For Readers: Blog

Reads for realists

Do you find magical reads miserable? Are you skeptical of sci-fi? Do paranormal plots put you off? Whether you’re strictly a reader of realistic fiction or you’re just in the mood for something down-to-earth, these reading ideas are grounded in reality, with no hint of the fantastical.

Roses, in the Mouth of a Lion by Bushra Rehman is a literary coming-of-age tale about growing up in a traditional Muslim community in New York City. This story follows Razia as she grows up, pushing the boundaries of her upbringing through the female friendships of her youth and then the promise of teenage love. Readers who appreciate books with authentic and well-developed characters will be captivated. [e-book | print]

Catherine Newman’s We All Want Impossible Things continues the friendship theme in this bittersweet but thoughtful portrait of loss. Best friends since childhood, Edi and Ash are tackling life’s latest challenge together: Edi’s terminal cancer diagnosis. Reading almost like a memoir, this is a candid look at the bond of best friends, the indignity of death, and the moments of celebration at the end of life. Book clubbers will want to check this one out. [e-book | print | audiobook]

Maame by Jessica George is a sharp and amusing look at adulthood and independence. With her mother often in Ghana, Maddie is relegated to the role of family caregiver in London, and feels the freedom of her twenties slipping away from her. As she works to form her own identity, Maddie must confront her family’s dysfunctional dynamics and the discrimination that permeates her work and life. Try the audiobook version to feel like you’re hearing directly from the sympathetic Maddie. [e-book | print | audiobook]

Joyce Maynard expertly captures the complications that come with family in Count the Ways. This sweeping saga centers around Eleanor, from her unhappy youth to the idyllic family she creates, to her crumbling marriage and its fallout over the decades. Maynard candidly depicts the joy and pain of marriage, parenthood, and all that comes after, immersing the reader in this family’s tumultuous history. Audiobook fans will be impressed by the award-winning narration. [e-book | print | audiobook | large type]

De'Shawn Charles Winslow’s Decent People revolves around a 1976 murder and the secrets that subsequently bubble to the surface. When local authorities show little interest in investigating the murder of three Black siblings, Jo, a recent transplant to the small North Carolina town, decides to take matters into her own hands. As gossip runs wild, Jo uncovers layers of scandal, fueled by greed and racism. Strong characters made this gritty and atmospheric mystery stand out. [e-book | print]

If you’re looking for a heartwarming read that isn’t too fanciful, The Lonely Hearts Book Club by Lucy Gilmore is the latest in the world of curmudgeon-lit. A young librarian surprises herself by tracking down the cranky old man who has become a staple at the library. She creates a book club to enrich his life, and what starts as a whim soon becomes a real community. Grab this for an upbeat read with a large cast of characters that can stand on their own. [e-book | print]

⏤Laura