This month we’re borrowing a page from The New York Times– their Books of The Times page, to be exact– and recommending three books recently reviewed by the Times’s critics. From the musings of a fictitious convenience store worker and the ponderings of a real-life philosopher to reflections from the great-great-great-niece of the Jell-O family inheritance, each book creatively wins critics’ approval.
Convenience Store Woman
According to critic Dwight Garner, Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata is “a thrifty and offbeat exploration of what we must each leave behind to participate in the world.” In Murata’s 10th novel (the first to be translated into English), we meet Keiko, a 36-year-old woman who has worked at Smile Mart for 18 years. Friendless and unmarried, Keiko grapples with her inclination to break from traditional Japanese expectations and a fear of putting herself out into the world. This novel is odd and offbeat, just like its main character.
Jell-O Girls
“Despite its title, this isn’t a bland tale that goes down easy,” writes critic Jennifer Szalai. “Jell-O Girls’ is dark and astringent, a cutting rebuke to its delicate, candy-colored namesake.” Indeed, when author Allie Rowbottom dives into her dark and turbulent family history to explore the impact of one of the “most profitable business deals in American history”– she surfaces to tell a larger story about the impact of trauma on family, women and America.
The Monarchy of Fear
In her latest book The Monarchy of Fear, author Martha Nussbaum sets out to “invite reflection, introspection, and critical argument” when it comes to today’s political climate and how it relates to the emotion of fear. According to critic Jennifer Szalai, Nussbaum “wants Americans to get in touch with their feelings; not in a fit of self-indulgence but as a righteous act of civic duty.” While some may fear the book will be too dense or even “too philosophical” (in that it should offer more insight into how to take action), ultimately it offers interesting insight perfect for a rainy day read.
Do you have a favorite book review from the New York Times? If so, share it with us in the comments below!
