Summer Reading Suggestions: NPR Staff Reveal Their Top Picks
In rural Virginia, two captivating novels unfold, each offering a unique exploration of themes and characters that will leave readers hooked. Let's delve into these compelling stories recommended by some of the industry's leading voices.
King of Ashes by S. A. Cosby
Melissa Gray, senior producer at WEEKEND EDITION, highly recommends this gritty noir thriller. The story revolves around Roman Carruthers, a successful financial adviser who returns to his troubled hometown when his elderly father is attacked by a local drug gang. Roman's mission is to protect his family, but as he becomes embroiled in dangerous negotiations involving the family-owned crematorium, he finds himself in the heart of a violent conflict.
Set in a corrupt Southern town, King of Ashes is a tale of family, violence, betrayal, and redemption. Roman's transformation from a slick operator to a cold-blooded instigator of violence is both chilling and intriguing. The novel's climax is violent, dark, and ultimately satisfying, making it a must-read for fans of noir fiction.
Audition by Katie Kitamura
Barrie Hardymon, a senior editor at Investigations, suggests this psychological thriller that takes an inventive approach to storytelling. The novel follows a man who goes out to lunch with a woman he believes to be his mother, only to discover she is not. The story is set in the summer, with the stifling heat of the protagonist's apartment adding to the tension.
Audition asks big questions about family and art without becoming overly introspective. It features a significant narrative shift about halfway through that changes the reader's perspective of the characters, making it a thought-provoking read.
Animal Instinct by Amy Shearn
Sarah Handel recommends this fast-paced, spicy read set in Brooklyn during the COVID-19 shutdowns. The story revolves around Rachel, a woman stuck in her apartment, craving flirting and sex after her divorce. In a unique twist, Rachel considers creating an AI partner to fulfill her desires.
Darkenbloom by Eva Menasse
This novel, recommended by Barrie Hardymon, is set in an Austrian village on the border of Hungary in 1989. As a group of East German refugees are amassing on the border, the villagers of Darkenbloom are reluctant to discuss their past, particularly their role during the Nazi era and the fate of the Jews in their town.
Each of these novels offers a unique and engaging reading experience, promising to captivate readers with their compelling narratives and thought-provoking themes. Whether you're in the mood for a gripping thriller, a psychological drama, or a unique exploration of modern life, these books are sure to deliver.
- If you're a fan of noir fiction and enjoy exploring themes of family, violence, and redemption, you might find 'King of Ashes' by S. A. Cosby interesting as it delves deep into these aspects, set in a corrupt Southern town.
- For those intrigued by psychological thrillers that question the bounds of family, art, and identity, 'Audition' by Katie Kitamura might be an enticing addition to your home-and-garden reading list, as it takes an inventive approach to storytelling.
