The Weekly Reader

“Well behaved women rarely make history.” What does that really mean? On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels about women who rarely behave and suffer the consequences: Vladimir by Julia May Jonas, and The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan. 

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On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels about getting by, and trying to get ahead, in New York City: The Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead, and Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez.

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On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we delve into the world of crime and punishment with a new memoir and a novel that are both great picks for the mystery and "murder show" fans among us. Marion Winik reviews Taking Down Backpage by Maggy Krell, and The Final Case by David Guterson. 

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If you think there are a lot of great new memoirs coming out these days, you are correct. I’m Lisa Morgan and today on The Weekly Reader, our book critic Marion Winik, a celebrated memoirist herself, reviews two new, fantastic memoirs: Hanif Abdurraqib's A Little Devil in America: Notes on Black Performance, and Deborah Levy's Real Estate.

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On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new memoirs about growing up under "complicated" circumstances: Sex Cult Nun by Faith Jones, and House of Sticks by Ly Tran.

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There’s something about World War II – it is our most timeless topic, spurring countless, gripping stories of bravery and friendship, heroism and barbarism, love and loss, you name it. On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels about life during wartime: The Postmistress of Paris by Meg Waite Clayton and The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kim Harmel. 

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On this edition of The Weekly Reader, big stories from a big country. We review two new American novels: The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles, and The Love Songs of W.E.B. Dubois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers.

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The world of Young Adult literature has really expanded and improved in the past few decades, though some of the best YA novels and mysteries are well-worn classics. On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review a new YA novel and a trilogy, both in the mystery genre, that will be perfect for the younger readers on your holiday shopping list. 

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As we often say, books make great gifts. On this edition of The Weekly Reader we present seven titles from local authors that are sure to please everyone on list. Or, perhaps you might find something here for yourself. Read and enjoy! 

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Sometimes, the things that make a relationship most meaningful are also the things that make it so difficult. On this edition of The Weekly Reader, we review two new novels centered around complicated female friendships: Asali Solomon's The Days of Afrikete and Lucy Jago's A Net for Small Fishes. 

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