Book Recommendations
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Book RecsFirst Novel Prize
2025 First Novel Prize
The Center for Fiction 2025 First Novel Prize was awarded to Darrell Kinsey for his debut novel Natch (Iowa University Press)
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Book RecsBookstore Picks
Survival of the Fittest
The dog days of summer make it difficult to thrive (packed, steamy subways; hot asphalt; over-air-conditioned offices and stores)
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Book RecsBookstore Picks
Variations on a Theme
This week we have books featuring Black characters in the South dealing with personal and cultural disruption; mind- and time-bending alternative...
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Book RecsBookstore Picks
Star-Spangled Reading
What a profusion of good literature with which to spend the July 4th weekend. From a CFF favorite comes a new novel; we also have two stellar...
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Book RecsBookstore Picks
Eye-Opening
Two novels, a triad of novellas, and two collections of essays bring us to the official opening of summer. All are enlightening and worthy of...
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Book RecsBookstore Picks
What Is the What?
Our lead recommendation is a compelling piece of literature that refuses to be categorized, hence the newsletter’s title this week
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Book RecsBookstore Picks
Love, Longing, and Celebration
This week we celebrate Pride month with an impressive debut that captures NYC nightlife; a masterful love story set in Malaysia; and a first fiction...
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Book RecsBookstore Picks
Masters of Their Fates
The characters in this week’s selection are either on paths that feel predetermined or journeys against the odds. There is a stunning novel...
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Book RecsBookstore Picks
Shock Value
Two fierce short-story collections this week spotlight women who explore contemporary American culture; two novels examine privilege and the behavior...
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Book RecsBookstore Picks
Time Is of the Essence
This week, we recommend a historical novel—steeped in philosophy and collapsing time—that we’re launching at The Center
