Authors
available in June, paperback, Catapult
Many of you know my love of Kafka, so a short story collection of Kafka-inspired works by incredible names like Tommy Orange, Charlie Kaufman, and Helen Oyeyemi immediately caught my eye. Here you find modern takes on Kafkaesque absurdism, to lesser and greater degrees. I loved the collection, but will share that Elif Bautman and Helen Oyeyemi were my personal favorites! If you're a modern reader but interested in dipping into the world of Kafka, this is a great way to do it. –Erin
by Sarah Gilmartin available in June, paperback, Pushkin Press
Tensions are at an all-time high in an upscale Dublin restaurant as its employees grapple with the fallout from a shocking scandal involving its head chef. A “powerful and compelling” novel about power, consent, and complicity in our #MeToo era—for fans of Sweetbitter and I Have Some Questions for You," says Joseph O’Connor, author of My Father’s House.
20 Summer 2024
Building Community One Book at a Time