Book critic Bethanne Patrick recommends a diverse selection of fiction and nonfiction titles for November reading, including novels that touch on the COVID pandemic and the Vietnam War, as well as nonfiction exploring artificial intelligence and the war in Afghanistan. Read The Full Article
Key Points
1. The list includes novels with unique perspectives, such as Alice McDermott’s “Absolution,” which takes place during the early days of American involvement in Vietnam, and Jonathan Evison’s “Again and Again,” featuring a protagonist who believes he has lived past lives.
2. Nonfiction titles cover a wide range of subjects, from Sigrid Nunez’s “The Vulnerables,” which explores human-animal connections through a macaw named Eureka, to Tracy K. Smith’s “To Free the Captives,” a memoir that delves into Black history and identity.
3. Other notable books on the list include Jami Nakamura Lin’s “The Night Parade,” a memoir that blends personal experience and Japanese mythology, and Miles Lagoze’s “Whistles From the Graveyard,” which offers a behind-the-scenes look at war in Afghanistan through the lens of a combat cameraman.
Key Insight
This curated list of books offers a rich and diverse reading experience, with both fiction and nonfiction titles that explore a range of themes and topics, providing readers with the opportunity to broaden their literary horizons.
Why This Matters
Reading diverse books can broaden our understanding of the world and its different perspectives, opening up conversations and fostering empathy. It allows readers to explore different experiences, gain knowledge, and develop a deeper appreciation for literature and its impact on our lives.
Notable Quote
“Whether she’s in her father’s home of Sunflower, Ala., or teaching at Harvard, Smith reminds all Americans that without Black history, none of us have any history at all.” – Bethanne Patrick
