As a busy working mom, my “to-read” pile is always far bigger than my time will ever allow. And yet it’s nice to have a list of books to at least aspire to read this spring. Here are some books I think Kveller readers might love–some of which I’ve already zipped through on the subway, some of which I’m hoping to read during my nonexistent free time, and some of which I’ll look at longingly while I’m singing the “itsy-bitsy spider.” Looking for your next beach read? Don’t worry, we’ll do another summer list!
“The Rules Do Not Apply,” Ariel Levy
Ariel Levy’s chronicle of her marriage’s dissolution and a traumatic pregnancy loss is the hot memoir of the season. I found it both frustrating and moving, but it’s certainly a quick and absorbing read by any standards.
“The Awkward Age,” Francesca Segal
The author of British-Jewish Edith Wharton spinoff The Innocents (which I loved) returns with another close look at a scandalous romance— and with a title borrowed from Henry James, we’re sure to see more literary allusion.
“The Leavers,” Lisa Ko
A searing novel about a mother and son who are separated by forces beyond their control in New York, a book that promises to challenge our perceptions of immigration, adoption, family and American values.
“New People,” Danzy Senna
This novel from one of our most trenchant writers on race and identity is arriving with blurbs from Rachel Kushner and Maggie Nelson. Yes, please.
“Sleepless Nights and Kisses for Breakfast: Reflections on Fatherhood,“ Mateo Bussola
I adored this series of parenting essays by Italian comics artist Matteo Bussola. Some of the gender and immigration stuff the writer touches on feels a little bit… Italian. And a little bit male. But it’s pleasant to read a dad meditating on the kinds of bittersweet topics we expect to see from moms only.
“Wherever You Go, There They Are: Stories About My Family You Might Relate To,” Annabelle Gurwitch
A humorous memoir about “the importance and insanity of family” from the beloved comedian, actress and writer who herself hails from a Southern Jewish family background.
“Hourglass: Time, Memory, Marriage,” Dani Shapiro
The popular memoirist and novelist Shapiro takes on her own marriage and the way it changes over the years, in a slim memoir that early reviews cannot praise enough.
“The UnMumsy Mum: The Hilarious Highs and Emotional Lows of Motherhood,” Sarah Turner
A British “Mummy” blogger phenomenon arrives stateside. I can’t wait to read some parenting content with that British humor I love.
“The Tincture of Time: A Memoir of Medical Uncertainty,” Elizabeth L. Silver
A meditation on “not knowing” that traces the harrowing months after the author’s infant daughter had an unexplained, and terrifying medical ordeal.
A forthcoming re-issue of a book by a giantess of mid-century literature who has been posited as a female counterpoint to Philip Roth.
