My personal copies of “Dodge City,” “Blow Yourself Up,” and “Hollywood, Ending” The Xavierite
As the last glimpses of summer fade and fall arrives to take its place, the best season for reading is upon us. In my opinion, there are few things better than delving into a good novel during the colder months.
Classic literature is always a good option, but not every reader enjoys the dated language and dense plotlines so often found in the classics.
Recently published books can sometimes be more enjoyable for those who want a lighter reading experience. I’ve compiled a list of five newer book releases which are sure to keep readers turning the pages as the air gets chillier.
Green wrote some of the most popular young-adult novels from the past twenty years, including “The Fault in Our Stars,” “Looking for Alaska” and “Paper Towns.”
His first venture into adult fiction comes in the form of his newest novel, “Hollywood, Ending,” which hit bookstores on Sept. 22.
I read “Hollywood, Ending” a couple weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. It tells the story of Kai and Juniper, two young actors who are dealing with a sudden onslaught of fame and growing feelings for each other.
It’s a book about love, trauma and the cost of fame when it comes to pursuing your dreams. The writing is accessible, easy to get through, and heart-warming in all the right places.
I recently purchased a copy of “Dodge City” after reading the synopsis. The novel, written by acclaimed author Patrick deWitt, is set during the 1960s when the draft for the Vietnam War was taking place.
The protagonist is Lee, a young man who receives a draft notice at the start of the book. He doesn’t want to go to Vietnam and fight, so he sets out on a cross-country road trip to leave the U.S.
I haven’t finished “Dodge City” yet, but I have a feeling it’s going to be a worthwhile read. I’ve always been fascinated by the cultural upheaval of the 1960s, and this novel puts it at the forefront.
It’s also a relatively short read—less than 250 pages. I’d highly recommend this book to anyone who’s a fan of history or anyone looking for a quick yet engrossing read.
I first encountered Kingsolver last year when I read “Demon Copperhead,” her best-selling novel which won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction and the Women’s Prize for fiction.
Kingsolver’s writing is personal and doesn’t shy away from the dark shadows of the world. When I recently saw her new novel, “Partita,” at the bookstore, I knew it needed to be put on my list of books to read.
“Partita” focuses on Livia, a former piano prodigy who is thrust into the past after a phone call from a former lover from her youth.
The novel shines a light on ambition, class, and the transformative power of art. Knowing Kingsolver, it’ll most likely be one of the best novels of the year.
At the Printer’s Row Lit Fest this year, I was on the hunt for unique books from indie authors/publishing houses. One of the books that caught my eye was “Blow Yourself Up.”
The novel tells the story of two protagonists, Arjun and Payal, who fell in love during high school but were then separated by the trials of adulthood and the digital age.
“Blow Yourself Up” also prominently features Chicago as the city Arjun moves to and works in. The back of the book describes the story as a “sharp exploration of creative ambition” and “a love story that examines what we lose by being seen.”
It’s always fun to go back to an acclaimed author like Green or Kingsolver, but it can be even more exciting to support an up-and-coming author like Thakkar. “Blow Yourself Up” seems to be timely and unflinching; I can’t wait to read it.
“The Birthing Tree” explores generational trauma and motherhood through the lens of an Indigenous woman uncovering secrets about her family after the death of her beloved grandmother.
The protagonist is Aliet, whose mother died in childbirth. Aliet was then raised by her grandmother. Years into adulthood, she receives the call that her grandmother has died.
She returns home to sift through all the old teachings, traumas, and traditions her grandmother left behind.
This story seems to be both powerful and intimate—a combination I always look for in novels. It promises engaging characters and also an insightful look into Indigenous culture.
From complex ancestry to the flaws of Hollywood to the threat of the Vietnam War, these five novels offer up a variety of topics and writing styles for every type of reader.
In the context of our current literacy crisis and the ever-decreasing number of people who read for pleasure, it’s more important than ever to pick up a book.
If any of these piqued your interest, I strongly suggest picking them up from a local bookstore or library.
About Post Author
