Michael K

The debate about the merits of respectability politics and integrating into white society versus an ideology of Black liberation is as timely as ever, in an era when unabashed white supremacy is on the rise across the globe, and Whitehead's critique of assimilationist politics is sharp. Thoughtful and engaging, The Nickel Boys offers astute observations about the history of race relations in America: it's sure to appeal to the author's devoted readers as well as those new to his work.

Introspective and affecting, Catherine Chung's The Tenth Muse charts one Chinese-American woman's fraught attempt to succeed in a field dominated by sexism and racism. An absorbing life story of pain, perseverance and triumph that establishes Chung as an accomplished writer of historical fiction.

Spanning four decades and taking on a host of topical issues, from gun violence to the coarsening of public discourse, Jennifer duBois' latest novel The Spectators charts the rise and fall of an enigmatic politician-turned-talk-show-host. Broad in scope, the novel explores a seminal era in LGBTQ+ history with insight and intelligence—a sensitive portrayal of the devastation wrought by the AIDS epidemic.

Thoughtful and deliberate, Milkman offers incisive commentary on gender socialization and the pressure to conform during an era of political instability. While the novel's experimental form and excessive introspection won't appeal to everyone, Burns has crafted an unforgettable tale about what it means to fall below "the benchmark of social regularity" at a time when difference is demonized.

Territory of Light thoughtfully considers what it means to raise a child as a single mother with little support. The author's understated prose mitigates the unsettling events of the plot. Tsushima's language is unadorned, her sentences terse, her descriptions clear. Her neat style establishes a contemplative and subdued tone, in spite of the dysfunctional and sometimes sensational storyline.

Shapiro explores the ethical and existential questions at the heart of her journey with sensitivity and nuance. A complex and multifaceted memoir, interwoven with history and full of feeling, Inheritance is sure to appeal to loyal fans of the author as well as readers new to her thoughtful work.

Some technical flaws tarnish The Golden State, but in its best moments, the novel is sure to dazzle those interested in feminist fiction. Lydia Kiesling is a talented writer who has a gift for capturing the rhythms of consciousness and portraying relationships among women, and her career as a novelist seems poised for success.