At the end of busy days in the newsroom, NPR journalists unwind with novels. They explore various genres, finding solace in fiction. Here are some of their favorites from this year.
Soho Crime – A Bad, Bad Place by Frances Crawford
The story unfolds in 1979 Glasgow, Scotland, featuring 12-year-old Janey, her nana, and a rescue dog named Sid Vicious. Janey uncovers a dead body due to Sid’s antics, and the novel follows her quest to solve the mystery. The narrative explores Janey’s observations and omissions, crucial in understanding her discoveries.
Knopf – A Perfect Hand by Ayelet Waldman
Set in the 19th-century England, the novel focuses on Miss Alice Lockey, a lady’s maid entangled in a plot to unite her employer with Lord Wynstowe, despite their mutual disdain. Alice’s exposure to the women’s rights movement prompts her to envision a future beyond marriage.
William Morrow – Cherry Baby by Rainbow Rowell
The novel examines fame and personal transformation. Cherry navigates unwanted recognition after her husband creates a comic featuring a character resembling her. Despite challenges, Cherry’s spirit remains resilient.
Harper Perennial – Cry Havoc by Rebecca Wait
Set in a decrepit British boarding school in the 1980s, the dark and humorous narrative follows Ida Campbell as she faces hostile roommates and a mysterious epidemic affecting students.
Doubleday – Dear Monica Lewinsky by Julia Langbein
This comic novel parallels a political scandal as a student becomes infatuated with her teacher during a study abroad program. Years later, a middle-aged crisis leads her to seek advice from an unexpected source.
Random House – Discipline by Larissa Pham
An artist publishes a debut novel based on her fraught encounter with an older professor. The work explores themes of justice, truth, and recovering from trauma.
Avon – Enemies to Lovers by Alisha Rai
Krish and Sejal form an unlikely crime-solving partnership to uncover a missing FBI agent. Adventure, romance, and humor ensue as they travel cross-country.
William Morrow – The Fourth Princess: A Gothic Novel of Old Shanghai by Janie Chang
The gothic tale interweaves the lives of two women, Caroline and Lisan, against the backdrop of Chinese superstition and romance.
Scribner – Ghost Town by Tom Perrotta
This memory piece set in 1974 follows Jay Perry revisiting his hometown. Through his eyes, the novel captures the intersection of goofiness, tragedy, and suburban life.
Ballantine Books – Into the Blue by Emma Brodie
A blend of romance and tragedy, the novel traces love and longing between AJ Graves and Noah Drew over a decade.
Berkley – The Jellyfish Problem by Tessa Yang
Marine biologist Jo Ness investigates a mysterious jellyfish, confronting personal loss and exploring scientific discovery.
Grove Press – John of John by Douglas Stuart
The novel journeys through the Scottish Hebrides, exploring themes of secrecy, family, and isolation.
St. Martin’s Press – Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser
Lady Tremaine’s hunt with her falcon introduces themes of privilege and women’s fight for dignity in patriarchal societies.
Flatiron Books – Last Night in Brooklyn by Xochitl Gonzalez
Alicia Canales Forten’s life transforms through her enigmatic neighbor, reflecting themes of observation and change.
Grand Central Publishing – The Missed Connection by Tia Williams
Sasha embarks on a quest to reunite with her plane seat companion, unraveling an adventure filled with humor and self-discovery.
Little, Brown and Company – New Skin by Sarah Wang
Linli Feng grapples with her family’s strained relationships amid the subculture of bargain beauty and immigration.
Astra House – Offseason by Avigayl Sharp
A young woman teaching in a tourist town uncovers unpredictable adventures and emotions.
New Directions – On the Calculation of Volume by Solvej Balle
The novel explores repetitive life dilemmas, urging appreciation of each day’s details.
Berkley – The Paris Match by Kate Clayborn
Layla Bailey’s romantic endeavors in Paris are captured with heartfelt conversations and personal growth.
Bloomsbury Publishing – Railsong by Rahul Bhattacharya
Charu’s life unfolds against political change, chronicling her journey through personal upheaval in 20th-century India.
Grove Press – Rebel English Academy by Mohammed Hanif
Through satire and layered narratives, Hanif portrays Pakistan’s historical and social complexities.
Pamela Dorman Books – The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson
The intertwining lives of childhood friends reveal twists of domestic life and scandalous revelations.
Poisoned Pen Press – She Waits Where Shadows Gather by Michelle Tang
Homeland connections and folklore lead Avery and Carlos to confront familial secrets in a gripping narrative.
W. W. Norton & Company – Son of Nobody by Yann Martel
Realistic academia noir narrates Harlow Donne’s overseas journey amid family and scholarly burdens.
Kensington – This House Will Feed by Maria Tureaud
Gothic horror merges with historical events, reliving the Irish potato famine with supernatural elements.
Tor Books – This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews
Transported into her favorite fictional world, Maggie navigates a familiar kingdom with unexpected challenges.
Pine & Cedar – This Story Might Save Your Life by Tiffany Crum
As Benny investigates Joy’s disappearance, the novel unfolds with themes of friendship and suspicion.
Random House – Vigil by George Saunders
The novel interrogates the notion of regret through spectral visits to a dying oil CEO, addressing environmental crisis alongside personal accountability.
Doubleday – Villa Coco by Andrew Sean Greer
Humor and honesty blend in tales from vivid characters exploring life’s confusion, despair, and conversion into funny stories.
G.P. Putnam’s Sons – We Will See You Bleed by Ron Currie
A Maine thriller reflects on globalization’s impact and the emergence of local crime syndicates.
Knopf – Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
A social media influencer awakens in 1855, confronting complexities of motherhood, ambition, and contradicting societal demands.