Fiction

Bill Willingham’s Day of Vengeance (Countdown to Infinite Crisis), published in 2005, is a gripping superhero saga that throws readers headfirst into the chaotic heart of the DC universe. Willingham, known for his work on Fables, brings his signature blend of dark fantasy and sharp storytelling to this pivotal crossover event. This isn’t just another

Greg Rucka’s Shooting at Midnight, published in 1999, isn’t just another crime thriller; it’s a masterclass in character-driven suspense. Rucka, known for his gritty realism in both comics and prose, brings a distinct authenticity to this tale of a woman seeking justice. The novel’s publication in the late ’90s, a period marked by a surge

This Strange New Feeling by Julius Lester, published in 1972, isn’t just a historical fiction novel; it’s a vibrant, pulsating heartbeat from the past, resonating with a raw emotional power that feels strikingly contemporary. Lester, a renowned author, civil rights activist, and professor, crafts a narrative steeped in the realities of slavery in the American

Stepping into the shadowy world of Dark Water by Sharon Sala, published in 2011, is like diving into a Southern Gothic mystery where secrets simmer beneath the surface. Sala, a seasoned author known for her romantic suspense novels, masterfully crafts a tale that grips you from the first page. The story’s emotional core, dealing with

The Republic of East L.A., a powerful collection of essays by Luis J. Rodriguez, published in 2002, offers a raw and unflinching look at life in East Los Angeles. Rodriguez, a poet, novelist, and activist, brings his deep personal experiences and commitment to social justice to this work. He’s not an outsider looking in; he’s

In 1996, a political earthquake rumbled through the literary world with the release of Primary Colors: A Novel of Politics by Anonymous, later revealed to be journalist Joe Klein. This thinly veiled fictional account of a charismatic Southern governor’s presidential campaign captivated readers with its insider perspective and unflinching portrayal of the American political machine.

Rebecca Miller’s The Private Lives of Pippa Lee, published in 2008, is a poignant exploration of identity, marriage, and the secrets we keep, wrapped in a deceptively quiet domestic drama. Miller, known for her insightful character studies in both film and literature, crafts a narrative that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. This isn’t

Like You’d Understand, Anyway, a collection of short stories by Jim Shepard, published in 2007, is a masterclass in historical fiction, weaving together intensely personal narratives against the backdrop of significant moments in human history. Shepard, known for his meticulous research and ability to inhabit diverse perspectives, offers a series of stories that explore the

Stepping into the eerie embrace of In the Woods, Tana French’s 2007 debut novel, is like entering a waking nightmare. French, known for her atmospheric and psychologically charged crime novels, crafts a narrative that’s as much about the mysteries of the human psyche as it is about solving a crime. Published during a surge of

Ann Napolitano’s Dear Edward, a 2020 “Read with Jenna” pick, is a powerful and profoundly moving novel that explores the aftermath of unimaginable tragedy. The story centers on Edward Adler, a twelve-year-old boy who becomes the sole survivor of a catastrophic plane crash. Napolitano, known for her sensitive character studies and emotionally charged narratives, crafts