Top 5 Must-Read Books for September 2023
This month’s selection spans various genres, from mystery to coming-of-age tales and thought-provoking nonfiction. Dive into these books to make the most of the season and satisfy your literary cravings. Happy reading!
- “Mother-Daughter Murder Night” – Fiction, Mystery
In the novel “Mother-Daughter Murder Night,” we meet Lana Rubicon, a former business titan facing a terminal illness. Her quiet life in a small town with her daughter Beth takes an unexpected turn when Beth’s teenage daughter, Jack, gets involved in a mysterious murder case. This captivating story explores family dynamics, old wounds, and unexpected alliances. It’s a heartwarming tale of love, strength, and the enduring connections between mothers and daughters.
2. “Others Were Emeralds” – Fiction, Coming-of-Age
Lang Leav’s “Others Were Emeralds” immerses readers in the unsettling anti-Asian prejudice of 1990s Australia. The story follows Ai, a teenager from Whitlam, a town filled with Asian immigrants. Ai’s life is disrupted by a traumatic racist incident, pushing her to confront her past and the enduring scars of discrimination. This poignant novel explores healing, the power of friendship, and the cycle of history. It delivers a compelling journey through the human spirit’s resilience in adversity.
3. “Kill for Love” – Fiction, Thriller
In “Kill for Love,” readers dive into Tiffany’s complex life. She appears as a typical sorority girl, but she hides a disturbing secret – a desire for murder. This eerie fascination starkly contrasts with her sorority’s polished image, forcing her to balance her deadly urges with the demands of college life. Laura Picklesimer’s satirical storytelling adds dark humor to the narrative, creating a captivating mix of macabre and wit. Tiffany’s double life leads readers into an absorbing and thrilling journey that promises both fascination and amusement.
4. “What Women Want: A Therapist, Her Patients, and Their True Stories of Desire, Power, and Love” – Nonfiction, Psychology
Maxine Mei-Fung Chung, a clinical supervisor and psychoanalytic psychotherapist, dives into nonfiction, delivering a captivating narrative. In her book, Chung unravels the intricate life stories of seven women, each a unique blend of desires, power dynamics, and intricate relationships. Chung’s poignant storytelling invites readers into the personal worlds of these women, where they grapple with trauma and the weight of decision-making. This book shines as a potent source of insight and empathy, reassuring its readers that their desires are genuine and worthy, adding unique threads to the rich tapestry of human experiences.
5.”I’m a Fan” – Literary Fiction
In “I’m a Fan,” her debut novel, Sheena Patel skillfully uncovers the hidden aspects of today’s society, shedding light on the dark side of social media’s pervasive grip. Through the lens of an unnamed protagonist, Patel weaves a story of obsession as this character becomes increasingly fixated on a man. The narrative takes readers on a chilling exploration of the dangers lurking in our hyperconnected world as the protagonist obsessively monitors his interactions with other women. Patel’s sharp examination of the digital landscape, combined with the protagonist’s unraveling behavior, creates a gripping story that mirrors the complexities of our contemporary era.
Re-reported from the article originally published in Shondaland by Katie Tamola
