What to read next: ‘Bright Young Women’, ‘Build the Life You Want’, ‘Loot,’ and more
This week’s recommendations to add to your Books to Read pile include an exciting new thriller from best-selling author Jessica Knoll, Oprah’s highly anticipated new collaboration on the science of happiness, a National Book Award longlist finalist, and one of our favorite debut novels of 2021 that’s being adapted for the small screen. Happy reading!
Jessica Knoll (Luckiest Girl Alive, The Favorite Sister) has done it again with a page-turning thriller that draws on the Ted Bundy killings to give readers a fictional story that is also chillingly familiar. I love the way Knoll drives the narrative through two women closest to two of the victims, giving voice not only to those whose lives were cut short, but those who loved them and didn’t give up trying to find their killer. Knoll also brilliantly takes on the serial killer narrative of police and the media—glamorized versions of evil men that far outshines their victims. I read this book in a day and have been raving about it ever since—you’ll also find it on our list of Editors’ Picks for the Best Books of September 2023. —Seira Wilson, Amazon Editor
Oprah’s last collaboration, What Happened To You?, sold more than one million copies, and was an Amazon Editors’ Pick. We’re predicting this new release, also a Best Nonfiction Book of September and one of our most anticipated books of fall 2023, will follow in its footsteps. Harvard professor Arthur C. Brooks shares his research on how to be happier—this is a key point, as finding “happiness” is elusive and has vastly different definitions to individuals. But anyone can boost the baseline of their own mood, and improve their lives in the process. Between Brooks’ clear ideas, and Oprah’s buzz-word-laden wisdom, this is an accessible guide with takeaway tips and ideas for readers to highlight, and put into practice, on every page. —Lindsay Powers, Amazon Editor
The National Book Foundation recently announced the longlists for the 2023 awards, and Tania James’ Loot was among the fiction longlisters. We named this a Best Book of June and let’s just say you’re in for a hoot with Loot. With the kicky quirk of Wes Anderson and the care of Abraham Verghese, James’ novel follows a young boy, Abbas, who strives to change his station in life through his creative talent, personal verve, and luck. Set against the eighteenth century colonial exploits of England and France in India, James chisels out a story of how vying political forces move from the backdrop of Abbas’ life to the fore. Along the way, our hero dances with romance, adventure, kings, and drunken mentors that both propel him forward and—at times—stymie his plans. While the novel takes place more than 300 years ago, the dynamics of home and identity, power and mobility, are as present today as they are for Abbas, making this novel sparkle with familiarity and intrigue. —Al Woodworth, Amazon Editor
They say write what you know, and when I first picked up Harris’ provocative debut, I wondered how much of the story of a young Black woman who works at an esteemed publishing house would mirror her own experience. (Harris used to work at Knopf.) Boy, I hope it doesn’t! As my former colleague Chris Schluep wrote in his review: “…Readers going in with preconceived expectations are unlikely to find them as they move through the novel. But Harris is tuned to her story, and open-minded readers will be, too. This is one to think about, and talk about, for a long time after.” Be sure to read this shrewd, edgy, and unfortunately timely treatise on workplace racism before you see the Hulu adaptation. —Erin Kodicek, Amazon Editor
Looking for more? Check out these recommendations from the Amazon editors:
• Best nonfiction books of September 2023, as chosen by Amazon editors
• Editors’ Picks for your September book club
• Best books of September, as chosen by Amazon editors
• Best nonfiction books of September 2023, as chosen by Amazon editors
• Editors’ Picks for your September book club
• Best books of September, as chosen by Amazon editors
