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Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan ( Novels of 2024)

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In a riveting journey that sweeps from the volcanic beaches of Hawaii to the bustling bazaars of Marrakech, from the sleek bachelor pads of Los Angeles to the grand halls of England’s storied estates, Kevin Kwan spins a tantalizing tale filled with humor, opulence, suspense, and intrigue. This sprawling saga weaves together love, wealth, murder, sex, and the deceptions entwined within them all. In his thrilling sequel to the blockbuster Crazy Rich Asians trilogy, Kevin Kwan once again envelops his readers in a world of fairy-tale romances set amidst the sparkle of high fashion, fine art, and sharp humor. While the culinary delights are subtly toned down this time (perhaps the author is on a diet), the narrative loses none of its flavor. The focus of this enchanting tale is Rufus Gresham, Viscount St. Ives, a heartthrob since his teenage years when he was famously photographed ironing a shirt in his boxers, and Eden Tong, a dedicated young doctor who resides with her widowed father...
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Butter by Asako Yuzuki, translated from the Japanese by Polly Barton (Novels of 2024)

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  In this suspenseful novel based on real events, journalist Rika becomes captivated by the case of Manako Kajii, a sometimes sex worker convicted of murdering multiple men. Reportedly, Kajii lured these men using her culinary skills—actions that sparked both bewilderment and scorn within Japanese society, which harshly judges Kajii's "large" body. Rika interviews the cunning Kajii in tense prison sessions, where their interactions evolve into a complex game of cat and mouse. As Rika becomes more entangled in the case, her relationships with her boyfriend, her coworkers, and even her own self-image start to shift. The narrative skillfully blends celebrations of culinary delights with critiques of Japanese societal expectations of women, noting, “Rika thought, the Kajii case was tinged by misogyny and the excessive self-pity felt by lonely men.” "Butter" is a methodically paced novel that revels in its elaborate prose and deep conversations between characters....
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Who Is Taylor Swift? by Kirsten Anderson (Books of 2024)

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  Delve into the captivating journey of a young girl raised on a Christmas tree farm in Pennsylvania who blossomed into one of the most revered musical icons of the twenty-first century in this latest addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling series. Taylor Swift's unwavering passion for country music led her to persuade her parents to uproot their family from Pennsylvania to Nashville at the tender age of thirteen. Gifted with a talent for singing, songwriting, and mastering multiple instruments such as the guitar and piano, Taylor poured her heart into crafting songs that resonated with themes of teenage heartbreak and the quest for belonging. Despite facing scepticism from record executives who believed her style had no place in country music, Taylor remained undeterred and fearlessly defied their expectations. Since the debut of her eponymous album in 2006, Taylor Swift has left an indelible mark on the music industry, continuously evolving her sound, amassing a plethora...
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H Is for Hope by Elizabeth Kolbert ( Novels of 2024)

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"H Is for Hope" embarks on a journey through the landscape of climate change, tracing its trajectory from historical figures such as Svante Arrhenius to contemporary concerns like the Colorado River Basin. Elizabeth Kolbert examines diverse facets of this issue, from Greta Thunburg's activism to piloting electric planes and exploring the impacts of extreme temperatures on humans. Through essays initially published in The New Yorker and enriched with Wesley Allsbrook's illustrations, the book presents a blend of inspiration, concern, and wit, offering a unique perspective on our evolving planet. Across twenty-six essays, each corresponding to a letter of the alphabet, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Sixth Extinction guides us through a chillingly illustrated exploration of climate change's past and the ambiguous terrain of our tomorrow  
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Come and Get It by Kiley Reid (Novels of 2024)

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  Kiley Reid is the author of Such A Fun Age, which was a New York Times Best Seller and longlisted for the 2020 Booker Prize. Her writing has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Playboy, The Guardian, and others. Reid is currently an assistant professor at the University of Michigan. A fresh and provocative story about a residential assistant and her messy entanglement with a professor and three unruly students. It's 2017 at the University of Arkansas. Millie Cousins, a senior resident assistant, wants to graduate, get a job, and buy a house. So when Agatha Paul, a visiting professor and writer, offers Millie an easy yet unusual opportunity, she jumps at the chance. But Millie's starry-eyed hustle becomes jeopardised by odd new friends, vengeful dorm pranks and illicit intrigue.
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