Starred Reviews for Marcy Dermansky, Ali Smith, David Levering Lewis, John Green, and more!

“Eckstine combines the lyricism of Jesmyn Ward and Toni Morrison with the speculative historical fiction of Tananarive Due and Leslye Penelope in a stunning debut that will also appeal to fans of Percival Everett’s James (2024).” —Booklist, starred review

“Hitchcockian in its film-noirish malevolence, Hays’ second novel (following The Cloisters, 2022) also deviously channels Patricia Highsmith’s cunningly and sympathetically flawed characters to deliver an absorbing read.” —Booklist, starred review

“Written in a style akin to Kristin Hannah’s, Audrey and Kate’s story is a valuable addition to WWII historical fiction.” —Booklist, starred review

“Chong deftly, poignantly,
gloriously transforms family dysfunction into universal life lessons about how independence and autonomy don’t have to mean giving up unconditional love, underscored with a ringing reminder to never take it for granted.” —Booklist, starred review

“It’s well-worth watching the layers of Jenny and Nick’s emotional armor being peeled back as the tension between them and the danger mounts in Kennedy’s increasingly gripping and emotional
novel.” —Booklist, starred review

“The already well-developed world continues to grow in fascinating ways, and the ending suggests an unlimited number of possible adventures to come.” —Booklist, starred review

“Bohjalian… once again demonstrates his profound respect for women,
endowing his female protagonists with depth and nuance in an indelible testament to the transformative powers of resiliency, trust, and loyalty.” —Booklist, starred review

“Harkin’s imaginative take on a calculated hoax in English history and portrait of a curious young personage is a wildly entertaining and satirical comedy full of interesting characters.” —Booklist, starred review

“A dramatic and uncanny tale of the drastic consequences of our destruction of nature and Indigenous communities.” —Booklist, starred review

“Dermansky’s slim volume packs a punch. It’s full of gimlet-eyed observations about privilege, desire, and satisfaction (or lack thereof). Call this tale daring and wise.” —Booklist, starred review

“Confronting themes of surveillance and fascism, Orwell Prize for Political Fiction–winner Smith’s latest is a timely gift for readers.” —Booklist, starred review

“There is also a serious dimension here as Everett
offers thoughtful characterizations and an insightful exploration of how young women cope with overwhelming stress and abuse. The result is a sensitive, sublimely sexy, and heart-melting romantic story that boldly and wittily illuminates the ongoing battle women wage to be taken seriously in science and life.” —Booklist, starred review

“Bastone’s heartfelt, touching examination of grief and depiction of living through it and finding joy and love while building relationships makes this romance rise to the top.” —Booklist, starred review

“Readers who loved The Girl
with the Dragon Tattoo will enjoy the tech-savvy protagonists, madcap circumstances, and ethical dilemmas in this fresh addition to the genre, a debut thriller in which every character’s motives and methods are equally up for debate.” —Booklist, starred review

“Reflecting on mourning rituals in various traditions, while chronicling the dramatic, lonesome, and restorative beauty and spirit of the island, Brooks, with arresting precision, sensitivity, and candor, takes deep soundings of her grief and evolving perceptions and feelings in a generous and resonant remembrance.” —Booklist, starred review

“The result of prodigious research, Shenon’s book is endlessly fascinating, insightful, and brilliantly told. Even at its significant length, it is always interesting and highly readable, and Shenon’s final analysis is inarguably a marvel.” —Booklist, starred review

“Lewis’ deeply investigated American family history is profoundly illuminating on many fronts.” —Booklist, starred review

“Insightful and extremely well and clearly written, Everything Is Tuberculosis makes what might be inaccessible accessible.” —Booklist, starred review

“Noonan’s open-minded thoughts and articulate prose are remarkable—as is Huber’s near-perfect performance, which is highly conscious of vocal flow and detail. Huber adds a tone of bemused humor, making this audiobook an exceptionally intelligent investment of the listener’s time.” —AudioFile Earphones Award

“Jung beautifully performs Kyungha’s first-person narration, embodying the protagonist’s thoughtful inner monologue. As the plot unfolds, Jung’s pacing is impeccable, and she maintains the mysterious tension of the story until its rapturous conclusion.” —AudioFile Earphones Award