The Colony by Audrey Magee

An atmospheric novel set on an Irish island during a time of cultural and political tension.

In the summer of 1979, an English painter and a French linguist arrive on a remote Irish island. Their outsider perspectives clash with the islanders’ traditions, creating a story that delves into colonialism, art, language, and identity. Against the backdrop of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, this novel is a thought-provoking exploration of power and belonging.

You can get a copy of The Colony by Audrey Magee on Amazon.

Either/Or by Elif Batuman

A sharp and introspective coming-of-age novel about art, literature, and self-discovery.

Selin, a Harvard student obsessed with Russian literature, embarks on a journey of self-discovery during her sophomore year and a summer abroad in Turkey. As she navigates friendships, romance, and intellectual pursuits, she begins questioning the connection between art and life. For readers who loved The Idiot, this sequel is a witty, immersive, and deeply intellectual novel about what it means to construct one’s identity through books and experiences.

You can get a copy of Either/Or by Elif Batuman on Amazon.

Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley

A powerful and urgent novel about survival, injustice, and resilience.

Seventeen-year-old Kiara and her brother are barely getting by in Oakland. When an opportunity arises that seems to offer financial relief, Kiara is pulled into a world of corruption and exploitation—one that eventually explodes into a city-wide scandal. Inspired by true events, this novel is a searing indictment of systemic injustice, beautifully told with lyrical prose.

You can get a copy of Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley on Amazon.

The Kingdom of Sand by Andrew Holleran

A deeply contemplative novel about aging, solitude, and finding meaning in small-town life.

Set in a quiet Florida town, an aging gay man reflects on his past, his dwindling social circle, and his enduring friendship with Earl, whose health is rapidly declining. As he grapples with loneliness, mortality, and the complexities of human connection, The Kingdom of Sand offers a meditative, poignant exploration of growing old and facing the passage of time.

You can get a copy of The Kingdom of Sand by Andrew Holleran on Amazon.

The Girls in Queens by Christine Kandic Torres

A powerful story of friendship, betrayal, and confronting the past.

Best friends Brisma and Kelly have spent their lives rooted in their Queens neighborhood, bonding over their love of baseball and shared history. But when a sexual assault allegation surfaces against someone from their past, the women must confront their own memories, loyalties, and the realities of growing up in a world where the people they trusted may not be who they thought. A timely, compelling novel that examines feminism, identity, and the complexities of friendship.

You can get a copy of The Girls in Queens by Christine Kandic Torres on Amazon.

Sirens & Muses by Antonia Angress

A mesmerizing novel about art, ambition, and the collision of power and privilege.

At an elite art school, the lives of four young artists intertwine: a rebellious painter from a working-class background, a privileged golden boy, a radical activist, and a talented outsider. As their paths converge in a world where ambition and desire collide, their choices will define not only their futures but their art itself. A riveting campus novel that examines power, creativity, and the sacrifices we make for success.

You can get a copy of Sirens & Muses by Antonia Angress on Amazon.