“Cult Classic” by Sloane Crosley
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“Cult Classic” by Sloane Crosley
Recommended by Deanna Narveson, Baton Rouge regional editor
In this book, for a month straight, the protagonist, an unmarried woman in her mid-30s, runs into each and every one of her ex-boyfriends in the same neighborhood of New York City. Through the course of these meetings, she finds out that there is more going on than she thought — there’s a secret society involved — and things are not quite what they seem.
She also has to reckon with her own habits and choices with friends and relationships. It blends genres with elements of magical realism, thriller and rom-com.
The plot was fun with the magical elements and the setting of New York City, but the way the main character was forced to confront her past and her own behaviors was really interesting to read, the kind of thing that makes you think. The twist at the end made it all even better.
James by Percival Everett is the summer selection for the Inspired Book Club.
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“James” by Percival Everett
Recommended by Mike Smith, New Orleans environmental reporter/editor
The book is a retelling of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” through the perspective of Jim — but that comes nowhere close to describing the depth and brilliance of the novel.
Parts of it amount to an investigation into identity and perception that reveal the layers of how we perceive ourselves and others. One section on minstrelsy was stunning. That said, it’s all done with a light touch, the story flowing along like the river. It’s the best new novel I’ve read in a while.
“The Wright Brothers” by David McCullough
Recommended by Scott Rabalais, The Advocate columnist and sportswriter
“The Wright Brothers” by David McCullough
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This story follows the pioneers of powered flight and how they got from their bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio, to the birth of the aviation age.
I love McCullough’s work, especially “Truman,” which he won a Pulitzer Prize for along with “John Adams.” This book isn’t in that category, but considering the late historian wrote “The Wright Brothers” in his early 80s shows he still had the right stuff.
I liked the book because while we all know Orville and Wilbur Wright, we know little about the people around them. I loved the details on their contemporaries and competitors, and learning about what a supportive soul their sister Katharine was. It’s a quick read (the main text is well under 300 pages), perfect for summertime page turning by the pool or the lake.
“Abundance” by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson
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“Abundance” by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson
Recommended by Stephanie Riegel, New Orleans business reporter
Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson’s “Abundance” is a thoughtful look at the regulatory, political and socioeconomic reasons that have made it increasingly difficult for the United States to move forward with major projects that would benefit society as a whole, like middle-class housing, energy efficient mass transit and new medicines.
It is so insightful, so well written and simplifies through clear, concise analysis, without dumbing the subject down, so many important challenges facing our country. I want to be Ezra Klein when I grow up!
“The Adventures of Amina Al Sirafi” by Shannon Chakraborty
Recommended by Rich Collins, New Orleans business reporter
“The Adventures of Amina Al Sirafi” by Shannon Chakraborty
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This is an adventure novel about a former pirate who leaves her daughter to embark on a mission to save a teenager from a power-hungry sorcerer.
It’s well-written and a heavily researched historical fantasy with memorable set pieces and characters. Sirafi’s ex-husband — who’s also a demon — is a scene stealer.