As summer unfolds, a diverse group of seven Chicago-area authors shares their top reading recommendations, featuring a mix of new and forthcoming releases that capture various genres from mystery and romance to thrillers and profound biographies.
The authors include Sonali Dev, Rebecca Makkai, Cristina Henríquez, Rowan Beaird, Rafael Frumkin, Keir Graff, and Julie Iromuanya, each providing insight into their selected titles and personal reflections on the themes within them.
**Sonali Dev**, acclaimed for her exploration of American and Indian cultures, highlights her top picks. She describes *The Guilt Pill* by Saumya Dave as a poignant examination of mom guilt and the societal pressures on women to ‘have it all.’ Dev emphasizes the book’s thematic depth, portraying a gripping journey of self-discovery.
Next, Dev recommends *People of Means*, a novel by Nancy Johnson that explores intergenerational narratives of mothers and daughters against the backdrop of significant historical events in Black America.
Additionally, she suggests *Flirting With Disaster* by Naina Kumar, a romance that intertwines themes of estrangement and redemption, perfect for readers looking for warmth and connection amidst life’s challenges.
**Rebecca Makkai**, a writer and educator whose works have garnered critical acclaim, shares her favorites. Makkai considers *Everything Is Tuberculosis* by John Green to be a compelling nonfiction exploration of how tuberculosis has influenced American history, noting its engaging narrative that captivated her in a single afternoon.
Makkai also presents *The Paris Express* by Emma Donoghue, which revolves around a real-life train disaster in 1895 Paris, weaving together multiple characters’ lives in a gripping tale.
She further recommends *Madonna in a Fur Coat*, originally published in Turkish by Sabahattin Ali, remarking on its modern themes and relatable characters that resonate deeply with contemporary readers.
**Cristina Henríquez**, author of acclaimed novels including *The Book of Unknown Americans*, shares her personal favorites for the summer. She praises *Stone Yard Devotional* by Charlotte Wood as a beautifully written contemplation on leaving behind the past in search of solace, highlighting the complexities of confronting one’s history.
Henríquez also points to *Run for the Hills* by Kevin Wilson, a humorous family drama about siblings meeting for the first time and taking an unconventional road trip to confront their estranged father, which she describes as uniquely engaging and full of heart.
**Rowan Beaird**, whose debut novel *The Divorcées* has garnered attention, recommends *El Dorado Drive* by Megan Abbott, describing it as a literary thriller that intricately explores the lives of three sisters entangled in a morally ambiguous situation in suburban Detroit.
Her enthusiasm for *I Want to Burn This Place Down* by Maris Kreizman shines through, as she conveys the emotional resonance of Kreizman’s essays which critique American institutions while intertwining personal experiences.
**Julie Iromuanya**, a finalist for the PEN/Faulkner Award, emphasizes the importance of education in her recommendations. She cites *Original Sins: The (Mis)education of Black and Native Children and the Construction of American Racism* by Eve Ewing as a necessary examination of systemic educational failings in American history that demands attention this summer.
In addition, she recommends *Under the Neon Lights* by Arriel Vinson, a debut young adult novel that captures the nostalgia of a neighborhood skating rink and the impact of gentrification on community spaces.
Iromuanya also expresses her excitement about Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s latest work, *Dream Count*, which delves into the lives of four women at critical junctures, showcasing Adichie’s signature insights and engaging storytelling.
**Rafael Frumkin** turns to psychological thrillers for summer reading, particularly *House of Beth* by Kerry Cullen, which explores the complicated dynamics of friendships and relationships through the lens of a woman grappling with her past and mental health struggles.
Frumkin highlights *One of Us* by Dan Chaon, a novel set in 1915 about twin orphans navigating a bizarre yet enchanting world under the care of a circus showman, characterized by its darkly inventive narrative.
He also recommends *A Silent Treatment* by Jeannie Vanasco, praising her exploration of familial estrangement and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships in her inventive memoir.
**Keir Graff**, known for his work in middle-grade mysteries, admits his preference for nonfiction during the summer and is particularly excited about *Mark Twain*, Ron Chernow’s extensive biography of the iconic American author.
With pages filled with rich storytelling and insights into Twain’s life, Graff anticipates that this substantial volume will provide ample material to reflect upon as summer transitions into autumn.
In conclusion, these Chicago-area authors not only share their love for reading but also provide a glimpse into the vibrant literary culture of the area, encouraging readers to explore these recommended titles this summer.
image source from：chicago
