Book Review

By KMUW

What's Book Review about?

Journalist and book reviewer Suzanne Perez reviews the latest books and such for KMUW on air and right here. Discover new reviews on alternate Mondays.

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Book Review episodes:

04.22.2024
‘Wolf at the Table’ is a wearisome look at a dysfunctional family
Adam Rapp's newest novel, "Wolf at the Table," promises to be an eerie, serial killer novel but turns out to be a wandering family tale.
04.15.2024
'SNL' star Leslie Jones holds nothing back in her memoir. Definitely get this one on audio
In the audio version of her memoir, comedian and former "Saturday Night Live" cast member Leslie Jones speaks with honesty and emotion about her life and career.
04.08.2024
In ‘Somehow,’ author Anne Lamott explores love in all its forms
KMUW book reviewer Suzanne Perez says Anne Lamott's newest book of essays, "Somehow: Thoughts on Love," is just as warm and witty as her past collections.
04.01.2024
‘Monstrilio’ explores the grotesque sides of love and loss
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says "Monstrilio," a debut novel by Mexican author Gerardo Samano Cordova, is perfect for fans of "Shark Heart," "Nightbitch," or the disturbingly fantastical movie, "Poor Things."
03.18.2024
Rita Bullwinkel’s “Headshot” is an absolute knockout of a novel
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says "Headshot" by Rita Bullwinkel is a one-of-a-kind reading experience — crisp, lyrical, almost poetic.
03.11.2024
‘The Great Divide’ explores issues of race and class during the building of the Panama Canal
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says "The Great Divide," by Cristina Henriquez, transports readers to the steamy jungles of Panama during the construction of the Panama Canal.
03.04.2024
Love Atwood and Ishiguro? Then check out Scott Alexander Howard’s ‘The Other Valley’
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says Canadian author Scott Alexander Howard's "The Other Valley" is great for fans of Margaret Atwood or Kazuo Ishiguro.
02.26.2024
Kiley Reid’s “Come and Get It” offers enjoyable scenes but falls short on overall story
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says Kiley Reid's sophomore novel, "Come and Get It," takes a meandering approach that never quite hits the mark.
02.19.2024
Poet-turned-novelist Kaveh Akbar explores addiction, sobriety and the quest for a meaningful life
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says Kaveh Akbar's debut novel, "Martyr!", is a touching look at one man's discovery that a meaningful death requires a meaningful life.
02.12.2024
Newbery-winning ‘The Eyes & the Impossible’ puts Dave Eggers on par with kid-lit greats
Dave Eggers' middle-grade novel, "The Eyes & the Impossible," is funny and wise, and a perfect example of a children’s book that appeals to adults as well.
01.29.2024
Marie-Helene Bertino's quirky 'Beautyland' defines what it means to be truly human
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says Marie-Helene Bertino's fourth book, "Beautyland," is a love letter to humanity and our universe, in all its staggering and spectacular weirdness.
01.22.2024
Kate DiCamillo weaves her storytelling magic once again with 'The Puppets of Spelhorst'
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says Kate DiCamillo's latest children's book, "The Puppets of Spelhorst," is a magical tale that harkens back to "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane."
01.15.2024
‘North Woods’ captures the magic of one house, with a story and characters you won’t forget
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says Daniel Mason's novel "North Woods" deserves to be on best-of-the-year lists. The sprawling story and Mason’s creative storytelling make it one to remember.
01.08.2024
‘Bright Young Women’ takes a female-centered approach to the serial killer genre
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says the female characters in Jessica Knoll's "Bright Young Women" are brave and relentless. Their stories propel the novel and make it much more than your average true-crime tale.
01.01.2024
Once again, our #ReadICT Challenge can help guide your reading for the coming year
The idea behind the #ReadICT Challenge is to expand your reading horizons, and maybe push yourself to explore genres or topics you wouldn’t normally read.
12.25.2023
‘Pete and Alice in Maine’ shows a fractured family escaping north during the pandemic
KMUW book reviewer Suzanne Perez says "Pete and Alice in Maine" by Caitlin Shetterly deftly explores the everyday joys and heartbreaks of marriage.
$‘Pete and Alice in Maine’ shows a fractured family escaping north during the pandemic$
12.18.2023
Ariel Lawhon's 'The Frozen River' offers a gripping look at the world of an 18th-century midwife
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says "The Frozen River" by Ariel Lawhon is a gripping look at the life of a real-life 18th-century midwife.
12.11.2023
Liz Nugent’s ‘Strange Sally Diamond’ offers a tense, gripping story and a character you’ll love
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says Irish author Liz Nugent knocks it out of the park with her latest novel, "Strange Sally Diamond."
12.04.2023
Pop icon Britney Spears shares her heartbreaking journey in ‘The Woman In Me’
The new Britney Spears memoir, "The Woman In Me," features plenty of behind-the-scenes revelations about everything from the star’s battles with paparazzi to her tumultuous relationships with her younger sister, Jamie Lynn.
11.27.2023
In 'Hell If We Don’t Change Our Ways,' author Brittany Means relates a harrowing childhood
As with "The Glass Castle" or "Educated," Brittany Means' new memoir, "Hell If We Don't Change Our Ways," shows a young woman overcoming horrific experiences and sharing with others so they feel less alone.
11.20.2023
With ‘This is Salvaged,’ author Vauhini Vara gives us lots to think about — and to love
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says Vauhini Vara's new short story collection, "This Is Salvaged," is united by a singular question: In a world defined by estrangement, where do we find communion?
11.13.2023
Author Jacqueline Woodson revisits her Brooklyn childhood with ‘Remember Us’
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says author Jacqueline Woodson's writing prowess is evident again in "Remember Us," which offers a realistic and poignant look at the struggles of adolescence.
11.06.2023
In her pandemic novel, ‘The Vulnerables,’ Sigrid Nunez blends elegy and comedy
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says "The Vulnerables," a pandemic novel by Sigrid Nunez, reads like a memoir, as the narrator describes the bizarre period through a series of everyday interactions and observations.
10.30.2023
With ‘One Woman Show,’ Christine Coulson conjures a life through museum wall labels
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says "One Woman Show" is a tiny, powerful novel that you can read in one sitting. But its original structure — told through museum wall labels — makes it a masterwork.
10.23.2023
Rediscover children’s literature with this year’s crop of National Book Award finalists
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says children's books can reignite your imagination, help you recall the magic of childhood, or give you a new perspective on the world — yes, even as an adult.
10.09.2023
With ‘How to Sell a Haunted House,’ Grady Hendrix offers creepy, funny fall reading
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says the newest Grady Hendrix novel, "How to Sell a Haunted House," is perfect for this creepy reading season.
10.02.2023
Dystopian, delectable ‘Land of Milk and Honey’ establishes C. Pam Zhang as a literary force
C. Pam Zhang’s writing is visceral, full of blood and muscle, especially when describing the lavish buffets served to the privileged few
09.25.2023
National Book Award nominee ‘Simon Sort of Says’ finds joy and humor in a violent world
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says "Simon Sort of Says," a middle-grade novel by Canadian author Erin Bow, tackles a tough subject with humor.
09.18.2023
With ‘Wellness,’ Nathan Hill explores our never-ending quest for self-improvement
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says Nathan Hill's newest novel explores our never-ending pursuit for self-improvement — and harkens to his days in Kansas.
09.11.2023
With ‘The Trap,’ Catherine Ryan Howard offers a fictional look at real-life disappearances
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez looks at a new crime novel by an Irish author that's inspired by real-life disappearances.
09.04.2023
‘Shark Heart’ explores marriage, motherhood and what it means to be human
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says revealing too much information about "Shark Heart" would cheat you of a rare and remarkable experience.
08.28.2023
‘Hello Beautiful’ features heartbreak, grief, forgiveness — all the stuff of great family drama
Ann Napolitano's “Hello Beautiful” deals with love, loss and lonely childhoods, with poignant moments and stellar writing — and a slight nod to Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women.”
08.21.2023
Love books? Consider planning your own personal reading retreat
Earlier this month, Suzanne Perez and Beth Golay traveled to a friend’s lake house for a three-day, two-night reading retreat.
08.14.2023
Ann Patchett’s ‘Tom Lake’ is a story of paths not taken — and whether children really need to know
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez looks at a new novel that explores whether and how much we tell our children about our past.
08.07.2023
In ‘The Librarianist,’ Patrick deWitt shows us another life of quiet desperation
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez looks at a quiet novel that focuses on the everyday-ness of one man's life.
07.31.2023
‘Mary Jane’ offers a summertime journey back to adolescence — and the ’70s
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez looks at a novel that will take you back to adolescence — and the '70s.
07.24.2023
With ‘Ripe,’ Sarah Rose Etter highlights the soul-crushing essence of toxic work culture
Suzanne Perez looks at another quarter-life-crisis novel that takes us into the heart of a toxic workplace.
07.17.2023
With ‘The Art Thief,’ Michael Finkel delivers a true-crime thriller that’s a work of art
Suzanne Perez looks at a new book about an art thief that calls himself an art liberator.
07.10.2023
Caroline O’Donoghue infuses ‘The Rachel Incident’ with heartbreak and humor
Suzanne Perez says "The Rachel Incident" author Caroline O’Donoghue imbues her characters with all the complexities of human experience.
07.03.2023
‘Little Monsters’ weaves family tension among the sandy dunes of Cape Cod
“Little Monsters” is the story of the Gardner family of Cape Cod. Suzanne Perez says even though the novel's cover screams “beach read," its title and synopsis hint at something deeper and perhaps even sinister.
06.26.2023
With ‘Yellowface,’ R.F. Kuang takes aim at diversity, racism and the publishing industry
Suzanne Perez looks at a snarky new novel that offers a cutting critique of the publishing industry.
06.19.2023
‘The Whispers’ is another un-put-downable novel about motherhood and family secrets
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez was riveted until the very last scene of Ashley Audrain's new novel, "The Whispers."
06.05.2023
‘Chain-Gang All-Stars’ examines the violence and injustice of America’s prison system
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says “Chain-Gang All-Stars” is both brilliant and devastating, a look at our resilient humanity and the damage we are capable of.
05.30.2023
‘The Guest Lecture’ explores the tangents of one woman’s mind over the course of one sleepless night
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says “The Guest Lecture” is not your usual summer fare. It’s not even your usual literary fiction. But it’s smart and interesting and thought-provoking
05.22.2023
In ‘The Marriage Act,’ John Marrs paints an Orwellian world where perfect couplehood comes at a cost
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says “The Marriage Act” is every bit as Orwellian as you might imagine, with unexpected twists that keep you guessing.
05.15.2023
Pulitzer-winner ‘Demon Copperhead’ explores poverty, addiction and the power of a good story
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez says Barbara Kingsolver’s "Demon Copperhead" took her on an emotional journey that she just can’t stop thinking about.
05.08.2023
Lily Brooks-Dalton’s ‘The Light Pirate’ takes readers by storm, makes climate change personal
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez looks at a new novel that is being compared to “Station Eleven” and “Where the Crawdads Sing.”
05.01.2023
Susie Luo’s ‘Paper Names’ explores what it means to be an American
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez looks at a new novel that tackles themes such as anti-Asian racism, cultural differences, family dynamics, and the American dream.
04.24.2023
Author Brendan Slocumb is back with another pitch-perfect musical mystery
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez looks at a new novel that explores racial inequities in the music industry and beyond.
04.17.2023
Jade Song’s 'Chlorine' is a modern mermaid tale with a horrific twist
Book reviewer Suzanne Perez looks at a disturbing novel about mermaids that is way more disturbing than the Disney movie.

What's Book Review about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Book Review episodes:

‘Wolf at the Table’ is a wearisome look at a dysfunctional family

'SNL' star Leslie Jones holds nothing back in her memoir. Definitely get this one on audio

In ‘Somehow,’ author Anne Lamott explores love in all its forms

‘Monstrilio’ explores the grotesque sides of love and loss

Rita Bullwinkel’s “Headshot” is an absolute knockout of a novel

‘The Great Divide’ explores issues of race and class during the building of the Panama Canal

Love Atwood and Ishiguro? Then check out Scott Alexander Howard’s ‘The Other Valley’

Kiley Reid’s “Come and Get It” offers enjoyable scenes but falls short on overall story

Poet-turned-novelist Kaveh Akbar explores addiction, sobriety and the quest for a meaningful life

Newbery-winning ‘The Eyes & the Impossible’ puts Dave Eggers on par with kid-lit greats

Marie-Helene Bertino's quirky 'Beautyland' defines what it means to be truly human

Kate DiCamillo weaves her storytelling magic once again with 'The Puppets of Spelhorst'

‘North Woods’ captures the magic of one house, with a story and characters you won’t forget

‘Bright Young Women’ takes a female-centered approach to the serial killer genre

Once again, our #ReadICT Challenge can help guide your reading for the coming year

‘Pete and Alice in Maine’ shows a fractured family escaping north during the pandemic

Ariel Lawhon's 'The Frozen River' offers a gripping look at the world of an 18th-century midwife

Liz Nugent’s ‘Strange Sally Diamond’ offers a tense, gripping story and a character you’ll love

Pop icon Britney Spears shares her heartbreaking journey in ‘The Woman In Me’

In 'Hell If We Don’t Change Our Ways,' author Brittany Means relates a harrowing childhood

With ‘This is Salvaged,’ author Vauhini Vara gives us lots to think about — and to love

Author Jacqueline Woodson revisits her Brooklyn childhood with ‘Remember Us’

In her pandemic novel, ‘The Vulnerables,’ Sigrid Nunez blends elegy and comedy

With ‘One Woman Show,’ Christine Coulson conjures a life through museum wall labels

Rediscover children’s literature with this year’s crop of National Book Award finalists

With ‘How to Sell a Haunted House,’ Grady Hendrix offers creepy, funny fall reading

Dystopian, delectable ‘Land of Milk and Honey’ establishes C. Pam Zhang as a literary force

National Book Award nominee ‘Simon Sort of Says’ finds joy and humor in a violent world

With ‘Wellness,’ Nathan Hill explores our never-ending quest for self-improvement

With ‘The Trap,’ Catherine Ryan Howard offers a fictional look at real-life disappearances

‘Shark Heart’ explores marriage, motherhood and what it means to be human

‘Hello Beautiful’ features heartbreak, grief, forgiveness — all the stuff of great family drama

Love books? Consider planning your own personal reading retreat

Ann Patchett’s ‘Tom Lake’ is a story of paths not taken — and whether children really need to know

In ‘The Librarianist,’ Patrick deWitt shows us another life of quiet desperation

‘Mary Jane’ offers a summertime journey back to adolescence — and the ’70s

With ‘Ripe,’ Sarah Rose Etter highlights the soul-crushing essence of toxic work culture

With ‘The Art Thief,’ Michael Finkel delivers a true-crime thriller that’s a work of art

Caroline O’Donoghue infuses ‘The Rachel Incident’ with heartbreak and humor

‘Little Monsters’ weaves family tension among the sandy dunes of Cape Cod

With ‘Yellowface,’ R.F. Kuang takes aim at diversity, racism and the publishing industry

‘The Whispers’ is another un-put-downable novel about motherhood and family secrets

‘Chain-Gang All-Stars’ examines the violence and injustice of America’s prison system

‘The Guest Lecture’ explores the tangents of one woman’s mind over the course of one sleepless night

In ‘The Marriage Act,’ John Marrs paints an Orwellian world where perfect couplehood comes at a cost

Pulitzer-winner ‘Demon Copperhead’ explores poverty, addiction and the power of a good story

Lily Brooks-Dalton’s ‘The Light Pirate’ takes readers by storm, makes climate change personal

Susie Luo’s ‘Paper Names’ explores what it means to be an American

Author Brendan Slocumb is back with another pitch-perfect musical mystery

Jade Song’s 'Chlorine' is a modern mermaid tale with a horrific twist