Staff Picks August 2024
Wit, whimsy, scandal, panic, and fateful first contact—the team leaves no stone unturned in this month’s recs.
Toward Eternity
by Anton Hur
“Best known for his translations of South Korean speculative fiction, Hur’s debut novel is a wildly imaginative sci-fi saga that (although a slim 250 pages) spans not just generations, but entire species. While evoking classic (Asimov) and contemporary (VanderMeer) sci-fi traditions, Hur’s novel is startlingly original.”
- Chris
The Coin
by Yasmin Zaher
“A Middle Eastern émigré lands in New York City, attempting to reconcile her traumatic past via unorthodox teaching methods at an underprivileged school—which kicks off a pyramid scheme hawking Berkin bags. Smart and clever, The Coin offers a unique and humorous perspective on the ironies of achieving the American Dream.”
- Michael
The Wedding People
by Alison Espach
“Phoebe arrives at a picture perfect resort in Newport with a grim intent. But she befriends the eccentric bride-to-be and becomes fully engulfed in the wedding drama. Funny, poignant, and ultimately filled with hope, The Wedding People is a deeply human story about finding solace in the most unexpected places and people.”
- Cara
Rainbow Black
by Maggie Thrash
“When her hippie parents are put on trial for Satan worship in the early '90s, thirteen-year-old Lacey Bond contends with her own morality amid a system that utterly fails her. With an unflinching eye trained on love, loyalty, and carnage, this is a brilliant exploration of an embittered child's fraught path to freedom.”
- Sierra
Did we pique your interest?
Drop us a note to special-order any of these books, and we’ll set aside a copy for you to pick up at the shop.
