Explore the latest books of this year!
Bookbot

Lionel Shriver

    May 18, 1957

    Lionel Shriver's novels delve into the complexities of human relationships and moral quandaries. Her distinctive style is characterized by a sharp psychological insight and a keen observation of societal dynamics. Shriver is unafraid to confront uncomfortable truths and explore the darker aspects of human nature, crafting narratives that challenge readers' perceptions. Her prose is both precise and compelling, marking her as a significant voice in contemporary literature.

    Lionel Shriver
    Property
    Abominations
    New Republic LP, The
    We need to talk about Kevin
    Big Brother LP
    Ordinary Decent Criminals
    • Ordinary Decent Criminals

      • 464 pages
      • 17 hours of reading

      Estrin Lancaster's journey unfolds as she navigates a decade of self-imposed exile from Philadelphia, exploring diverse cities like the Philippines and Berlin. As a transient figure, she juggles managing apartments, jobs, and lovers, yet consistently avoids deeper connections, departing before monotony sets in. Her life reflects a quest for belonging and the complexities of expatriate existence, highlighting themes of restlessness and the search for identity in an ever-changing landscape.

      Ordinary Decent Criminals
    • Big Brother LP

      • 504 pages
      • 18 hours of reading
      3.9(12)Add rating

      The story centers on Pandora's shocking reunion with her brother Edison at an Iowa airport, where she struggles to recognize him due to his dramatic weight gain. Over the past four years, Edison has transformed from a slim, fashionable jazz pianist into someone unrecognizable, prompting Pandora to uncover the circumstances behind his drastic change. This exploration delves into themes of family dynamics, personal struggles, and the impact of life's challenges on identity.

      Big Brother LP
    • We need to talk about Kevin

      • 468 pages
      • 17 hours of reading
      4.1(170567)Add rating

      WINNER OF THE ORANGE PRIZE FOR FICTION 2005 Two years ago, Eva Khatchadourian?s son, Kevin, murdered seven of his fellow high-school students, a cafeteria worker, and a popular algebra teacher. Because he was only fifteen at the time of the killings, he received a lenient sentence and is now in a prison for young offenders in upstate New York. Telling the story of Kevin's upbringing, Eva addresses herself to her estranged husband through a series of letters. Fearing that her own shortcomings may have shaped what her son has become, she confesses to a deep, long-standing ambivalence about both motherhood in general and Kevin in particular. How much is her fault? Lionel Shriver tells a compelling, absorbing, and resonant story while framing these horrifying tableaux of teenage carnage as metaphors for the larger tragedy - the tragedy of a country where everything works, nobody starves, and anything can be bought but a sense of purpose.

      We need to talk about Kevin
    • New Republic LP, The

      • 560 pages
      • 20 hours of reading

      Edgar Kellogg, a discontented corporate lawyer, seeks a thrilling change by becoming a foreign correspondent in a small Portuguese town grappling with a burgeoning terrorist movement. He sees the opportunity to step into the shoes of Barrington Saddler, a missing reporter whose larger-than-life persona inspires Edgar. As he navigates this new world, he confronts the complexities of journalism and the dangers of his new environment, all while striving to embody the adventurous spirit he admires.

      New Republic LP, The
    • The first essay collection from one of the most acclaimed writers of our time.

      Abominations
    • Property

      Stories Between Two Novellas

      • 336 pages
      • 12 hours of reading
      3.6(13)Add rating

      This collection features ten short stories and two novellas that delve into the multifaceted concept of property, examining its implications on personal relationships and societal structures. The acclaimed author, known for previous bestselling works, brings a thought-provoking perspective to themes of ownership, belonging, and the emotional ties we form with what we possess. Each narrative invites readers to reflect on the deeper meanings behind the notion of property in their lives.

      Property
    • Mandibles LP, The

      • 654 pages
      • 23 hours of reading

      Set in 2029, the narrative unfolds during a bloodless world war that devastates American savings as the dollar's value collapses, giving way to the bancor, a new global currency. In a drastic response, the president announces a default on loans, leading to rampant money printing and soaring inflation that erodes the remaining wealth of savers. The story explores the economic turmoil and its impact on families, highlighting themes of financial instability and the consequences of government decisions.

      Mandibles LP, The
    • Abominations

      Selected Essays from a Career of Courting Self-Destruction

      • 304 pages
      • 11 hours of reading
      3.9(313)Add rating

      This collection features thought-provoking essays from a bestselling author known for their insightful exploration of complex themes. With a blend of personal reflection and broader societal commentary, the work delves into various aspects of life, relationships, and human experiences. The author's distinctive voice and keen observations offer readers a compelling and engaging perspective on contemporary issues, making this collection a notable addition to their literary repertoire.

      Abominations
    • The Mandibles

      • 432 pages
      • 16 hours of reading
      3.9(83)Add rating

      It is 2029. The Mandibles have been counting on a sizable fortune filtering down when their 97-year-old patriarch dies. Yet America's soaring national debt has grown so enormous that it can never be repaid. Under siege from an upstart international currency, the dollar is in meltdown. A bloodless world war will wipe out the savings of millions of American families. Their inheritance turned to ash, each family member must contend with disappointment, but also -- as the effects of the downturn start to hit -- the challenge of sheer survival. Recently affluent Avery is petulant that she can't buy olive oil, while her sister Florence is forced to absorb strays into her increasingly cramped household. As their father Carter fumes at having to care for his demented stepmother now that a nursing home is too expensive, his sister Nollie, an expat author, returns from abroad at 73 to a country that's unrecognizable. Perhaps only Florence's oddball teenage son Willing, an economics autodidact, can save this formerly august American family from the streets. This is not science fiction. This is a frightening, fascinating, scabrously funny glimpse into the decline that may await the United States all too soon, from the pen of perhaps the most consistently perceptive and topical author of our times

      The Mandibles
    • The Book Lovers´ Companion

      • 224 pages
      • 8 hours of reading
      3.9(211)Add rating

      With so many fantastic books out there, it can often be difficult to choose what to read next. Thankfully, The Book Lovers' Companion is here to help, bringing together a huge range of the best and most loved titles in one comprehensive guide.

      The Book Lovers´ Companion