"I'm often asked by book clubs for recommendations. Here are some books that generated great discussions in my own book club - and others that I simply found to be provocative reads. I update this list periodically with new favorites!" - Cynthia
Fiction Worth Talking About
Small World by Jonathan Evison: A connected novel of family histories spanning centuries and seemingly disparate characters who come together in an unusual way: as the result of a train wreck.
I Have Some Questions for You by Rebcca Makkai: Makkai has long been a favorite author of mine, and her latest didn't disappoint. I was caught up in this work of boarding school privilege and long-buried secrets.
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano: I love all of Napolitano's books, but this one, her most recent, is now my favorite. A deep, engrossing story of sisterhood, marriage, loyalty, and love.
No-No Boy by John Okada: In protest for his family's internment during the WWII, and because of the U.S. government's ambiguity about what "allegiance" means, Ichiro refuses to fight for the U.S. or swear fidelity to it. After the war, Ichiro struggles to find his place in postwar America.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin: Sadie and Sam meet as tweens and later decide to "make a game together" (as Sam says). A hit game evolves into a successful company - and over several decades, Sadie and Sam navigate their personal and professional lives, together and apart.
Who- and Why-Dunnits
Missing White Women by Kellye Garrett: While vacationing in New York City with her boyfriend, Ty, Bree finds a missing woman's body in the foyer of the luxury rental unit she and Ty are occupying - and now Ty is nowhere to be found. She must use her instincts to determine what happened and who is complicit.
Clark and Division by Naomi Hirahara: A solid mystery and an exploration of life for Japanese Americans following their internment by the U.S. government during WW II. Aki's quest to uncover the mystery surrounding her sister's supposed suicide captures a moment in time for an American family.
The Moonlight Child by Karen McQuestion: A thriller that features a likeable cast of main characters, a child in danger, and a villain you'll love to hate. (available through Prospector)
The Ballad of Rocky Ruiz by Manuel Ramos: Attorney Luis Montez is trying to put the past behind him. But when threats surface about "the old business," including the murder of Montez's friend Rocky Ruiz, Luis must uncover the connections between past and present.
Thought-Provoking Nonficton
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teaching of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer: Words and wisdom to savor. Allow yourself plenty of time for the journey of reading these essays.
Made in China: a Memoir of Love and Labor by Anna Qu: The author's story of her heartbreaking childhood, lack of love and acceptance from those who were supposed to care for her the most, and ability to rise above her situation and forge a fulfilling life for herself is both eye-opening and inspiring.
Going to Trinidad: a Doctor, a Colorado Town, and Stories from an Unlike Gender Crossroads by Martin J. Smith: A fascinating look at the town of Trinidad, Colorado, which served as the gender confirmation surgery capital of the world between 1969 and 2010.
--- Cynthia Swanson is the Denver-based author of Anyone But Her, The Glass Forest, and The Bookseller; and the editor of Denver Noir. Many thanks to her for sharing this wonderful column with Denver Public Library!
