#AsToldByGinger

Temperatures are dropping and now is as good a time as ever to wrap yourself in some blankets and crack open a good book. If you’re looking for a good read and have already read all of the classics, have no fear! Your friendly neighborhood English major is here to share five contemporary authors who have released a new book this year. 

1. Jeff Vandermeer – “Bourne”

I had the opportunity to hear Jeff Vandermeer speak about his most recent book “Borne” when he came to the Dekalb Public Library in April upon its release. The vivid, fantastical prose of the excerpt he read absolutely took my breath away. I went home and ordered the whole series. Mixing dystopian themes with environmentalist messages, Borne continues his acclaimed Trilogy X series and the film adaptation of the first installment, “Annihilation,” is to be released in 2018.

2. George Saunders – “Lincoln in the Bardo”

Most well known for his short stories and essays, George Saunders’ “Lincoln in the Bardo” is his first full-length novel. The story takes place during and after the death of Abraham Lincoln’s son William and most of the story takes place in a Buddhist-influenced realm called the Bardo, which exists in between life and rebirth. Mixing elements of historical fiction with spirituality, this novel is a fresh take on the life of this much written about figure.

3. Celeste Ng. – “Little Fires Everywhere”

“Little Fires Everywhere” is the second novel of Celeste Ng. After making her novelist debut in 2014 with “Everything I Never Told You,” she has established a style wrapped up in her own experiences and the way culture influences a person’s life. “Little Fires Everywhere” follows two families who live in the town of Shaker Heights, Ohio, the town that Ng. herself grew up in. The novel tackles racial tension and privilege and can easily be read in a single sitting – I dare you not to.

4. Ariel Levy – “The Rules Do Not Apply”

Ariel Levy is a writer for the New Yorker magazine who has previously written a nonfiction novel about modern chauvinism, which she refers to as “ranch culture.” Her latest book, “The Rules Do Not Apply,” is a deeply personal memoir that follows the author’s self discovery, loss of identity and re-self discovery. The biting nature of the prose makes it a highly enjoyable read, though you won’t get through it without at least a few tears shaking loose. 

5. Mohsin Hamid – “Exit West”

The fourth book of author Mohsin Hamid, “Exist West” presents a fantastical take on immigration and refugee crisis as the main characters escape from their militarized city via portals to other countries. Every line is imbued with a humanity present in reality, but brought out by fantasy. Though this novel tackles difficult issues, it’s certainly not a difficult read.