Staff Fiction Favorites

The silky/sinister LA novel always captivates me, and this joy of a read is also loaded with the protagonist’s precarious drinking, her avoidance of adulthood, and her dance with her true potential. Perfect for lovers of Joan Didion’s Play It As It Lays and Nathaniel West’s Day of the Locust. Just ignore the publisher copy on the back of this book; our “dreamy young” heroine doesn’t move between Los Angeles and New York City, she exists stubbornly on the Best Coast. But The New York Times Book Review has it right: “This novel is studded with sharp observations… Babitz’s talent for the brilliant line, honed to a point, never interferes with her feel for languid pleasures.” - Chorel

This timely novel is framed as a college love triangle involving two friends and their new professor, but it’s much more than that. Told from multiple perspectives in Pennsylvania, Berlin and Paris, each storyline presents a nuanced look at loneliness and intimacy. The events take place in 2008, but Berman intelligently grapples with many of today’s #MeToo issues. - Kristi

This beautifully-written debut is set in turn-of-the-20^th-century New York City and seamlessly weaves fantastical elements into the historical setting resulting in a magical story that somehow still feels realistic. Recommended for fans of good writing, The Shadow of the Wind and Spinning Silver. - Stephanie

A Little Life revolves around a diverse group of talented young men in New York City set on establishing their adult lives. With some devastating descriptions of childhood trauma, it can be a difficult read at times but the main character’s suffering finds its balance in the compassion of those who love him. The book offers radiant moments of beauty, warmth and kindness. - Natalie O.

Did Salinger invent wry humor, or just perfect it? Either way, you’re guaranteed to enjoy lots of it in this two-novella collection, which follows a few older siblings of the Glass family (think Franny; think Zooey). Sure to break your heart in the most forgiving of ways. - Jess

This book is a modern classic of satire and what it means to be human. The apocalypse is coming, and a vivid cast of characters will do battle (well, more cause nuisance to each other) in an attempt to either stop or hinder it. The collaboration of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman is seamless, and brilliant creativity and hilarity ensue. Whether you watch the miniseries or not, you won’t regret treating yourself to this book. - Jocelyn

This can best be described as the demon lovechild of Carrie and Mean Girls. It offers mid 80's high school popularity woes alongside the timeless tale of girl meets demon. Luckily for the possess-y, she's got a best friend who knows something is up, and won't stop until someone's head spins around. - J Gallo

This remarkable debut novel is a richly imagined tale that immerses the reader in a unique culture. Interstellar politics set the stage for a murder mystery, a struggle of assimilation and questions of identity. Fascinating characters, an intricate plot, and a background of stars make this a brilliant space opera. Recommended for fans of Ann Leckie, Yoon Ha Lee and Issac Asimov. - Trey

A career boost covering the voyage of a luxury cruise ship quickly becomes a nightmare when journalist Lo Blacklock witnesses a passenger fall overboard; or does she? With everyone accounted for, Lo begins to question what she saw. Perfect for fans of Girl on the Train, Ware has crafted a clever, fast-paced thriller that makes for a great beach read. - Jade

Straight up: This is Book One of the best dystopian trilogy I have ever read. The human population is all but wiped out by a deadly version of Viagra. The Crakers, weird simple-minded blue-penised clones, are the caretakers of the future. False prophet Snowman the Jimmy narrates this tale of what went wrong. You will speed-read through this book to find out what happens next. - Jason