This Week's Must-Read Books

Top-Rated Fiction

Dive into the world of captivating narratives with these critically acclaimed fiction titles.

Michelle de Kretser's "Theory & Practice"

Michelle de Kretser's "Theory & Practice" (Catapult) leads the pack with seven rave reviews and two positive nods. Critics praise de Kretser's sharp wit and ambitious exploration of the chasm between ideals and actions, calling it a "taut, enthralling hybrid of fact and fiction impossible to disentangle."

"The excesses of 1980s academia are ripe fodder for de Kretser’s mordant wit, but her aim here is more ambitious—and the results more rewarding." - Emily Eakin (The New York Times Book Review)

Evie Wyld's "The Echoes"

Evie Wyld's "The Echoes" (Knopf) resonates with readers, garnering seven rave and one positive review. The novel's lyrical exploration of everyday life is a poignant reminder to cherish the present.

"Wyld’s sharp story of living doesn’t need traumatic climaxes to make its point. The time to enjoy the love we have is now.” - Marie-Helene Bertino (The New York Times Book Review)

Eric Puchner's "Dream State"

Eric Puchner's "Dream State" (Doubleday) rounds out the top three with six rave reviews and one positive. This riveting saga delves into the complexities of relationships and self-discovery, revealing the hidden imperfections beneath the surface of love.

"With interwoven perspectives, Puchner’s layered saga is a deeply felt exploration of relationships and self-identity, and the imperfections hidden by the heart’s pull." - Leah Strauss (Booklist)

Exceptional Nonfiction

Explore fascinating real-life stories with these highly praised nonfiction selections.

Susan Morrison's "Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live"

Susan Morrison's "Lorne" (Random House) offers a monumental biography of the creative force behind Saturday Night Live. Morrison's brisk and engaging writing style paints a compelling portrait of Lorne Michaels, solidifying his place among influential cultural figures.

"Briskly written and solidly sourced, Lorne is in essence a nearly 650-page magazine profile—something I mean almost entirely as praise.” - A.O. Scott (The New York Times Book Review)

Haley Mlotek's "No Fault: A Memoir of Romance and Divorce"

Haley Mlotek's "No Fault" (Viking) provides a thoughtful and nuanced exploration of romance and divorce. Mlotek's intelligent prose avoids simple narratives, offering a rich and exhilarating look at the complexities of modern relationships.

"Thoughtful and elegantly equivocal … [A] highly intelligent writer.” - Hermione Hoby (Bookforum)

Rebecca Romney's "Jane Austen's Bookshelf"

Rebecca Romney's "Jane Austen's Bookshelf" (S&S/MarySue Ricci Books) takes readers on a thrilling literary adventure. Romney's quest to uncover the women writers who influenced Jane Austen is a captivating exploration of reading, writing, and self-discovery.

"Romney invites readers to join her on a thrilling journey of adventure and self-discovery … It is a meditation on reading and writing, on honesty and self-discovery—and on what books can teach us, if we let them.” - Charlotte Gordon (The Washington Post)