I love unreliable narrators. LOVE. So I was pretty pleased with my recs this week. I also found a treat from an author aimed at middle grade kids about racism, which is a topic that needs dealing with and for that age group, it’s a bit of a balancing act I think. There’s a gorgeous, gorgeous list about the manga equivalents of best-selling YA books out now. And, last Australian author Christos Tsiolkas has a new novel out called Merciless Gods, and from the review I read it’s a compelling view on Australian life, as his work usually is.
Night on Fire by Ronald Kidd: I found this over at Path to Joy, and what impressed me was the topic — racism and a 13-year-old understanding what it means to stand up for her beliefs in equality. It’s the age group that interests me — it’s a tough topic to write for middle grade, and why it is getting impressive reviews from adults, I am curious as to what a kid thinks of this.
Where they found her by Kimberly McCreight: Bridget at the Broke and the Bookish picked this as one of her “if you liked Girl on the Train you’ll like” picks. I haven’t read that book, so I can’t say anything about her comparison, but I was intrigued by how she described this: unreliable narrators and fast-paced psychological thriller — which GIMME. Also, its cover is chilling — a red leafy on muddy ground? Coupled with the blurb tells us it’s a mystery involving the loss of a child in a town and the investigation into that by Molly, who has lost her own child. But, she uncovers something that ties her to several other women in the town, and the town’s own history, which is VERY promising, I think.
Honourable mention to the author’s debut novel Reconstructing Amelia, which involves another loss of a child, but Amelia seemingly commits suicide after being caught cheating. But what if she didn’t jump? Promising yes?
In a dark, dark wood by Ruth Ware: this is another book I found on Broke and the Bookish and I couldn’t get past the haunting cover. It’s just so stark and wintery and promises nothing good — well for the characters, I was hooked by the blurb — Nora is a reclusive (agoraphobic?) author who travels to a reunion of sorts… and then wakes up in hospital sure she did something in her lost time. Reese Witherspoon has bought the rights to the book, so expect a movie soon.
Top 10 manga reads if you like popular YA books out now: I love this list, I love that there are mangas out there that will satisfy your Hunger Games and GOT cravings! Brought to you by Story and Somnomancy
Merciless Gods by Christos Tsiolkas: This review of Tsiolkas’ newest work is intense and promises that the author of The Slap will explore all the things Australians never talk about, but that lie underneath the surface in our society.
What do you think of Merciless Gods? Or, the YA list of manga equivalents? I am dying to read In a dark, dark wood, but I also have things to be read first before I do that! That’s me trying to be responsible, lol! I am thrilled to have found Kimberly McCreight as well — which other authors wield their unreliable narrators well?
I have Reconstructing Amelia – I really need to read it sometime soon though. Autumn is a great time for books like these.
I thought it was very timely in the I saw bullying as a big part of it. But, I hope you get a chance to read it soon — that way I can totally devour your review and all the spoilers to keep me satisfied until I get to read it! LOL!