The Books I'm Reading Now
I'm reading Kate Atkinson's newest book, historical fiction set in 1926 jazz-era London; I'm reading Kevin Wilson's newest, Now Is Not the Time to Panic, about two teenage misfits; and I'm reading the recently published heart-warmer Meredith, Alone, a debut novel from Claire Alexander.
What are you reading these days, bookworms?
01 Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson
It's 1926 in London, and recovery from the Great War inspires the city to dive into a wild nightlife scene and to revel in the frenzy of the Jazz Age.
Nellie Coker is shamelessly thrusting her six children into the forefront of the social scene in Soho, but a dark undercurrent and competition for the limelight could shake Coker's hold on her empire--and upset her ambitious dreams for her children.
Atkinson is also the author of Case Histories, Behind the Scenes at the Museum, Life After Life, Human Croquet, When Will There Be Good News, and many more books.
02 Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson
Sixteen-year-old aspiring writer Frankie is just trying to get through summer in Coalfield, Tennessee. She's used to being a loner--but then Zeke comes to town and moves into his grandmother's house. He's an artist, also a loner, and he's fascinating.
Frankie and Zeke come up with an enigmatic phrase and attention-getting artwork, and they spread the mysterious posters far and wide--causing speculation, alarm, and repercussions far beyond what they could have imagined.
Check out this link for my review of Kevin Wilson's Now Is Not the Time to Panic.
I received a prepublication edition of this book courtesy of Ecco and NetGalley.
03 Meredith, Alone by Claire Alexander
Meredith has a job that she works remotely, and a cat, Fred. She's working to cope with her childhood trauma, and she's got an online support group to help her. Her best friend comes to visit with her kids, and in the meantime Meredith has her jigsaw puzzles, her books of poems, her recipes--she has all she needs.
But then two new friends come into Meredith's life. And her long-estranged sister makes contact. Suddenly Meredith's safe, cozy, self-contained haven is expanding--and Meredith isn't so alone anymore.
I received a prepublication edition of this book courtesy of Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley.