Deeply tangled family relationships, a man’s search for satisfaction, plus buzzy new celebrity books — peruse our picks for the best books of April, so far.
‘The Next Day: Transitions, Change and Moving Forward’ by Melinda French Gates
In this transformative new book, Melinda French Gates looks back on some of her life’s biggest turning points — from becoming a mother to leaving the Gates foundation — and shares the lessons she’s learned about embracing new chapters.
‘The 10: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road’ by E.A. Hanks
In 2019, E.A. Hanks, daughter of actor Tom Hanks, embarked on a road trip to learn more about her mother Susan Dillingham, who died at age 49 from lung cancer in 2002. In this intimate account, E.A. writes of the six month long journey, from Los Angeles to the Florida panhandle, and the stories she unraveled about her mom’s complicated past.
‘Audition’ by Katie Kitamura
This taut, keenly observed take on the roles we play unfolds in two acts. First an actress meets Xavier, a young student who claims she’s his mother. Later the story is turned on its head as the two and the actress’s husband carry on as a family. Worthy of a standing ovation. — Andy Abrahams
‘Flesh’ by David Szalay
Shy and lonely in the Hungarian town where he and his mom have moved, teenage István falls prey to the sexual attention of a middle-aged woman. As he grows into inexpressive adulthood, his own appetite and the desires of others continue to shape his life. An indelible portrait of male alienation. — Kim Hubbard
‘Rabbit Moon’ by Jennifer Haigh
After getting injured in a hit-and-run, an American expat in China sets out to unravel what happened to her. A tense tale of secrets, estrangement and self-discovery.
‘Sky Daddy’ by Katie Folk
Linda is sexually attracted to planes. But she can’t tell that to her new friends when they meet to vision-board their dreams. Thus starts a spiral of lies. Sharp and original.
‘The Other Lata’ by Kirthana Ramisetti
After she gets swanky-party invites meant for a highsociety woman with the same name, Lata steps into her designer shoes. When she’s found out, the fun begins.
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