The debut novel of a Great American Novelist
Plus books to read for a Brat summer and a hopeful political conversation
Hey readers!
After a flight cancellation, we are finally home from our extended time at the beach. Now that I’m home it’s time to hit the ground running reading books for my Fall Fiction Compendium. This hyper curated list of fall fiction titles is something I’ve put together for the last two years and, as with my Paperback Summer Reading Guide, I like to tweak it just a bit to suit my own reading mood and the reading landscape of the year. For this year’s guide, I’m planning to include backlist titles for the first time alongside the upcoming fall releases that I adored. The publishing calendar is a little bit lighter this year because of the election, but I’ve also sensed that many readers are simply craving great tried-and-true backlist books and more under-the-radar gems from past years. Personally, I’ve been feeling that way and I’ve been enjoying discovering titles for the guide beyond the new releases. The Compendium will be out in September and will be available to Substack and Patreon subscribers as well as for standalone purchase. I can’t wait to get it into your hands!
This week in books.
This week I read…
The Intuitionist by Colson Whitehead. I really enjoyed this book, but mostly it captured my favorite reading experiences. I chose this for the FictionMatters Book Club when it appeared on The Atlantic’s list of Great American Novels. Since then, another one of Whitehead’s books, The Underground Railroad, was one of the NYT’s top ten books of the 21st century. I loved reading Whitehead’s debut to see the seeds of his style and themes at work 25 years ago and to consider why this was selected for the Great American Novel list over his two Pulitzer winners. The novel is about an elevator inspector named Lila Mae Watkins who is an Intuitionist—she can just feel what’s off in an elevator just by sensing it. When an elevator she inspected free falls, it sends ripple effects through the current Guild election cycle and leads Lila Mae to discover the secrets behind Intuitionist lore. The book is a noir-ish mystery, but also a philosophical maze that requires close attention. It also works works allegorically as a nuanced and searing depiction of racism in America. Whitehead’s brilliant mind and interest in genre is on full display here and I’m so glad I dipped into this great author’s backlist. Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.fm
Now I’m reading…
Fall releases for my upcoming Fall Fiction Compendium. This season might be a little lighter because of the election, but there are still some good books coming our way.
New on my TBR…
Carrie by Stephen King. My book pal Cree told me she was going to read if for the 50th anniversary and that seems like as good a time as any to try my first Stephen King novel. Amazon | Bookshop | Libro.fm
Links I love.
A track-by-track Brat reading list. (Vulture)
The best books of the year so far—I like this list! (Vox)
Need a romantacy fix? Here are 18 of the best. (Pop Sugar)
7 books reimagining queer histories. (Electric Lit)
Add these 10 new nonfiction books to your TBR for Disability Pride Month. (Book Riot)
I love a novel told in interconnected short stories. Here are 9 books that blur the boundary between novel and story collection. (Electric Lit)
End notes.
This week in views, listens, eats, and moments of joy.
I’ve really been enjoying the NYT Book Review podcast lately. This interview with Colson Whitehead and this discussion of The Talented Mr. Ripley were particularly great.
This episode made me feel very hopeful about the upcoming election, while not looking away from some of the uphill battles that remain.
I finished the America’s Sweethearts documentary and found it deeply fascinating and quite sad.
FictionMatters Newsletter is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. If you’d prefer to support my work by purchasing the standalone Paperback Summer Reading Guide or with a one-time “tip,” visit my Buy Me a Coffee page.
For questions, comments, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to reach out by emailing fictionmattersbooks@gmail.com or responding directly to this newsletter. I love hearing from you!
This email may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through the links above, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
If you enjoyed today’s newsletter, please forward it to a book-loving friend. That’s a great way to spread bookish cheer and support the newsletter!
Happy reading!
Sara
Nothing like an anniversary to celebrate Stephen King's Carrie. I'm going to read it as well. 😍
Interesting to see Great Expectations on the Vox best of list. I've just bought it as it's right up my street but haven't heard a ton about it. Excited to dive in!