If you are looking for modern books that challenge your perspective, break your heart but leave you with a renewed appreciation for life, then these novels are for you.
“Martyr!” by Kaveh Akbar
This book is a whirlwind of a read. Dark but humorous, Akbar’s story follows a young man infatuated with the idea of martyrdom. An Iranian immigrant, Cyrus grapples with the loss of his parents, as well as his identity in a country that sees him as an outsider. In the novel, we are let into his inner monologue, which is as bizarre as a Salvador Dalí painting. Embarking on a self-destructive quest for meaning, Cyrus discovers a terminally ill woman who spends her last days in an art museum. She offers herself as an art exhibition, speaking to whoever approaches her, including Cyrus. Endlessly imaginative and philosophical, the book is truly written like no other.
“Go as a River” by Shelley Read
“Go as a River” is a coming-of-age tale set in the 1940s Colorado countryside. A teenage girl, Victoria Nash, is forced to care for her family after her mother passes away. However, it is a fractured family that fails to appreciate her. She encounters a boy who offers the kindness she has been yearning for, but the community scorns him, as he is Native American. The novel follows Victoria’s journey to find love and independence as she battles misperceptions about gender and ethnicity. This book left me speechless—immersing readers in stunning landscapes while presenting a beautiful story of growth.
“On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong
As an accomplished poet, Vuong’s debut novel is a stunning blend of autobiography, fiction and poetry. It explores language and its impact on our most important relationships. The book is presented as a collection of letters from the protagonist, Little Dog, to his mother. However, these letters cannot be read, as his mother is an immigrant from Vietnam who barely speaks English. As Little Dog navigates a tumultuous world, grappling with masculinity, family and trauma, he uncovers truths from the past that shape his understanding of identity and belonging.
“The Collected Regrets of Clover” by Mikki Brammer
Before reading this novel, I was unaware of what a death doula is. Those who pursue this profession provide end-of-life care for patients. Visiting hospitals and homes, they hold hands and share tears and words with those approaching death. Clover Brooks has dedicated her life to this work, but finds herself too obsessed with death, missing out on the fleeting, joyful experiences of living. When an elderly woman on her deathbed gives Clover one final task—to find the lost love of her life—Clover goes on a journey that inspires her to rediscover her own love for life.
“Blue Sisters” by Coco Mellors
As someone with sisters, this novel felt deeply personal. “Blue Sisters” is a heart-wrenching yet beautiful depiction of the bond between siblings and how the death of one has left them in shambles. The story, told through the perspectives of three vastly different sisters—a boxer, a model and a lawyer—follows their lives as they continue to grow apart. The anniversary of their sister’s death compels them to find their way back to each other and reconnect with themselves. Grief can fracture our most precious relationships, but it can also mend them. This story is a testament to that.