Book List

The Most Overlooked Books of 2017

  • FICTION

    THE TALENTED RIBKINS

    AUG. 8, 2017

SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY

THE TALENTED RIBKINS

by Ladee Hubbard

To describe this novel, as someone inevitably will, as Song of Solomon reimagined as a Marvel Comics franchise is to... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    HISTORY OF A DISAPPEARANCE

    APRIL 4, 2017

HISTORY

HISTORY OF A DISAPPEARANCE

by Filip Springer ; translated by Sean Bye

Lucid and literate: a brilliant model of historical writing about place and a beguiling treat for armchair travelers as well. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    THE GIFT

    MAY 9, 2017

FICTION

THE GIFT

by Barbara Browning

A delicious love letter to readers and co-conspirators everywhere. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • TEEN

    RELEASE

    SEPT. 19, 2017

  • NONFICTION

    ALL THE AGENTS AND SAINTS

    JULY 10, 2017

NONFICTION

ALL THE AGENTS AND SAINTS

by Stephanie Elizondo Griest

In this well-conceived book, the author demonstrates unforgettably that national borders constitute much more than lines on... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • TEEN

    ELIZA AND HER MONSTERS

    MAY 30, 2017

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

ELIZA AND HER MONSTERS

by Francesca Zappia

A wrenching depiction of depression and anxiety, respectful to fandom, online-only friendships, and the benefits and dangers... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    TRACES OF VERMEER

    OCT. 1, 2017

HISTORY

TRACES OF VERMEER

by Jane Jelley

Featuring wonderful illustrations, engaging prose, and a deep knowledge of the craft, this is a study in art history and... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    FOREIGN SOIL

    JAN. 3, 2017

FICTION

FOREIGN SOIL

by Maxine Beneba Clarke

A tremendous new voice; a writer of immense talent and depth. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    MY LAI

    MAY 25, 2017

HISTORY

MY LAI

by Howard Jones

Jones succeeds on all counts in a book that, due to its subject matter, is not pleasant to read but is powerful and... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    RESERVOIR 13

    OCT. 3, 2017

FICTION

RESERVOIR 13

by Jon McGregor

A stunningly good, understated novel told in a mesmerizing voice. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • TEEN

    SAINTS AND MISFITS

    JUNE 13, 2017

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

SAINTS AND MISFITS

by S.K. Ali

This quiet read builds to a satisfying conclusion; readers will be glad to make space in their hearts—and bookshelves—for... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    EVERYBODY HAD AN OCEAN

    APRIL 1, 2017

HISTORY

EVERYBODY HAD AN OCEAN

by William McKeen

Excellent social history, bracketing David Talbot’s Season of the Witch (2012) as an indispensable account of a time of... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    GOLDEN HILL

    JUNE 27, 2017

FICTION

GOLDEN HILL

by Francis Spufford

A first-rate entertainment with a rich historical feel and some delightful twists. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • TEEN

    WHEN MORNING COMES

    FEB. 15, 2017

TEENS & YOUNG ADULT

WHEN MORNING COMES

by Arushi Raina

This timely reminder of the power and passion of young people contextualizes current student protests by honoring those of... Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • FICTION

    THE ANIMATORS

    JAN. 31, 2017

FICTION

THE ANIMATORS

by Kayla Rae Whitaker

Empathetic but never sentimental; a book that creeps up on you and then swallows you whole. Full review >

FULL REVIEW >
  • NONFICTION

    A $500 HOUSE IN DETROIT

    APRIL 11, 2017

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