2024 Staff Picks: Literary FictionLike this list

23 items

• I Hope This Finds You Well

  a Novel

  Sue, Natalie,

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  We could not put this book down. It was heartfelt, laugh out loud funny, and often anxiety inducing. An office drama with a hidden love story, it also touches on mental health. Suggested by Brenna, Monica, Sheena, and Susanne.

• The Ministry of Time

  Bradley, Kaliane,

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  This winning debut deftly blends time travel and romance into something sneaky and delightful. And while the time travel aspect launches the book, we most loved the slow-burn chemistry and romance between its leads, a 19th-century explorer rescued…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Fire Exit

  a Novel

  Talty, Morgan, 1991-

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  How do you define a community? What makes you belong to one? Morgan Talty writes a powerful and poignant story of belonging, dislocation, regret, and legacy. Suggested by Rummanah.

• Mina's Matchbox

  Ogawa, Yōko, 1962-

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  I love how Yoko Ogawa chose to lean into imagery and sense of place more than plot in this story. The book doesn’t rush and takes its time in setting up all of its nostalgic and melancholic goodness. Suggested by Paul.

• Someone Like Us

  Mengestu, Dinaw, 1978-

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  I wasn’t entirely sure what I thought of this book when I finished it. It’s a slim work of fiction, layered with family secrets where truth is always just out of reach. The protagonist is a journalist haunted by an immigrant past he can’t fully…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Alternatives

  Hughes, Caoilinn, 1985-

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  I'm a sucker for a character-driven story about sisters, and this one set in Ireland hits all the beats of funny, heartfelt, zany, and poignant. An eldest sister goes missing and the remaining three teaming up to find her makes for a compelling…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years

  Khan, Shubnum,

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  An exquisitely written neo-gothic novel that contains a ghost story, a mystery, and a love story with a fabulous cast of characters. Highly recommended for fans of Isabelle Allende, Alice Hoffman, and Diane Setterfield. Suggested by Rummanah.

• Housemates

  a Novel

  Eisenberg, Emma Copley,

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  I loved the weaving of histories and identities of both the younger and older generations of queer folk, and the exploration of separation between the artist and their art. Suggested by Susanne.

• Interesting Facts About Space

  Austin, Emily R.,

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  I really thought this book was going to be a light read with such a quirky title, but it was a heady story filled with trauma. It's a strange and emotional story that touches on mental health, dysfunctional family relationships, and queer dating. …Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Zero Stars

  Do Not Recommend : a Novel

  Wassmer, M J,

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  I loved this book because the main character is such a relatable person, with his flaws also seen as strengths. The wit and humor throughout the book made the existential anxiety of the end of the world plot bearable and extremely readable, not to…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Anita De Monte Laughs Last

  Gonzalez, Xochitl, 1977-

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  A rich and complex story of art, power, identity, the systems that force marginalized people into small boxes, and the resistance to overcome limitations and to take up space. Suggested by Rummanah.

• Margo's Got Money Troubles

  a Novel

  Thorpe, Rufi,

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  We loved everything about this book. The characters are relatable, but also unconventional, as is the overall story. Hilarious while also heartbreaking, you will be rooting for Margo throughout the story. Suggested by Brenna and Sheena.

• The Husbands

  a Novel

  Gramazio, Holly,

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  I loved the way the author explored commitment in such a twisty way that made me want to keep reading to find out what and who would be next. Suggested by Susanne.

• River East, River West

  a Novel

  Lescure, Aube Rey,

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  This poignant and thought-provoking debut interrogates what it means to struggle with the consequences of ambition and the difficult search for belonging. While the characters aren't necessarily likable, I appreciated their candor and complexity. I…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Real Americans

  a Novel

  Khong, Rachel, 1985-

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  I found this book to be beautifully written. I loved that it was written in multiple points of view, allowing you to really get to know each character. A family saga that explores identity, success, love, and more. Suggested by Sheena.

• Table for Two

  Fictions

  Towles, Amor,

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  I truly enjoyed this fabulous collection of short stories. I loved that I could finish one in about an hour or two and be thoroughly engrossed in the characters and storyline in such a short time. Each story was unique and memorable, not a dud in…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Body Farm

  Stories

  Geni, Abby,

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  I enjoyed this collection of short stories from the author because of the unique way she incorporates nature into most of her storytelling. My favorite story within this book is "Across, Beyond, Through," which I thought was extremely tender and…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• A Short Walk Through a Wide World

  a Novel

  Westerbeke, Douglas,

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  An engrossing magical realism novel that reminds us that it’s not the destination that matters but the journey. I really liked the storytelling aspect of this book--kind of a nesting doll approach and exploring the different parts of the world and…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Beautyland

  Bertino, Marie-Helene,

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  I thought this book was clever, witty, and a real joy to read and imagine observations from an alien among us who is relatable in their strangeness of self and observation. Suggested by Susanne.

• The Guncle Abroad

  a Novel

  Rowley, Steven, 1971-

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  I loved this book because I laughed out loud for much of it, all while enjoying the tender-heartedness of the main characters. Suggested by Susanne.